:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61265867/usa_today_10504564.0.jpg)
THE RUNDOWN:
After a pair of Dominik Eberle field goals (44 and 32 yards, respectively), New Mexico State got into the endzone with a beautiful catch by WR Johnathan Boone from QB Matt Romero in the corner. Immediately after, USU WR Savon Scarver took the kickoff back 100 yards for a score. Eberle tacked on another FG (51 yards) to make it 16-7 at the end of the first frame.
After 7 minutes of action, NMSU got three points on a Dylan Brown 49 yard field goal, but this is about the time the USU Aggies took over the game for good. A one yard Eltoro Allen TD run, followed by ANOTHER Eberle FG (21 yards), and a 14 yard reception TD for Jalen Greene made the halftime score:
HALFTIME: USU 33, NMSU 10
The second half was virtually all USU, as it started off with a 76 yard Pick Six from DB Deante Fortenberry, and a 51 yard TD run by RB Gerold Bright. There was a NMSU 31 yard FG sandwiched between those.
In the fourth and final frame, Darwin Thompson started it with a bang, running 68 yards to the house for a nice touchdown. Eberle converted TWO 51 yard field goals to give us a final score of:
FINAL: USU 60, NMSU 13
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Wow, what a performance by USU on both sides of the ball. The offense got out to a slow-ish start, but right before halftime they kicked it into high gear and never came back down. Let’s hear it for Kicker Dominik Eberle! He tied the NCAA record for most points in one game by a kicker with 24. He also set the school record by hitting THREE 50+ yard field goals. The running game must also get its due credit, Gerold Bright (14 attempts, 134 yards, 1 TD) especially. Darwin Thompson rushed for 96 and a score, and Eltoro Allen scampered for 30 and a score. USU knew that the NMSU Aggies had a weak defense and took advantage of that. Great work by the entire team, both coaches and players.
NEXT MAN UP:
The Aggies stay at home to take on FCS Tennessee Tech. The Golden Eagles come into Logan for the first ever meeting between the two schools. Utah State will look to keep the momentum going from this big win and get prepared for the week after: their conference opener against Air Force.
Follow Alex Eiden (UnderDogsAlways) on Twitter @alexyatta_ and follow the MountainWestConnection @MWCConnection