The Missouri State Bears will welcome the New Mexico State Aggies to the Bearcat Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. for a Conference USA matchup. Both programs enter the contest with identical 3-6 records and a chance to climb out of the lower tier of the league.
Key matchup details
Betting odds list Missouri State as a 2.5‑point favorite, and the spread has already seen a split of five wins for the Bears and four for the Aggies. Fans can watch the game live via ESPN+.
Statistical snapshot
Missouri State offense averages 357.0 yards per game, ranking 98th nationally, with a passing attack that moves the ball 232.7 yards per game (64th) and a rushing game at 124.3 yards per game (112th). The Bears score 23.9 points per game, placing them 97th in the FBS.
Missouri State defense allows 427.2 yards per game (128th), with opponents passing for 250.2 yards per game (121st) and rushing for 177.0 yards per game (112th). The defense yields 30.0 points per game, also ranking 112th.
New Mexico State offense totals 346.6 yards per game (107th), with 202.4 passing yards (96th) and 144.1 rushing yards (86th). The Aggies score 20.7 points per game (117th).
New Mexico State defense limits opponents to 351.1 yards per game (61st), allowing 213.9 passing yards (63rd) and 137.2 rushing yards (63rd). They concede 25.8 points per game (75th).
Third‑down and turnover trends
Missouri State ranks 107th in defensive third‑down conversion, giving up 41.8% of attempts. New Mexico State’s offense converts on 40.9% of third downs, ranking 55th. Turnover margin favors the Bears, who sit at -1 (74th), while the Aggies sit at -7 (127th).
Penalty and possession metrics
Missouri State averages 68.8 penalty yards per game (118th), whereas New Mexico State averages 49.4 yards (47th). Both teams struggle with time of possession: the Bears hold the ball for an average of 27:36 per game (124th), and the Aggies for 27:16 (129th).
Team leaders
Missouri State: Quarterback Henry Belin IV has thrown for 1,296 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 64.6% of his passes. Running back Connor Lair contributes 326 rushing yards on 82 carries and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Isaiah Myers leads the receiving corps with 940 yards on 46 catches and eight touchdowns.
New Mexico State: Quarterback Trey Hedden has amassed 1,162 passing yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing 54.9% of his attempts. Running back James Jones has 940 rushing yards on 154 carries with four touchdowns. Receiver A.J. Williams III has 409 yards on 25 catches and five touchdowns.
Recent form
Missouri State fell 23‑20 to Florida International on Nov. 7. Belin recorded 225 passing yards on 19‑of‑35 attempts (54.3%) with no touchdowns and one interception. Lair added 68 rushing yards on 17 carries.
New Mexico State was defeated 30‑14 by Liberty on Nov. 7. Hedden threw for 256 yards on 19‑of‑29 attempts (65.5%) with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Jones rushed for 51 yards on 15 carries.
Looking ahead
After Saturday’s contest, Missouri State will travel to Jacksonville State on Nov. 21, while New Mexico State will host Delaware the same day.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
