Head coach Doug Martin has been preaching the importance of closing games all year long, and Saturday night against Georgia Southern University, the New Mexico State football team finally put together a fourth quarter worthy of winning a close game.

The Aggies defeated Georgia Southern 35-27 for their first win in Sun Belt play this season, and while it wasn’t pretty, NMSU proved that they can finish a game strong, something that Martin really stressed after dropping another close conference game last week against Appalachian State.

NMSU (3-4) outscored the Eagles 14-0 in the fourth quarter, showing that both sides of the ball can deliver when it matters most. The go-ahead touchdown came in the first play of the last quarter, with wide receiver Connor Cramer connecting with tight end Bryce Roberts in the end zone on a tricky double pass that the Aggies fell victim to a week ago. Quarterback Tyler Rogers would find his favorite target Jaleel Scott for his second touchdown of the game with just over two minutes left in the game, capping off the comeback and ensuring an Aggie win. The Aggie defense showed up in key moments late in the game as well, holding Georgia Southern to only 29 total yard in the fourth quarter.

The Aggie offense looked nearly unstoppable after their first two drives, scoring twice in 12 plays and accounting for 150 yards in just over four minutes of possessing the ball. Rogers got the game started with a 5 yard rushing touchdown and responded to the Eagles’ ensuing score with a 59 yard passing touchdown to Greg Hogan.

Big plays and special teams gaffs by NMSU would allow Georgia Southern (0-5) to get back into and eventually take control of the game. The Eagles tied it at 14-14 at the end of the first quarter with a 48 yard rushing touchdown by Wesley Fields and took the lead after Dexter Carter returned a kickoff 70 yards for a score later in the second, stealing any momentum the Aggies gained with Jaleel Scott’s first touchdown catch the play before.

NMSU only rushed for 21 yards in the first half compared to 247 yards passing, but corrected that one dimensional offensive attack in the second half with a couple of big runs in the fourth quarter by Jason Huntley, who started at running back for an injured Larry Rose III. Huntley also had a big role in the passing game, catching 11 passes for 87 yards.

The Aggies were stellar on third down, converting eight of their 13 opportunities, including one on a 3rd and 13 with under five minutes remaining where Rogers hit Anthony Muse for a clutch 21 yard completion. Georgia Southern only converted own 23 percent of their third downs, thanks to stout defense by NMSU.

Despite throwing two interceptions, Tyler Rogers bounced back nicely from a six interception performance against App. State, completing 31 of his 51 passes for 382 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rogers now has 19 passing touchdowns for the year, tied for most in the nation for division one quarterbacks.

After this win, the Aggies enter their much needed bye week one game under .500 and 1-2 in conference play. NMSU will have two weeks to get healthy and prepare for a huge matchup against Arkansas State on Oct. 28 at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

This game was a must win for the Aggies, who are competing for their first bowl appearance in over 50 years. After proving that they can close a game and with the talent they have, there’s no reason this team can’t achieve that and maybe even run the table.