Sunday, September 21, 2008

Big win for NMSU football team

If ever a team needed a win on Saturday night, it was the New Mexico State football team. The Aggies won 34-33 at Texas El Paso to end a six game losing streak dating back to last year.

The 1-1 Aggies got just enough offense, five touchdown passes from Chase Holbrook and a good effort on defense and on special teams.

Holbrook connected with junior receiver Marcus Anderson for three of the touchdowns and Anderson also set up a score with a 35-yard punt return.

The defense played more physical and came up with some key stops in the fourth quarter, including a fumble recovery when UTEP was driving late in the fourth quarter. The defense also stopped UTEP late in the game while it was clinging to a one-point lead.

Linebacker Nick Paden played well with a couple of sacks and safety Derrick Richardson had 21 tackles. Punter Kyle Hughes had a good night punting and the special teams as a whole was pretty good.

The Aggies needed the win big time with 1-3 New Mexico coming to town next weekend.

New Mexico State fell behind 10-0 but hung around and made some adjustments on offense to help get back into the game. The Aggies did a good job in the short passing game and the receivers did a good job of taking a short pass and turning into a big gain.

NMSU still hasn't played its best offensive game yet. Turnovers cost the team 17 points and that must be kept to a minimum. One turnover came on a botched handoff, one came when Holbrook was hit as he threw and the other was when a receiver dropped a lateral.

UTEP is athletic as can be and don't be surprised to see the Miners knock off a couple of big teams in Conference USA.

- Felix

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Big WIN for the Aggies!
It's been a while since we celebrated in the Sun Bowl.

Enjoy this win and let's get ready to sweep both our Rivals!

Go AGGIES!!

Anonymous said...

So much for the Aggies not being able to win on the road, special teams, the defense not being able to get a stop or, learning how to close out games.

OUR team grew up last night!

Go Aggies, beat the hobos!!

Anonymous said...

one down and six to go
and a bowling we will go.

wait, make that five -
and sakes alive
we have a chance
but just a chance

we need six
to make sure it sticks

Anonymous said...

One win and five to go!

Beat the UNM pup's!!

Anonymous said...

The UTEP game was a big win for the Aggies, no doubt about it. Next week may be just as important or more so. UTEP is down this year, although I think thy may surprise a couple of opponents before the year is over.

UNM is reeling a bit. They went from an emotional high against Arizona to a real low against Tulsa.

The Aggies need to win again. It's at home; it's a rivalry game; it's a winnable game. Keep th Lobos on the ropes.

Defense will be a key, especially against the run. Turnovers have cost a couple of games aginst the Lobos in the last few years. Cut them out. Score points, rev up the crowd. Shut down the Lobos.