By Gabriel Katko
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The New Mexico State football team was defeated 34-17 by Atlantic Coast Conference side Florida State University in a gritty clash Saturday night.
Although the Aggies fell short, the team’s fierce competitive spirit was on full display in front of the 70,000 Seminole faithful.
The game marked the anticipated Aggie debut of quarterback Trey Hedden, in which he completed 26-of-42 passes for 272 yards — the most passing yards by an NMSU quarterback in a debut since Chase Holbrook in 2006 — two touchdowns, and an interception. Hedden was also named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week. Hedden wasn’t the only Aggie who received a player of the week award.
Aggies Player of the Week:
Defensive End, Gabe Peterson (Defensive Player of the week)
Quarterback, Trey Hedden (Offensive Player of the Week)
Tight End, Carson Su’esu’e (Freshman of the Week)
Offensive Line, Ma’kyi Lee (Offensive Lineman of the Week)
Hedden’s composure and toughness was fueled by wide receivers TK King and Brodie Malone-Bradford. King led the team in receptions with seven along with 78 yards, and touchdown. Malone-Bradford caught six passes and led the team in receiving yards with 96 and made an impressive diving catch for a 33-yard touchdown.
The key to the Aggies’ composed offensive performance was their third-down efficiency, converting 10/17 to extend drives.
While the passing attack provided plenty of excitement, the team was unable to find their spark in the run game, notching just 47 yards on the evening.
On the other side of the ball, NMSU’s defense found themselves worn down in the trenches and unable to manage the Seminole’s relentless run game, allowing 217 yards.
Following the game, head coach Tony Sanchez said his team had their opportunities but ultimately failed to capitalize.
“I thought the one Achilles heel we had all night was tackling in space,” Sanchez said. “I thought our front did a pretty good job, but we got to do a better job of shoring up the back end and being able to tackle back there.”
Sanchez also added the team needs to clean up the little mistakes such as a dropped touchdown pass in the third quarter and costly penalties down the stretch.
“I like our group,” Sanchez stated. “If we do a good job as teachers and they do a good job as students, I think they’ll continue to get better and move this thing forward.”
Looking ahead, the Aggies will host the Mercyhurst Lakers-an FCS opponent from Erie, Pa., in the team’s home opener 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces.
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