New Mexico State hosted fellow CUSA newcomer Sam Houston on Wednesday night. It was the first meeting ever between the two programs, with the Aggies making a memorable first impression.
Head coach Jerry Kill and company were shut out in the second half, but did what they needed to in order to secure a 27-13 victory in Las Cruces. The Aggies improve to 4-3 with a 2-1 record in CUSA.
Here's what stood out in the midweek showdown.
Pavia Hits Paydirt
NMSU quarterback Diego Pavia once again proved to be the engine that makes this Aggie football team go.
He was this game's leading passer and rusher: 286 yards through the air, 115 on the ground. Pavia had three total touchdowns and no turnovers. He was ten yards shy of his career high in rushing yardage.
Play action and play fakes worked to perfection, especially in the first half. The Aggies scored on each of their first five possessions. The second half was not as flashy, with no points and less than 100 total yards by the NMSU offense.
NMSU's Stellar Run Defense
Under Kill, the Aggies run defense continues to get better and better. New Mexico State held Sam Houston to only 82 rushing yards on Wednesday. This marked the third time NM State has held an opponent to fewer than 100 rushing yards in a game this season and the fifth time under Kill.
Sam Houston Winless In First Half of Season
The FBS transition has been rife with issues for the Bearkats. While they fought to the end, allowing just 71 yards in the second half, it was not enough. At 0-6 now, Sam Houston and Nevada are the only two FBS who have yet to win a game this season.
After their win, New Mexico State will now have to prepare for a rivalry game against UTEP in the Sun Bowl next Wednesday, October 18 on ESPN2. Sam Houston will host FIU the following night on CBS Sports Network.
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