Katoa runs for 4 TDs; BYU beats New Mexico St. 45-10

0:47

BYU RB weaves through tacklers and scores TD

BYU running back Matt Hadley gets the pitch and weaves through the defense on the sideline and is able to find the end zone for the 40-yard touchdown.

Nov 18, 2018, 07:17 am

PROVO, Utah -- Freshman Lopini Katoa had 19 carries for 155 yards rushing and four touchdowns, all season highs, and the BYU defense forced six three-and-outs to help the Cougars beat New Mexico State 45-10 on Saturday night and become bowl eligible.

Katoa came in with 57 carries for 268 yards and four touchdowns in 10 career games. Matt Hadley added two rushing touchdowns, including a 40-yarder midway through the second quarter that gave BYU (6-5) the lead for good at 14-7.

Each team went three-and-out on its first possession and then Josh Adkins hit Drew Dan for a 17-yard touchdown to cap a 13-play, 85-yard drive and give New Mexico State (3-8) a 7-0 lead. The Aggies offense, however, began to sputter with four three-and-outs, two interceptions and a missed 47-yard field-goal attempt on its next seven possessions. Katoa scored on runs of 15 and 13 yards in the second quarter before Skyler Southam's 23-yard field goal as time expired made it 31-7 at halftime.

Adkins was 25-of-61 passing for 264 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions.