LAS CRUCES, N.M. — New Mexico State had New Mexico within reach for a half. Then the Lobos turned the Rio Grande Rivalry into a one-sided affair.
New Mexico scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter, forced three turnovers and pulled away from the Aggies for a 42-18 victory Saturday, Sept. 26, at Aggie Memorial Stadium in the 116th meeting between the two programs.
The Aggies entered halftime trailing 14-3, the game still within reach. New Mexico State had moved the ball effectively and finished the afternoon with 405 total yards, including 268 through the air.
The second half, however, belonged to New Mexico.
The Lobos opened the third quarter by intercepting New Mexico State quarterback Trey Hedden III. New Mexico immediately converted the takeaway into a touchdown, extending its lead to 21-3.
The Aggies never recovered.
New Mexico forced another turnover on the following NMSU possession, recovering a fumble and turning it into another touchdown three plays later. James Laubstein’s score pushed the lead to 28-3.
New Mexico State’s defense, which entered the game having recorded at least one takeaway in 19 consecutive games, was unable to produce a turnover of its own.
New Mexico continued to capitalize.
A 68-yard completion from Lobo quarterback Toa Fa’avae to Bailen George set up another scoring opportunity, and Kiefer Sibley finished the drive with a three-yard touchdown run. By the end of the third quarter, New Mexico had built a 35-3 advantage.
For the Aggies, the late stages provided some offensive production but little chance of a comeback.
Backup quarterback Adam Damante led a 75-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, finding Myles Libman for an 8-yard touchdown. Libman later added another touchdown, but the deficit had already become insurmountable.
New Mexico State’s best offensive performance came from running back James Jones, who rushed for 112 yards on 14 carries, including a 54-yard run. The Aggies also recorded 22 first downs, three more than the Lobos.
But the turnover margin ultimately defined the game.
New Mexico State committed three turnovers. New Mexico committed none.
Fa’avae finished with 174 passing yards and added 57 yards on the ground, while Scottre Humphrey rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Laubstein added two touchdowns as New Mexico consistently converted its opportunities after halftime.
The Lobos outscored NMSU 28-15 over the first half of the game but exploded for 21 points in the third quarter to put the rivalry out of reach.
Saturday’s result extended New Mexico’s recent control of the series. The Lobos have won three consecutive meetings and two straight games at Aggie Memorial Stadium. New Mexico now leads the all-time series 76-35-5.
New Mexico State falls to 1-3 with the loss and will now turn its attention to Conference USA play. The Aggies return to Aggie Memorial Stadium Thursday, Oct. 1, to host Western Kentucky starting their month of Weekday CUSA games. Kickoff will be 6 p.m.
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