ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico State football team lost its second consecutive game after falling 38-20 to rival New Mexico in the Battle of I-25 in Albuquerque Sept. 27.
This was a highly anticipated matchup for the state as both teams entered the game with a winning record for the first time since 1992.
The stars were out as well with former UFC champions Jon Jones and Holly Holm in attendance. Popular Twitch streamer IShowSpeed was also at the game. This was the first sellout at University Stadium since 2007.
The Aggies struck first on the scoreboard with a trick play touchdown pass from receiver Donovan Faupel to TJ Pride. The Lobos answered with a touchdown of their own with quarterback Jack Layne throwing his first of four touchdown passes in the game.
Aggie kicker Ryan Hawk was able to knock down a 47-yard field goal to give NMSU a 10-7 lead.
The following possession, Tyler Martinez forced a fumble on Lobo running back Scottre Humphrey, which was recovered by Bernock Iya for a touchdown. This gave the Aggies a 17-7 lead early in the second quarter.
Martinez exited the game with a lower body injury later in the quarter and did not return.
UNM then scored a touchdown, while Hawk missed a 51-yard field goal to keep the Aggies lead at three going into halftime.
Despite a strong first half, NMSU was unable to keep pace with the Lobos’ late game resurgence. UNM out scored NMSU 31-3 following the Aggies 10-point lead early in the first half.
Missed opportunities was the name of the game for the Aggies. After UNM muffed a punt, NMSU could not capitalize. This allowed a sack, which did not help Hawk as he missed a field goal. Hawk finished the game 2/3 for field goals.
Toward the end of the half, the Aggies forced a turnover on downs in plus territory. However, an untimely interception from quarterback Logan Fife resulted in zero points again for NMSU.
In the postgame press conference, Aggie head coach Tony Sanchez said NMSU had every chance to secure the victory.
“That’s a game that can be easily, very easily gone the other way,” Sanchez said. “We literally just gave that [game] away.”
Fife again looked comfortable making passes from the pocket; alongside Faupel’s six catches for 97 yards on top of his first career passing touchdown off a trick play. Tight end Gavin Harris also caught six passes for 97 yards.
However, the Lobos’ defense created problems all afternoon for Fife and the offense, sacking him nine times. This tied a school record, preventing him from extending the play with his legs.
The offense continued to struggle establishing the run game, rushing for 15 yards on the day.
Defensively, the Aggies had no answer for Layne. He tossed for 303 yards and four touchdowns, failing to tally a sack.
NMSU has a short turnaround and will face Conference USA foe Sam Houston State University, who is in search of their first win on the year, Thursday, Oct. 4, at Aggie Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.
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