In a matchup that highlighted the chasm between Conference USA contenders and cellar-dwellers, New Mexico State handed Sam Houston a decisive 37-10 defeat on Thursday night at Aggie Memorial Stadium. The Aggies, now sitting at 2-2 on the season, wasted little time asserting dominance, jumping out to a 21-0 lead by halftime behind a potent passing attack that shredded Sam Houston's beleaguered secondary.
Quarterback Adrien Delton was the star of the show for NMSU, completing 18 of 25 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns, including a 45-yard strike to wideout Kordell David that seemed to deflate the visiting Bearkats early. Sam Houston, mired in a winless 0-4 skid, managed just 187 total yards, with their offense sputtering under constant pressure from the Aggies' front seven. Indeed, the Bearkats' lone score came on a late fourth-quarter field goal, a feeble consolation in an otherwise lopsided affair.
However, credit where it's due: New Mexico State's defense stepped up when it mattered, forcing two turnovers and limiting Sam Houston to under 100 rushing yards. Coach Tyler Rogers praised his team's execution post-game, noting how the win builds momentum heading into a tougher stretch of the schedule. For Sam Houston, though, the loss exposes deeper issues—coordination breakdowns on both lines and a passing game that's averaged a paltry 150 yards per contest this year. Moreover, with injuries piling up, the Bearkats face an uphill battle to salvage their season.
The 37-10 final scoreline underscores New Mexico State's resurgence under first-year staff tweaks, while Sam Houston's struggles raise questions about their transition to FBS play. As both teams look ahead, one can't help but wonder if this blowout signals a turning point or just another chapter in uneven conference dynamics.