LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The New Mexico State football team fell to 3-5 on the season (1-4 in Conference USA) with a 35-16 road loss to Western Kentucky University (7-2, 5-1) Nov. 1.
This is the Aggies third consecutive loss and they are now 1-5 in their last six games after starting the year 2-0 for the first time since 2014.
Quarterback Logan Fife struggled for the second straight week, going just 13-for-39 passing for 110 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. This is the least amount of passing yards he has had in a game this season.
Head coach Tony Sanchez said improvements need to be made on offense.
“We just never got into a rhythm,” Sanchez said. “I don’t think we pushed the ball downfield enough. We need to do a better job of doing that early in the game.”
Redshirt freshman Rodney Tisdale Jr. started his second consecutive game at quarterback for WKU. He went 30-for-38 passing for 301 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.
Despite the loss, the NMSU defense had its moments. By getting an interception and fumble, the Aggies have now forced a turnover in every game this year. Linebacker Sone Aupiu came up with the interception, his first of the season. The fumble was recovered by cornerback Stilton McKelvey for a 74-yard defensive touchdown. This was the Aggies only touchdown of the game.
Kicker Ryan Hawk also showed improvement, going 3-for-3 on field goals. This included a season-long 50 yard kick to make it just a five-point game midway through the third quarter. His first two field goal tries gave NMSU an early 6-0 lead in the second quarter. He also nailed his only extra point try at the end of the game.
The leading rusher for the Aggies was running back Isaiah Rudison, a player Sanchez said the team needs to get more involved in an Oct. 27 press conference. Rudison rushed for 34 yards on seven carries.
NMSU will be back in action for against Kennesaw State University (6-2, 4-0) for its homecoming game at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Aggie Memorial Stadium. Kennesaw State is first place in CUSA.
-
-
-
-
-
