TAKEAWAYS: New Mexico State Outlast LA Tech In Ruston

On the last night of Tuesday CUSA action for 2023, the New Mexico State Aggies took a road trip east to face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. They'll head back to Las Cruces with their fourth win in a row. 

In the 27-24 victory, NMSU kicker Ethan Albertson kicked the go-ahead 31-yarder with 5:16 remaining in the fourth quarter. It's the first time the Aggies have won four straight contests since 2002.

As NMSU improves to 6-3 and 4-1 in conference play, the door may be open for them to secure a spot in the CUSA championship game within the next couple of weeks. 

Here's what stood out from the latest victory in NMSU's historic season.

A Night For QB Runs

Both starting QBs made strong use of their legs throughout the evening. 

NMSU's Diego Pavia rushed for 67 yards on 12 carries, including a 19-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Louisiana Tech's Hank Bachmeier also rushed for two touchdowns, though the Bulldogs' offense switched to a more pass-heavy attack in the second half. 

The Aggies rushed for over 200 yards as a team for the fourth time this season. 

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Aggie Ball Security

For the third game in a row, the New Mexico State offense did not throw an interception or lose a fumble. In that span, they've forced four turnovers of their own. They're currently second in the league in offensive efficiency, just behind league leaders Liberty.

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One Win Away

Now with six wins on their record, New Mexico State need just one more to achieve bowl eligibility. Per NCAA rules, the Aggies must win seven games to achieve eligibility outright since they have 13 regular season games scheduled this season.

The Aggies' next opportunity to do so will be November 4 when they host Middle Tennessee. 

Louisiana Tech are still looking to pick up their fourth win of the season, which would put them above their win total from last season, Sonny Cumbie's first as head coach.