The New Mexico State Aggies faced a tough challenge on Saturday, falling to the 15th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies in a decisive 38-3 defeat during their Week 12 matchup. This game marked another disappointing outing for New Mexico State, which now sits at 2-8 for the season, struggling to find success on the road with a winless record in five attempts.
Game Summary: New Mexico State vs. Texas A&M
New Mexico State was overwhelmed by Texas A&M’s defense, managing only 12 first downs and a total of 214 yards of offense. The passing game, led by quarterbacks Santino Marucci and Brandon Nunez, struggled significantly, completing just 7 of 23 attempts and averaging a mere 4.0 yards per pass. However, the running game showed some resilience, as the Aggies rushed 38 times for 122 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per carry, and importantly, did not turn the ball over. They also displayed discipline, committing only three penalties throughout the game.
On the other hand, the Texas A&M Aggies showcased their offensive prowess, racking up 38 points and amassing a staggering 565 yards of total offense, including 356 yards through the air and 209 on the ground. They consistently moved the chains, converting 8 of 13 third downs, which proved crucial in maintaining their momentum throughout the game. The trio of quarterbacks for Texas A&M averaged 8.3 yards per pass attempt, although they did combine for two interceptions. Their rushing attack was equally impressive, averaging 6.1 yards per carry on 34 attempts.
Key Performers from Texas A&M
Despite not scoring a touchdown, Texas A&M tight end Theo Melin Ohstrom had a standout performance, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive success. The Aggies’ quarterback Marcel Reed was instrumental, completing 20 of 31 passes for 268 yards and throwing two touchdown passes while also rushing for a touchdown himself. Amari Daniels was another key player, rushing for 84 yards and scoring a touchdown on a spectacular 71-yard run.
New Mexico State’s Struggles
New Mexico State’s quarterback situation was less than ideal, with Santino Marucci and Brandon Nunez struggling to find their rhythm. Marucci finished with 80 passing yards, completing 6 of 19 attempts, while Nunez added 12 yards on just one completion. The Aggies’ offense, while showing some promise in the running game, ultimately fell short against a formidable Texas A&M defense.
Scoring Breakdown
The scoring breakdown from the game illustrates Texas A&M’s dominance:
- 11:38 1Q: Marcel Reed 16 Yard Passing TD to Noah Thomas | 7-0 Texas A&M
- 9:43 1Q: Amari Daniels 71 Yard Rushing TD | 14-0 Texas A&M
- 4:26 1Q: Randy Bond 37 Yard Field Goal | 17-0 Texas A&M
- 13:45 2Q: Marcel Reed 6 Yard Passing TD to Moose Muhammad III | 24-0 Texas A&M
- 6:36 3Q: Marcel Reed 5 Yard Rushing TD | 31-0 Texas A&M
- 13:34 4Q: Abraham Montano 48 Yard Field Goal | 31-3 Texas A&M
- 0:42 4Q: Miles O’Neill 5 Yard Passing TD to Ashton Bethel-Roman | 38-3 Texas A&M
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, Texas A&M was relentless, limiting New Mexico State’s offensive opportunities and forcing them into difficult situations. The Aggies’ defense recorded several key stops, contributing to their impressive performance. In contrast, New Mexico State’s defense struggled to contain Texas A&M’s multifaceted attack, which featured a balanced mix of passing and rushing plays.
Box Scores and Statistics
New Mexico State Aggies Box Score
Quarterback Statistics
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Passing Completions | Passing Yards |
| Santino Marucci | 5 | -4 | 6-19 | 80 |
| Brandon Nunez | 2 | 8 | 1-4 | 12 |
Texas A&M Aggies Box Score
Quarterback Statistics
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Passing Completions | Passing Yards |
| Marcel Reed | 4 | 41 | 20-31 | 268 |
| Miles O’Neil | 0 | 0 | 5-6 | 51 |
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, New Mexico State will need to regroup and address their offensive struggles if they hope to turn things around. Meanwhile, Texas A&M continues to build momentum as they improve to 8-2, solidifying their position as a formidable contender in college football. With their sights set on the postseason, the Aggies will look to maintain their strong performance in the coming weeks.
