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In a Conference USA matchup on Wednesday night in Huntsville, Texas, New Mexico State relied on a powerful rushing attack to secure a 30-24 win over Sam Houston. James Jones led the way with 178 rushing yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Adam Damante tossed two scoring passes to help the Aggies even their conference record.
New Mexico State built a 14-10 halftime lead thanks to quick scoring drives of one and two plays in the second quarter. After Sam Houston opened the third quarter with an 81-yard touchdown strike, the Aggies responded with 16 consecutive points to take a 30-17 advantage.
Damante finished 19-of-29 for 160 yards against a Sam Houston pass defense that entered the game allowing just 137.8 yards per game through the air, ranking fourth nationally. Only Texas Tech has surpassed 200 passing yards against the Bearkats this season. Damante also threw an interception midway through the fourth quarter, which Sam Houston turned into a short-field touchdown, but New Mexico State sealed the game with a six-play, 44-yard drive that drained the remaining clock.
TJ Washington Jr. added a rushing touchdown for the Aggies (3-4, 2-1). For Sam Houston (1-6, 0-3), quarterback Landyn Locke threw for 235 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Locke, who entered the game with 11 touchdown passes and an average of 34.5 yards per scoring throw (second-best among FBS quarterbacks with at least 10 TD passes), connected with Tim Burns Jr. over the middle on the first play of the third quarter for the 81-yard score.
Sam Houston struck first, taking a 7-0 lead when Terrence Guillory II blocked a punt and Sam Adams recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown.
Key Analysis
New Mexico State's ability to run the ball effectively proved decisive, as Jones consistently moved the chains and kept the Bearkats' high-powered passing attack off the field. Despite facing a defense that had been stout against the pass, Damante managed the game efficiently and avoided critical mistakes until the late interception. The Aggies' quick-strike scoring drives in the second quarter and their response after halftime demonstrated resilience and tactical execution. With the win, New Mexico State keeps its conference hopes alive, while Sam Houston's struggles continue in conference play.
Looking ahead, New Mexico State returns home to face Jacksonville State on October 28, while Sam Houston travels to Missouri State on Tuesday.
Originally reported by yahoo.