Strong Start Not Enough in Rio Grande Rivalry

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On Saturday afternoon, NM State fell 38-20 in one of the most anticipated matchups between the two programs in recent memory. The Aggies used a score on a trick play and a defensive touchdown to carry a 17-14 lead into the locker room at halftime; however, the hometown Lobos would outscore the Aggies 24-3 in the second half to earn the victory.

Following a pair of empty possessions for both offenses, NM State drew first blood as they scored on a drive that began inside Lobo territory (UNM 49-yard line). The score came by way of a reverse pass that left TJ Pride unaccounted for behind the defense, allowing wide receiver Donovan Faupel to show off his arm and connect with his fellow wideout for the touchdown.

Following an Aggie drive that took only three plays and spanned 1:11, New Mexico responded with a scoring drive of its own that consumed over five minutes and required 10 plays. A touchdown pass would even the score at seven apiece.

The Aggie offense then generated a 10-play drive of its own as Ryan Hawk connected on his longest field goal of the season by splitting the uprights from 47 yards out. The field-goal drive gave the Aggies a 10-7 advantage with 3:56 remaining on the clock and was highlighted by a 29-yard pass from Fife to Faupel, who made a spectacular effort to secure the grab between his legs.

On the ensuing New Mexico drive, the Aggie defense would come away with its first fumble return for a touchdown since 2018, as Albuquerque native Tyler Martinez forced the fumble to allow Bernock Iya to return the fumble 42 yards for the scoop and score. This would give the Aggies a 17-7 advantage with 12:18 on the clock in the second quarter.

With the Aggies ahead by two scores, the Lobos returned the heavyweight punch with a touchdown drive that brought the game back to a field-goal margin with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Later, the Aggies would once again come away with a fumble in Lobo territory as indecisiveness from the UNM return man resulted in the Aggies’ Jalen Brown jumping on the loose ball at the opponent’s 19-yard line. Unfortunately, the Aggies were unable to turn this into any points as Fife was sacked for a 10-yard loss on 3rd-and-14 before an NM State field goal attempt from 51 yards went off the left upright.

Following a short Lobo drive and an Aggie punt, NM State would start a drive on the New Mexico side of the field for the third time in the first half after forcing a turnover on downs at the UNM 41-yard line with 37 seconds left on the clock. However, for the second time, the Aggies would fail to add to their total as Fife had a pass deflected and then subsequently intercepted at the 17-yard line. This would leave the Aggies with a 17-14 advantage at the halfway point.

In the third quarter, the Lobos would tack on the first points as they evened the score with a field goal on their opening drive of the period. Later, the Aggies would turn the ball over on downs, setting the Lobos up near midfield. The Aggies would force a 3-and-out on this drive; however, New Mexico would add a pair of touchdowns on its ensuing two possessions. The Aggies were able to convert a drive into three points, but this would be their only points of the second half.

Ultimately, UNM would tack on one more score before the game’s end to bring the score to a final of 38-20.

NUMBERS OF NOTE

• Following a standout freshman campaign at receiver, TJ Pride reclaimed that spark with a first-quarter touchdown on a trick play pass from Donvoan Faupel. Securing his first score of the season. 
• A second-quarter scoop and score following a Tyler Martinez forced fumble and Bernock Iya recovery marks the first fumble recovery touchdown for the Aggies since 2018 (Oct. 7, versus Texas State).
• Donvoan Faupel recorded his first collegiate pass attempt against the Lobos, connecting with fellow receiver TJ Pride for a 34-yard touchdown strike in the opening frame. Faupel became the first non-QB to throw a touchdown pass for the Aggies since Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda connected with Thomaz Whitford on an 11-yard score in 2021 against New Mexico. 
• Through four contests this season, the Aggies have recorded one or more turnovers in each game. In 2024, NM State accomplished this feat in just seven of 12 games. 
• With five catches and 73 yards, Donovan Faupel secured his third game already this season with five or more receptions. 
• After collecting his first career interception in the Aggies’ last game against LA Tech, Tyler Martinez forced a Lobo fumble, his first in the Crimson & White. 
• Tory Gethers notched his second forced fumble of the season, resulting in a return touchdown for Bernock Iya - his first collegiate touchdown. 
• Ryan Hawk notched a season-best 47-yard field goal in the second quarter, surpassing a 46-yarder tallied in the win over Tulsa. 
• Safety Naeten Mitchell tallied a new career-high in tackles on Saturday (12), surpassing his previous best of 11 in a win over Tulsa. Quincy Davis also posted a new best in tackles (11).
• Brad Vislesel notched his first career tackle for loss against the Lobos, one of two total generated by the Aggies in Albuquerque. 

UP NEXT

With one of the Aggies’ two rivalry games now in the rear view mirror, the Aggies will prepare for a quick turnaround as they are slated to host Sam Houston on Thursday evening at Aggie Memorial Stadium. The game against the Bearkats is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and will air live on CBS Sports Network. Additionally, fans can tune in to the Aggies’ radio broadcast on 99.5 FM Zia Country with play-by-play provided by Adam Young and in-game analysis provided by Cory Lucas.

For complete coverage of the NM State football program, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Football), Twitter (@NMStateFootball) and Instagram (@NMStateFB).