UNM takes Rio Grande Rivalry over NMSU for 1st time since 2021

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – New Mexico took the 114th matchup of the Rio Grande Rivalry over New Mexico State, winning for the first time since 2021, with a score of 50-40.

The Lobos jumped to the quick lead over the Aggies in the first quarter during the first drive of the game. The Lobos handed it off to NaQuari Rogers for a 3-yard rushing touchdown putting UNM up 7-0.

Aggies had an answer after a huge run by Lorenzo McMillan, taking it 84 yards to the house, tying things up at 7-7.

From here, UNM went on an offensive run and headed into the locker room at half up 21-10. Each team opened up the third quarter with a touchdown of their own, extending the Lobos lead to 30-17.

The fourth and final quarter of the game is where both offenses will collect the most amount of points of the night. NMSU actually outscored UNM 23-20 in the fourth quarter but still fell to the Lobos.

NMSU finished with a season high of 471 total yards of offense, led by third-string quarterback Santino Marucci in his second start of the year. Lorenzo McMillan would lead the running backs with 84 yards on one carry. TJ Pride had 63 yards on 3 receptions.

This loss comes on the heels of temporarily losing its offensive coordinator less than 24 hours prior to kickoff. The Las Cruces Sun breaking the news late Friday night that OC and quarterbacks coach Tyler Wright is under fire for making posts that were described as sexist and racist over a decade ago.

Athletic Director Mario Moccia announcing that “Wright will no longer be with the team,” while the university conducts an investigation on the matter.

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