LAS CRUCES, N.M. — On Thursday, Oct. 3, the New Mexico State Aggies delivered their most complete performance of the season by dominating the game against Sam Houston State University 37–10 at Aggie Memorial Stadium.
Despite missing injured running back Dijon Stanley, NMSU leaned on emerging stars and a suffocating fourth-quarter surge to improve to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Conference USA. Sam Houston, still searching for their first win, dropped to 0-5 overall and 0-2 in CUSA.
The turning point came late. After leading just 13–10 through three quarters, New Mexico State erupted for 24 unanswered points in the fourth, with key contributions on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Logan Fife turned in a steady performance, throwing for 255 yards and a touchdown while protecting the football in critical moments. His favorite target, TK King, broke out in his Aggie debut, catching six passes for 132 yards, including explosive plays of 40 and 54 yards.
With Stanley sidelined, Kadarius Calloway carried the load offensively. The senior running back racked up over 100 all-purpose yards and found the end zone on a bruising run, giving NMSU breathing room. Just minutes later, Calloway’s hustle on special teams proved pivotal when he recovered a muffed kickoff at the Bearkats’ 2-yard line, setting up another Aggie touchdown.
The defense closed the door in emphatic fashion. Cornerback Naeten Mitchell jumped a route and returned an interception 71 yards for a touchdown, sending the Aggie sideline into a frenzy and putting the game completely out of reach.
For Sam Houston, a first-half 51-yard field goal by Christian Pavon kept them within striking distance and the defense forced multiple turnovers inside the red zone. However, the Bearkats could not find consistency offensively, struggling to match the Aggies’ pace and power in the final quarter.
After the game Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks coach David Yost said this matchup was a confidence booster.
“I think this will help us spark of what we are capable of and the guys we have, we had a bunch of guys that made plays,” Yost said. “We need to build this type of confidence every week.”
The Aggies’ 37 points were their highest output of the season, and they showed an ability to strike quickly while also controlling tempo. On a night when they were missing one of their top playmakers, new names emerged in big moments.
Next up, New Mexico State looks to carry its momentum into another critical CUSA matchup, while Sam Houston continues its search for a breakthrough win.
Upcoming Matchup:
New Mexico State vs Liberty University at 5 p.m. MT Tuesday, Oct. 14, at William Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Sam Houston vs Jacksonville State University at 6 p.m. MT Thursday, Oct. 9, at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas.
Final: New Mexico State 37, Sam Houston 10
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