New Mexico State extended its losing streak to five games with a 42-9 defeat to Tennessee on November 15 in Knoxville. The Aggies earned $1.6 million for the matchup but struggled offensively and defensively against the Volunteers. Key moments included turnovers and injuries that hampered NM State's efforts.
Game Overview
The New Mexico State Aggies (3-7) faced a tough road test against the Tennessee Volunteers (7-3) at Neyland Stadium, resulting in a lopsided 42-9 loss. Tennessee capitalized on Aggies' mistakes, scoring three consecutive touchdowns in the first half after a turnover on downs and an interception. A 99-yard drive following a punt downed at the one-yard line further extended their lead.
NM State managed two interceptions—Jamall Thompson Jr. stripping the ball from tight end Miles Kitselman in the first quarter, and Bernock Iya picking off a pass in the second—but failed to convert either into points. The Aggies entered the game with 20 or more takeaways, a mark shared by only six FBS teams, yet remained the only one with a losing record.
In the second half, Tennessee added three more touchdowns, including a pick-six by William Wright off a tipped pass from backup quarterback Adam Damante. Starter Logan Fife, who took a hard hit late in the third quarter, finished 23-for-34 for 166 yards and one interception. Damante went 12-for-18 for 147 yards. The Aggies' lone touchdown came on a one-yard rush by Isaiah Rudison with 7:47 left in the fourth quarter.
Key Takeaways
Former Aggie Stars for Tennessee
Star Thomas, who played for NM State from 2022-23, scored a 21-yard touchdown against his former team in the third quarter. Thomas rushed for 30 yards on five carries, adding to his legacy of 1,173 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns as an Aggie before transferring to Duke and then Tennessee.
Injuries Impact Aggies
Three NM State players suffered injuries: wide receiver PJ Johnson III with a lower-body issue (returned later), leading rusher Kadarius Calloway (did not return), and defensive tackle Cole Schnettgoecke with a leg injury (returned after halftime).
Freshman Kicker Steps Up
With Ryan Hawk sidelined by a hematoma, true freshman David Barker made his first collegiate field goal, a 32-yarder in the second quarter. The Australian from ProKick Academy also handled punting duties but missed the extra point on the Aggies' touchdown.
Scoring Summary
- UT 7, NMSU 0 (7:54 1st): DeSean Bishop 1-yard rush
- UT 14, NMSU 0 (5:43 1st): Joey Aguilar 27-yard rush
- UT 21, NMSU 0 (11:24 2nd): Braylon Staley 15-yard reception
- UT 21, NMSU 3 (1:25 2nd): Barker 32-yard FG
- UT 28, NMSU 3 (10:46 3rd): Star Thomas 21-yard rush
- UT 35, NMSU 3 (2:35 3rd): Peyton Lewis 1-yard rush
- UT 42, NMSU 3 (1:24 3rd): William Wright 35-yard interception return
- UT 42, NMSU 9 (7:47 4th): Isaiah Rudison 1-yard rush (XP missed)
The loss highlights ongoing challenges for NM State, despite the financial silver lining from the non-conference game.