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We all knew the Aggies would have their hands full as they traveled to face the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville we just didn’t know how long it would take for that to be fully evident.
Well, all it took was three minutes and 59 seconds.
That’s how long it took for Arkansas to score their first touchdown of the game, a 38 yard pass play that began in the flat.
After gaining some traction, thanks to an interception by DeMarcus Owens, Tyler Rogers lead the offense into the red zone. Unfortunately, once there, Rogers would be intercepted in the end zone ending any momentum the Aggies had gained.
Arkansas would take advantage of the interception driving 80 yards for their second touchdown putting the Aggies down 14-0.
New Mexico State wouldn’t get on the board until 5:51 left in the second quarter thanks to a Rogers 1 yard quarterback sneak, set up by a nice 20 yard reception by Connor Cramer.
VIEWS | Check out these pictures from today's game against Arkansas. #AggieUp #MakeAPlay pic.twitter.com/E6Zps461ON
— NM State Football (@NMStateFootball) September 30, 2017
After another Arkansas touchdown, Dylan Brown would connect on a field goal to make it 28-10 at halftime.
Nothing would really change after halftime as the Aggies scored one touchdown each in the third and fourth quarter.
Game Stats
The Aggies really played well but couldn’t stop the Arkansas running game. When the clock struck zero, the NMSU would be outrushed 230-11. Time of possession was also skewed towards the SEC member, 41:35-18:25.
While New Mexico State didn’t have the ball very much, they were able to move it extremely fast as they had scoring drives that spanned: 65 yards in 2:47, 68 yards in 1:34, 80 yards in 3:39, and 81 yards in 2:07.
That’s pretty impressive.
It also helps when Jaleel Scott has a career day with nine receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown.
Tyler Rogers had another productive day, throwing for 344 yards and two touchdowns on 23-38 passing.
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Despite only 25 yards, Larry Rose III became just the second Aggie ever to have 4,000 career rushing yards.
On the defensive side of the ball Ron LaForce would have a career day with 16 tackles while Shamad Lomax matched a career high with 11.
Surprisingly, Saturday’s game was the first time NMSU failed to record a single sack.
Hopefully New Mexico State can get back on track next week in Boone, NC when they face the Appalachian State Mountaineers.