On the ensuing New Mexico possession, Bronson Olevao Jr. intercepted a pass at the New Mexico 30 and returned it inside the 20. The drive kicked off with a 14-yard pass to Jalen Royals, then Spencer Petras scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to cap the two-play drive.

Utah State surrendered 552 yards of offense to New Mexico, nearly equal yards on the ground (280) and through the air (272). The Aggies failed miserably at containing the Lobos on third down, as New Mexico finished the game 10-of-15 on the money down.

The New Mexico Lobos (2-4) square off against a conference opponent when they visit the Utah State Aggies (1-5) on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium in an MWC clash.

At 33 years old, Nate Dreiling’s coaching odyssey is in its beginnings. Utah State football’s interim head coach has only been coaching for 10 years, going back to his start as a graduate assistant at the University of Kansas in 2015-16.

Maybe there was something to the idea that lesser competition would equal better results for the Utah State Aggies. But it still didn't translate to a win.