LAS CRUCES, N.M. – There's a party in Las Cruces and it's not slowing down any time soon. After a three year drought, the NM State (2-5) is officially the best football team in New Mexico. With a statement 21-9 win over the University of New Mexico (2-5, 0-3 Mountain West), the Aggies look to use this momentum to turn the season around.
 
"We talked about the rivalry. I talked about it. You know, this is a big game. When you only got two main universities, there's only one that can be on top, and we got to be that tonight. Their team played hard, they're well coached. I've known Rocky [Long] for a long time. But it was our turn tonight…," NM State head coach Jerry Kill stated after the win. "There's a lot of passion, I found that out. This is my first time New Mexico-New Mexico State. And you know, there's RV's around… I was going to go out there and get a hot dog before the game it smelt so good, but I figured I better work."
 
NM State took a 7-6 lead into halftime after a 22-yard touchdown reception from Ahmonte Watkins. The reception marked the longest of Watkins' career at NM State and his first receiving touchdown as an Aggie.
 
New Mexico threatened twice in the first half but stout Aggie defense halted both Lobo drives. The team from the North had to settle for a pair of field goals from 44 and 33-yards in the opening half.
 
Taking a lead into halftime is somewhat of a rare occurrence for NM State this season with Saturday's contest being just the second time. Both Aggie halftime leads have turned into a pair of NM State victories throughout the year.
 
The Aggies controlled the third quarter to take a commanding lead into the final frame. The second half opened with a 36-yard kick return by Jonathan Brady – the longest of his young career. Nothing was mustered on the opening drive, but NM State quickly stuck while the iron was hot on the following possession.
 
After taking over at the UNM 31-yard line, Gavin Frakes threw a great ball to Kordell David for a touchdown on the first play, pushing the Aggie lead to eight. The 31-yard connection was the longest reception of David's time as an Aggie and gave Frakes his first multi-touchdown game.
 
After forcing the Lobos to punt, NM State managed to find the end zone once again on the following possession. Star Thomas' third touchdown of the season put the Aggies up by 15 as the two teams went to the final frame.
 
The fourth quarter was all defense, with the Lobos holding the Aggies back from any scoring opportunities, and the Aggies giving up a lone field goal. NM State held on to the double-digit lead, securing the first NM State win in the rivalry since 2017 and first in Las Cruces since 2016.
 
Wobble on, Aggie Nation. Wobble on.
 
NM State

• Ahmonte Watkins got NM State on the scoreboard with a 22-yard touchdown catch - His first career receiving touchdown and the longest reception of his career.
• Trevor Stephens' first career catch went for 20 yards in the first quarter.
• Sol Rascon made his first career start and caught a pass on his first offensive snap.
• Donavan King pulled in his first career interception with 6:41 to play in the first half. King's interception was just the second of the season for NM State.
• Jonathan Brady opened the second half with a 36-yard kick return - the longest of his young career.
• Kordell David's second touchdown as an Aggie doubled as his longest career reception - 31-yards with 11:16 left in the third quarter.
• Freshman quarterback Gavin Frakes put together several career-bests in the Rio Grande Rivalry. Frakes set a new high in completions (10) and touchdowns (2).
• For the second time this season, Chris Ojoh set a career-high in tackles. 15 tackles by the senior linebacker surpasses his previous best of 14, set against Hawai'i.
• NM State's defense recorded 80 tackles in the contest compared to New Mexico's 48.
• The win for NM State snapped a three-game winning streak in the rivalry for New Mexico.

 
NEW MEXICO

• New Mexico outgained NM State 269-225 throughout the rivalry game.
• The Lobos went just 3-16 on third down.
• New Mexico easily won the time of possession battle, 36:10-23:50. In the fourth quarter, the Lobos used 20 plays and 10:56 of clock to settle for a field goal in the fourth quarter.

 
Game Notes

• NM State has not allowed a touchdown in over six quarters.
• NM State's 12-point margin of victory was the largest in an Aggie win since 2011.
• Trevor Brohard and Diego Pavia, both from near Albuquerque, represented the Aggies at the coin toss.
• Capping off a four-game homestand, NM State will be back at Aggie Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 22 for the annual homecoming game. The Aggies will face San José State beginning at 4:00 p.m.