Story by
The Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico State offense silent in 24-0 home drubbing by Jacksonville State
- Story byThe Santa Fe New Mexican
- New Mexico State offense silent in 24-0 home drubbing by Jacksonville State
LAS CRUCES — New Mexico State's return home was anything but sweet.
Fresh off its first road win of the season, the Aggies were no match for Jacksonville State in a 24-0 loss Wednesday night at Aggie Memorial Stadium in NMSU's final appearance in Conference USA's mid-week television package that had them playing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for the past month.
Advertisement
Two sides of the ball told the story of this game. NMSU's defense played good enough to keep the Aggies in it all night, but the offense could not finish drives and failed to score any points. It was the first time the Aggies had been shut out in CUSA since joining the league, and the first time being blanked at home since 2010.
The defense started the game right where it left off as cornerback Josiah Charles intercepted Gamecocks quarterback Caden Creel on his second pass attempt. It was Charles' second straight game with an interception, while also continuing NMSU's Conference USA trend of having an interception in each game.
The Aggies opened their first offensive drive by sticking with the run game, rushing for 72 yards on 17 plays and converting four times on third down. Running back James Jones, who is second in the nation in yards per carry, accounted for 45 of the those yards.
He finished the game with 114 yards on 20 carries. Fellow running back TJ Washington had himself a game on the ground as well, rushing for 70 yards on 10 carries.
Advertisement
The Aggies were unable to capitalize on their rushing attack. Kicker Kyah Francone missed a 31-yard field goal attempt at the end of that first drive to keep the game scoreless.
Creel and the Gamecocks offense would not let the opportunity slide, as they immediately responded scoring on a 12-play 80-yard drive finished off by a 4-yard touchdown run by Creel.
NMSU came into the game with the best run defense in CUSA, but in the first half, Jacksonville State had the Aggies' number. Rushing for 138 yards in the first half with Creel having just under half with 66 rushing yards on 11 carries. The Gamecocks finished with 322 yards; coming into the game the Aggies only allowed 51.3 rushing yards in CUSA play.
The Aggies offense struggled after their long opening drive, punting twice and running out the clock to go into halftime. NMSU quarterback Adam Damante completed just one pass for six yards in the first half. New Mexico State finished with 113 total yards in the half.
Advertisement
Even with all the offensive woes, NMSU's defense managed to stay in the game. Jacksonville State led 7-0 at halftime.
NMSU's offense had a turnover to start the third quarter while Jacksonville State's first offensive possession ended in a field goal to extend the lead to 10-0. The second of the Gamecocks second half drive, looked promising until the Aggie defense came up with a huge fourth down stop.
RJ Chapman intercepted Creel, returning the interception for 53 yards, putting the Aggies on Jacksonville State's 29 yard line and in prime position to take some momentum.
However, that momentum was very short lived as only two plays later Damante threw an interception, giving the ball right back to the Gamecocks.
Advertisement
Once again, Jax State took advantage of NMSU's miscue, when quarterback Creel busted off a 84-yard run getting tackled at the one yard line. Creel finished the game with 21 carries and 220 yards rushing, while throwing for 109 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Running back Jalen Likely finished the drive off with a one-yard touchdown run to give the Gamecocks a 17-0 lead.
NMSU would yet again get a good drive going, following the interception, but were unable to come away with some points. Francone missed his second field of the night, this time from 33-yards.
After another missed field goal, Jax State would drive down and score another touchdown, to officially put the game out of reach at 24-0.
Advertisement
The Aggies quarterback inconsistencies continue to be a killer on the season. Damante finished the game passing 6 for 19 and throwing for 29 yards and an interception.
Some offensive struggles could potentially be due to losing two of the Aggies best pass catchers to injuries. Tight end Josiah Thomas, has a broken collarbone and wideout TK King has an undisclosed knee injury that will keep him out for an extensive time.
"[King being out] shouldn't have affected us that much," said NMSU coach Tony Sanchez. "We got plenty of good guys out there."
The Aggies quarterback carousel continues, with Sanchez possibly looking elsewhere for next week's game.
"They're all in the running; so is Kalani," Sanchez said.
