JONESBORO, Ark. – New Mexico State football suffered numerous penalties throughout the day which halted any momentum that was created on Saturday as they faced off with Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Ark. On a day where two Aggies climbed up the record book, as Larry Rose III moved up to sixth on the NM State career list for all-purpose yards (3,871) and Tyler Rogers moved into fifth-place in touchdowns responsible for at NM State (45). However, the accomplishments were thwarted by the Red Wolves strong play as they defeated the Aggies 41-22.   

The game began with stifling defensive play as both teams' first drives ended in a three-and-out. However, the offenses got their feet under them quickly; the first half saw six scoring drives as the Aggies entered the locker room trailing 27-6.
 
On Arkansas State's first scoring drive of the game, they found a few gaps in NM State's defense. First, Arkansas State running back Warren Wand broke off for a 46-yard run. The run was then capped off with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Kendall Sanders. The Red Wolves missed the ensuing extra point to go up 6-0.
 
On the Aggies next drive, Tyler Rogers' pass to O.J. Clark was bobbled and intercepted by Arkansas State. The interception was returned 46 yards for a touchdown to put Arkansas State up 13-0, only 4:48 in to the start of the game.
 
The Aggies gathered themselves and responded as their first score was set up by Larry Rose III. The junior had two rushes for 12 yards and a reception for 20 yards. After being held to fourth down, Parker Davidson came in the game and hit a 37-yard field goal as the first quarter closed out with the Aggies trailing 13-3.
 
The Red Wolves next drive saw them gain 89 yards over 13 plays which took 4:32. Warren Wand completed the drive with a three-yard touchdown run to put Arkansas State up 20-3.
 
After an interception by Jaden Wright and a converted fourth down attempt, momentum looked like it was shifting. However, the Aggies were forced to punt and on Arkansas States next drive, they completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to add to their lead, 27-3.
 
With 1:36 left in the second quarter, the Aggies were resilient and marched down the field on the final drive of the first half. After 10 plays and 54 yards, the Aggies ended the half with a converted 38-yard field goal by Parker Davidson, as time expired.
 
At the beginning of the third quarter, Arkansas State continued to pressure NM State, as they forced a three-and-out on their first drive. After the punt, Arkansas State's Kendall Sanders was found for another big reception (41 yards) on the first play of the drive which resulted in a Red Wolves touchdown. The score put the Aggies down 34-6.
 
The following drive saw Larry Rose III cap off consecutive 11-yard rushes with a touchdown as the deficit was lessened to 34-13 with 10:56 left in the third. The Aggie defense then held Arkansas State to punt and NM State marched down the field all the way to the opposition's 2-yard line. However, after being stopped on a 4th and goal attempt, the Aggies turned the ball over on downs.
 
As the Red Wolves began the drive with their heels in their own end zone, defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani brought the house, as Kourtland Busby and Jassavia Reece sacked Cam Luper-Echols for a safety.
 
The home team was not to be held down, as they responded two drives later. Warren Wand scored his second touchdown of the game on a two-yard rush.
 
Over the next 15 minutes of play, both teams were held scoreless. That was until New Mexico State capitalized on the final drive of the game as Tyler Rogers connected with Jaleel Scott for a seven yard touchdown. The final score of the game saw New Mexico State fall 41-22 as they are now 2-7 overall and 1-4 in the Sun Belt.
 
The Aggies regroup next week as they host Texas State, Nov. 19, at 2:00 p.m. MT.
 
POSTGAME NOTES

• Rose III moved into sixth all-time for career all-purpose yards after the first half, passing Jim Bohl (3,726 yards). The junior finished with 207 all-purpose yards to bring his career total to 3,871 yards.
• Tyler Rogers moved into fifth-place in touchdowns responsible for at NM State (45) with his last-second throw, passing Buck Pierce (44).
• After the one touchdown game, Rogers now sits one touchdown shy of K.C. Enzminger (1998-2001, 39) for fifth all-time in passing touchdowns.
• Kourtland Busby recorded the first safety of his career in the third quarter.
• Dalton Herrington set a career-high in total tackles with 16.