The loss dropped New Mexico State to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in Conference USA play, while Jacksonville State improved to 6-2 and remained unbeaten in conference competition at 4-0.
By Levi Gwaltney for Las Cruces Digest
Photos Courtesy NMSU Athletics
LAS CRUCES — New Mexico State’s defense entered Wednesday night’s game as one of the nation’s toughest against the run, but Jacksonville State quarterback Caden Creel turned that strength into a liability, rushing for 211 yards as the Gamecocks defeated the Aggies 24-0 at Aggie Memorial Stadium.
The loss dropped New Mexico State to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in Conference USA play, while Jacksonville State improved to 6-2 and remained unbeaten in conference competition at 4-0.
The Aggies entered the contest allowing just 51.3 rushing yards per game against Conference USA opponents. Jacksonville State accumulated 324 yards on the ground, including an 84-yard run by Creel that set up a third-quarter touchdown.
New Mexico State had opportunities to keep the game close, particularly in the opening quarter.
After intercepting Creel on Jacksonville State’s opening possession, the Aggies put together an 18-play, 78-yard drive that reached the Gamecocks’ 13-yard line. However, Kyah Francone’s 31-yard field goal attempt missed, leaving New Mexico State without points after consuming more than six minutes of the quarter.
Jacksonville State responded with an 80-yard touchdown drive, capped by Creel’s three-yard run early in the second quarter.
The Aggie defense prevented another potential score later in the quarter, stopping Creel on fourth down inside the New Mexico State 20-yard line. Jacksonville State carried a 7-0 lead into halftime.
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Missed Opportunities in the Second Half
Jacksonville State extended its lead to 10-0 on a 49-yard field goal by Garrison Rippa early in the third quarter.
New Mexico State's defense continued to create opportunities, intercepting Creel twice during the game. RJ Chapman returned one interception 53 yards, giving the Aggies possession deep in Jacksonville State territory late in the third quarter.
But New Mexico State was unable to capitalize, surrendering an interception on the ensuing possession.
Two plays later, Creel broke free for an 84-yard run to the Aggies' 1-yard line. Jalen Likely scored on the following play, extending the Gamecocks' advantage to 17-0.
The Aggies mounted another drive that reached the Jacksonville State 16-yard line early in the fourth quarter, but Francone's 34-yard field goal attempt missed.
Jacksonville State added the final touchdown with 4:48 remaining when Creel connected with tight end Luke Gilbert on a 29-yard scoring pass.
Running Game Produces, Passing Attack Stalls
Despite the shutout, New Mexico State gained 192 rushing yards on 34 attempts, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
James Jones led the Aggies with 112 yards on 20 carries, while TJ Washington Jr. added 70 yards on 10 attempts. The two accounted for 182 of New Mexico State's rushing yards.
The passing game, however, struggled throughout the contest. Quarterback Adam Damante completed six of 19 attempts for just 29 yards and one interception.
Brodie Malone-Bradford led Aggie receivers with three catches for 19 yards, while AJ Williams III recorded two receptions for 12 yards.
New Mexico State finished with 221 yards of total offense, compared with Jacksonville State's 433. The Aggies converted seven of 14 third-down opportunities but failed to score on either of their two trips into the red zone.
Jacksonville State controlled possession for 35 minutes and 18 seconds, compared with 24:42 for New Mexico State.
The victory was Jacksonville State's fifth consecutive win and secured bowl eligibility for the Gamecocks for a fourth straight season.
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