New Mexico State gets 1st win of the year, beats UTEP 27-20
Caldwell sheds tackle on 53-yard score
New Mexico State QB Josh Atkins tosses a pass to RB Royce Caldwell, who shakes off a tackle and speeds 53 yards downfield and into the end zone.
EL PASO, Texas -- Josh Adkins hit Royce Caldwell on a 53-yard scoring strike late in the third quarter to give New Mexico State the cushion it needed to beat UTEP 27-20 in the Battle of I-10 on Saturday night.
New Mexico State (1-4) grabbed its first win of the season and administered the 16th straight loss to the Miners. It is the longest active losing streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Miners last won when they beat North Texas 52-24 in the final game of 2016.
The Miners (0-4) still have not had a lead all season but did tie the Aggies 17-17 when Kai Locksley hit Terry Juniel in stride for a 76-yard scoring play early in the third quarter.
Caldwell's TD gave the Aggies a 24-17 lead with 2:46 left in the third. UTEP closed to 24-20 following Jason Filley's 34-yard field goal. Dylan Brown answered with a 22-yarder of his own for the final score.
Locksley threw for 194 yards with one touchdown and rushed for another 64 yards. Quardraiz Wadley ran for 111 yards.
Game Information
2024 Conference USA Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State | 7-1 | 9-5 |
| Western Kentucky | 6-2 | 8-6 |
| Sam Houston | 6-2 | 10-3 |
| Liberty | 5-3 | 8-3 |
| Louisiana Tech | 4-4 | 5-7 |
| UTEP | 3-5 | 3-9 |
| Florida International | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| New Mexico State | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 2-6 | 2-10 |
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