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Jan 4, 2025
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Heartbreak in the Rio Grande Rivalry: NMSU Battles Hard but Falls to New Mexico Lobos, 50-40!


Heartbreak in the Rio Grande Rivalry: NMSU Battles Hard but Falls to New Mexico Lobos, 50-40!

The Showdown in Las Cruces: Aggies Clash with Lobos in High-Scoring Rivalry Matchup!

In a thrilling encounter at Aggie Memorial Stadium, NM State (1-4, 0-2 CUSA) faced off against their fierce rivals, the New Mexico Lobos (1-4, 0-1), on Saturday night. With a crowd of 21,062 fans roaring in anticipation, the stage was set for a classic showdown, but the Aggies fell short, losing 50-40 in a game that boasted a staggering total of 1,042 offensive yards.

The Offensive Surge

This high-scoring clash showcased a remarkable offensive display, with both teams combining for 605 rushing yards. After struggling in previous weeks, NM State's offense finally broke through, scoring a season-high 40 points. However, their defense struggled significantly, allowing New Mexico to score seven rushing touchdowns.

Player Highlights

  • Santino Marucci: The Aggies' quarterback threw for a career-high 189 yards on 13-of-29 passing and celebrated his first touchdown as an Aggie.
  • Mike Washington: The running back had an impressive outing, rushing for 54 yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns while also catching a touchdown pass.
  • Tyler Martinez: The Albuquerque native led the defense with a career-high 12 tackles, demonstrating his determination on the field.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

The Lobos struck first, driving 64 yards for a touchdown on their opening possession. The Aggies responded spectacularly with an 84-yard touchdown run by Larenzo McMillan, showcasing his speed and agility.

Despite moving into Lobo territory later, the Aggies missed a 57-yard field goal attempt that would have tied the game. The first quarter ended in a tie, 7-7.

Second Quarter

The Lobos quickly regained momentum, with quarterback Devon Dampier scoring two rushing touchdowns. Although the Aggies managed to score a field goal, the half ended with New Mexico leading 21-10.

Third Quarter

New Mexico widened its lead with a touchdown pass, but the Aggies fought back. Marucci connected with Washington for a touchdown, bringing the score to 30-17 by the end of the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter

As the final quarter unfolded, the Aggies showed resilience, scoring a touchdown to narrow the gap. However, New Mexico sealed the game with a long rushing touchdown, finishing with a final score of 50-40.

Looking Ahead

With the rivalry match behind them, NM State now prepares for a critical 10-day break before facing Jax State in their upcoming Conference USA matchup on Wednesday, October 9. The game is set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. MT and will air live on CBS Sports Network.

Noteworthy Stats

  • Mike Washington recorded two rushing touchdowns for the fourth time in his three-year career.
  • NM State achieved a season-high 285 rushing yards, averaging 8.1 yards per carry.
  • The Aggies set a new record with 27 first downs, including 12 in the fourth quarter alone.

What do you think?

  • Was the Aggies' offensive performance a sign of improvement, or just a brief flash of brilliance?
  • Can NM State's defense bounce back in future games, or is it a deeper issue?
  • Should the coaching staff consider changing their defensive strategy after allowing seven rushing touchdowns?
  • What does this loss mean for the Aggies' chances of a successful season?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts below! Your insights could spark an engaging debate among fans.

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Source Credit

Jenn Jones
author

Jenn Jones

Jenn Jones is an award-winning professional journalist with 10+ years of experience in the field. After graduating from the Columbia School of Journalism, she began her career at a local newspaper in her hometown before moving to a larger metro area and taking on more demanding roles as a reporter and editor before calling Breaking Now News her home.

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