NMSU football falls 29-7 in season opener

The New Mexico State football team lost the first game of the year 29-7 on Saturday night against the Wyoming Cowboys.

Aggie Memorial Stadium saw an attendance of over 20,000 for the nationally televised season opener. Given the outcome of last year’s season, which ended with the team’s first bowl appearance in over 50 years, the Aggies hoped to carry some momentum into their 2018 season with a new offensive driving force.

The Aggies struggled to create any offensive gain in the first half and did not earn a first down until seconds before the half ended. Aggie running back Jason Huntley picked up eight yards on the first offensive play of the second half.

Quarterback Matt Romero led a 93-yard drive in the last quarter, and — during the final minutes of regulation — Romero was able to find Drew Dan for a 31-yard touchdown to put the Aggies on the board.

NMSU’s defense performed well but Wyoming still dominated the field.

The Aggie offense suffered without one of its most valuable players from last year, Larry Rose III. This could be a challenge for the Aggie football team going forward. Rose is tied for most career rushing touchdowns at NMSU, with 37 in his pocket, and a career total of 4,558 rushing yards.

With a short recovery, the Aggies will travel to play this Thursday at the University of Minnesota and return home to host the UNM Lobos for the battle of I-25 at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.