LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Heartbreak was the story yet again for the Aggies as their second consecutive comeback attempt failed in a 24-17 overtime loss to Conference USA foe Missouri State University Oct. 22.
The Aggies found themselves in a familiar situation after trailing the majority of the game, just as they did in last week’s 30-27 loss to Liberty University. Trailing 17-7 with less than seven minutes to go in the game, the NMSU offense finally came to life. They scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime, led by a five-play 65-yard drive in 34 seconds.
Quarterback Logan Fife found receiver Donovan Faupel in the back of the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown, which knotted the contest up at 17-17.
The defense, who played phenomenally all night by forcing three turnovers, allowed the Missouri State Bears to attempt a game-winning field goal that went right of the uprights, pushing this Weekday CUSA game to overtime. NMSU has forced a turnover in every meeting this season.
The Aggie defense took the field first in overtime, allowing the visiting Bears to score in just four plays, led by a quarterback Jacob Clark touchdown pass to receiver Ronnel Johnson.
Fife and the offense had a chance to force a second overtime but on the first play of offense, Fife stepped back and threw his fourth interception of the night, sealing the victory for Missouri State.
The offense struggled all night and turnovers were a huge part of it.
“We had an egregious interception at the beginning of the second half,” head coach Tony Sanchez said in the postgame press conference. “I felt turnovers put us in a bad situation early in the game.”
Not only did the passing game struggle, the run game could not get anything going. They only rushed for 82 yards even though running back Kadarius Calloway averaged five yards per carry.
Special teams struggles continued as kicker Ryan Hawk went 1/2 on field goals, with one being blocked, and 2/2 on extra points.
Naeten Mitchell was the star of the night for the Aggies, having two interceptions and six total tackles.
After allowing their first opening drive touchdown of the season, the defense woke up and made life difficult for the Bears’ offense. They had four sacks and eight tackles for loss.
“The entire defense played really well,” Sanchez said. “When you look at the body of work and we play a little better on offense, it’s probably a different outcome.”
This was the Aggies’ first home loss of the season and they now sit at 3-4 overall (1-3 in CUSA play). NMSU will finally get back to a regular Saturday schedule as this was the final Weekday CUSA game of the year.
The Aggies will travel to Bowling Green, Kentucky to face the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky at 1:30 p.m. MT Saturday, Nov. 1, for their next matchup.
-
-
-
-
-
