After trailing 16-3, the Aggies grounded out a slow comeback against Louisiana Tech 27-24. Historically, October has not been kind to New Mexico State, but this year they remain undefeated at 4-0, with just one game left to secure bowl eligibility.
While reaching a bowl is typically a significant achievement for NMSU, this year holds even greater promise. If the Aggies maintain their winning streak in conference play, they could contend for the championship and a more prestigious bowl game. Coach Jerry Kill has orchestrated an all-around improvement, with the team’s record comfortably above .500.
At the start of the season, the secondary appeared vulnerable, the front 7 struggled against bigger opponents, and turnovers were hard to come by. However, against Louisiana Tech, they managed to force 2 turnovers, a significant improvement compared to their previous 5 turnovers in 8 games. The introduction of Myles Rowser into the starting lineup ignited the defense, and his pivotal hit tonight secured the win.
Despite Louisiana Tech’s ability to penetrate the defense, these turnovers made all the difference, a stark contrast to earlier games. With each passing week, the defense gains more confidence, evident in their increased pressure against UTEP and their consistent performance tonight. Maintaining an average of 3 sacks per game marks a significant progression from the beginning of the season.
The offense has demonstrated increased consistency in scoring and time of possession. While Diego Pavia’s performance tonight wasn’t standout, he effectively managed the game, avoiding turnovers and keeping the offense on track. The backfield, the brightest spot in the offense, continues to shine with the combined force of Thomas, Watkins, and Jones. Add Pavia to the mix, and the trio becomes nearly unstoppable. Their success will be crucial in the latter part of the season. Credit is due to the offensive line, one of the best in FBS football, which despite being slightly undersized, manages to create lanes for a well-balanced offense. Led by Canaan Yarro, the young group has immense potential.
The next challenge is to sustain this momentum into November. The upcoming game, potentially securing NMSU’s bowl eligibility, is a home match against Middle Tennessee. What’s more, it’s a Saturday game, providing an opportunity for fans to fill the stadium and amplify the team’s morale.
Story by Christian Molinar