KRQE in Albuquerque is reporting that New Mexico quarterback Tate Smith has been released from his scholarship at UNM Smith initially requested a release to UTEP, but the release was denied by UNM officials since UNM and UTEP meet on next year's schedule. Tate, a former standout quarterback at legendary Permian High in Odessa is appealing the decision. Smith, a junior, sat out 2009 due to academic reasons. He has played sparingly at UNM.