LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State football team (1-0) snapped the nation’s longest losing streak of 13 games with a 30-15 victory over Southeastern Louisiana (0-1), 30-15, Thursday, Aug. 31, in Las Cruces, N.M.
In his Aggie debut, sophomore quarterback Chase Holbrook was 29-for-40 with 381 yards. Holbrook spread the wealth in head coach Hal Mumme’s ‘Air Raid’ offense with sophomore wide receiver Chris Williams and junior wide receiver Derek Dubois both recording seven receptions. Williams had a game-high 146 yards while Dubois contributed 93 yards. Junior running back Justine Buries led the team in rushing with 107 yards on 22 carries.
The Aggies didn’t waste anytime jumping on the scoreboard. On the opening drive, Buries 10-yard touchdown run capped off an 11-play 80-yard drive. Holbrook was 5-for-6 for 58 yards on the drive.
After the New Mexico State defense held the Lions on fourth down, the Aggies took advantage on the ensuing play. Holbrook recorded his first career touchdown when he connected with Williams for a 37-yard strike to give the Aggies a 14-0 lead on their second possession.
Southeastern Louisiana cut into the Aggies lead, 14-6, with a five-play 80-yard drive. Sophomore wide receiver Merrick Lanaux grabbed a 25-yard pass from senior quarterback Seth Babin and freshman kicker Jeff Turner missed the extra point.
The Lion offense continued when sophomore running back Jay Lucas found his way into the end zone from 11 yards out. In an attempt to tie the game, Southeastern Louisiana tried and failed a two-point conversion.
The Aggies increased their lead, 20-12, when Holbrook found Dubois for a 15-yard touchdown.
The first half ended when both teams converted turnovers into field goals and NMSU had a 23-15 advantage at halftime.
The only score of the second half was with just over a minute left in the third quarter and Holbrook turned a fourth-and-15 into a 29-yard gain when junior tight end Nick Clever muscled his way to the one yard line. The play set up a quarterback sneak, which was Holbrook first career rushing touchdown at NMSU.
Courtesy: Rebecca Craig
