/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60034243/usa_today_10505088.0.jpg)
I’ll admit, it was hard to pick play number seven. I felt like someone on the defense should get a shout-out because they improved so much last year and helped the team reach bowl eligibility. Then I tried to choose just one play...which was a problem. Then I decided, why not just highlight the entire D? So, that’s what I did.
How Plays Were Chosen
As always, to put together this list, I compiled a list of all the big plays made by the Aggies throughout the 2017 season. I then took those plays and organized them by how important they were in terms of in game importance. I then looked at how their heroics helped shape NMSU’s run to a bowl victory.
Defense Vandalizes Idaho for Fifth Win
While the headline above was better than in my original article, the defensive highlights are still just as good.
What made them even better is the fact that starting QB Tyler Rogers was out due to injury and the Aggies needed a big day from the defense. They showed up and hung 11 sacks on the Vandals to help set a new program record for sacks in a season. They also forced three turnovers and saved the Aggies season, securing a 17-10 win and keeping bowl hopes alive.