New Mexico
Aggies notch messy 2OT win against New Mexico to become bowl eligible
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ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — In the final game of the regular season, Utah State beat the New Mexico Lobos in overtime 44-41 to notch their sixth win and become bowl eligible.
After bringing the game within one score, New Mexico drove down the field, aided by three Aggies pass interference penalties, and kicked a game-tying 22-yard field goal with four seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.
After swapping touchdowns in the first overtime period, the Aggies made a goal-line stand to stop Jacoby Croskey-Merritt and the Lobos on third down. The Lobos elected to kick a field goal.
On the ensuing possession, Utah State converted on a gutsy fourth-and-1 situation; and then two plays later, Aggies quarterback Levi Williams scrambled after a fumbled snap to record his third rushing touchdown to win the game.
Williams started his first game for the Aggies due to injuries to quarterbacks Cooper Legas and McCae Hillstead. He finished 16-of-27 with two touchdowns and an interception. Williams also added 153 yards on the ground.
It was a chippy win for the Aggies, though, who recorded 13 penalties for 183 yards. The two teams recorded 28 total penalties for 338 total yards, of which more than a few were unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and personal fouls. The combined penalty yards were a FBS season high.
Both of Williams’ passing touchdowns were to Jalen Royals, who tied the Utah State school record for receiving touchdowns in a season with 14. He also has seven touchdown receptions of 50 yards or more, which is the most in the FBS.
The Aggies, with the win, improve to 6-6 and become bowl eligible and will await their bowl assignment on Selection Sunday.
This article will be updated.