LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The New Mexico State football team (3-4, 1-3) seeks its first road victory of the season as they take on Conference USA opponent Western Kentucky University (6-2, 4-1) at 1:30 p.m. MT Saturday, Nov. 1, at L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+. Both programs return to Saturday matchups after a month of Weekday CUSA games.
NMSU is coming off a 24-17 overtime loss to CUSA foe Missouri State University Oct. 22, at Aggie Memorial Stadium. Meanwhile, WKU defeated Louisiana Tech University 28-27 in overtime Oct. 21, on the road at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana.
Since joining CUSA July 1, 2023, the Aggies have faced Western Kentucky the past two years. Both games resulted in road victories.
After falling behind 14-0 to start a Nov. 11, 2023, matchup in Bowling Green, NMSU stormed back to grab a 38-29 win.
The following season, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers found themselves up 14-0 to begin the game once again Nov. 9, 2024. After the Aggies fought back to cut the deficit to 24-21 in the third quarter, WKU ended the night strong by securing a 41-28 victory.
As far as this year, quarterback Logan Fife has started in all seven games for NMSU. He has thrown nine passing touchdowns for 1,721 yards.
In comparison, Western Kentucky has had two quarterbacks start this season. Graduate student Maverick Mclvor has thrown 12 passing touchdowns for 1,863 yards. Redshirt freshman Rodney Tisdale Jr. made his first start against LA Tech after Mclover injured his left shoulder. Tisdale Jr. went 21-for-34 passing for 227 yards with one touchdown and an interception against Louisiana Tech.
WKU head coach Tyson Helton said Tisdale Jr. will start against the Aggies in an Oct. 27 press conference.
“Plan on this week, letting Rodney be the first one to run out there,” Helton said. “Excited to see what Rodney can do again. I know for a fact I’m going to let Rodney go out there first and we’ll evaluate where the game is as we go.”
A player who has made an impact for NMSU is redshirt junior running back Isaiah Rudison. He scored his first career touchdown against Missouri State.
Head coach Tony Sanchez said Rudison is someone the Aggies will need to incorporate more to get a bowl game.
“He’s a guy that all these guys respect,” Sanchez said. “He’s worked hard and I don’t think it’ll be the last touchdown he has. I think he’s a guy that we probably need to lean on a little bit.”
Even though the offense has improved, the defense is still what is getting it done for NMSU. They have forced a turnover in each game this year.
Redshirt sophomore Naeten Mitchell is a big reason for the defense’s success. Mitchell has three interceptions in the last two home matchups, which makes him tied for 11th in the country. He has proven to be a valuable asset moving forward.
According to ESPN Analytics, the Hilltoppers are favored by -9.5 points. The Aggies will try to pull off the upset yet again, as this is the seventh consecutive game they have been underdogs.
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