In front of a homecoming crowd at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces, New Mexico State University suffered a 30-14 loss to Conference USA leader Liberty. The defeat moved the Aggies to a 3-6 overall record and 2-3 in conference play, while Liberty improved to 8-1 and remained unbeaten in CUSA at 5-0.
Williams shines despite the loss
AJ Williams III was the bright spot for the Aggies, catching eight passes for 150 yards – both career highs at the Division I level – and scoring both of New Mexico State’s touchdowns. His second score, a five‑yard reception early in the fourth quarter, briefly cut Liberty’s lead to two points before the Flames answered with two more touchdowns.
Key moments of the game
Quarterback Trey Hedden, making his first start since September 26, opened the scoring with a 24‑yard touchdown pass to Williams, giving NMSU a 7‑0 lead. The Aggies’ defense held Liberty scoreless early, with Tory Gethers recording a tackle for loss and a sack on consecutive plays, and later Sone Aupiu adding another sack that limited a Liberty drive to a field goal.
Liberty responded with field goals of 35, 41 and 49 yards by Chase Reeves, then a 15‑yard touchdown pass from Deshawn Purdie to Makai Jackson just before halftime, putting the Flames ahead 16‑7.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Aggies rallied. Hedden connected with Myles Libman for 20 yards on third down, then found Williams for a five‑yard touchdown on the next third down, narrowing the gap to 16‑14 with 13 minutes left.
Liberty answered on the ensuing possession with a five‑play, 78‑yard drive capped by an eight‑yard touchdown run from Kam Davis. NMSU’s next drive stalled at the Liberty 28‑yard line, ending with an incomplete fourth‑down pass.
The Flames sealed the win with a 72‑yard touchdown drive, highlighted by a one‑yard run from Peyton Jones. An interception on the final NMSU possession ended any chance of a comeback.
Statistical snapshot
Williams finished the night with five total touchdowns for the season. Hedden completed 19 of 29 passes for 256 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. James Jones rushed for 51 yards on 15 carries, while the Aggies managed only 44 net rushing yards after sacks. Liberty outgained the Aggies 399‑300 and possessed the ball for 37:05. New Mexico State committed three turnovers and forced none.
Looking ahead
The loss drops the Aggies to 2‑3 at home with one game remaining at Aggie Memorial Stadium. The team will look to rebound in its final home contest, hoping to finish the season on a stronger note.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News.
Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.
