RUSTON, LA — The New Mexico State football team dropped its Conference USA opener on the road against Louisiana Tech University 49-14 Sept. 13 at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana.
The Aggies entered the matchup looking to keep their early-season momentum alive, but Louisiana Tech had other plans. LA Tech set the tone early with 10 first-quarter points, while holding NMSU scoreless. They then added 14 points to start the second period to build a 24-0 advantage.
Following this, NMSU stormed its way back as quarterback Logan Fife found the end zone twice through the air. He connected with true freshman Brodrick Malone on a 41-yard pass for his first collegiate touchdown.
After a near 10-minute drive, LA Tech second-string quarterback Trey Kukuk threw a pass in the end zone that was intercepted by Aggie linebacker Tyler Martinez. This set up Fife to find wide receiver PJ Johnson III on two deep passes. Johnson III compiled 78 yards on this drive, including a 38-yard receiving touchdown.
A Drew Henderson 27-yard kick to end the half made it 27-14 in favor of the the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs going into halftime.
The third quarter was defensive minded, as no points were scored from either team.
The fourth quarter was different however, as the Bulldogs exploded for 22 unanswered points in the first six minutes to put the game away.
Fife went 17-for-33 passing for 281 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. An early fourth quarter fumble by him was scooped up and returned by defensive lineman Jacob Bradford for a Louisiana Tech touchdown.
The Aggies rushing attack never found their rhythm, totaling just 27 yards on the ground, their lowest rushing performance of the season.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ run game was the difference-maker. They racked up 353 rushing yards on 65 carries, controlling the tempo and going at the NMSU defense.
LA Tech starting quarterback Blake Baker added balance with 265 total yards of offense and two scores, spreading the ball effectively and keeping the Aggies off balance.
The stat sheet told the story of the night. Louisiana Tech ran 85 plays for 574 yards and 28 first downs. In contrast, NMSU managed just 50 plays, 308 yards and 12 first downs.
The Aggie defense spent much of the night on the field and struggled to contain the Bulldogs’ ground attack.
Head coach Tony Sanchez took accountability for the loss.
“It was a pitiful performance in the second half offensively. It was a pitiful performance in the first half defensively,” Sanchez said in the postgame press conference. “We just got to do a better job as coaches and it starts with me.”
The Aggies will travel to take on their I-25 rival University of New Mexico at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at University Stadium in Albuquerque.
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