New Mexico State Defeats Middle Tennessee 36-21 in Week 13
New Mexico State dominated Middle Tennessee 36-21 on Saturday in Week 13, with the Aggies' defense setting the tone early and the team's balanced offensive attack proving too much for the Blue Raiders to handle.
The Aggies struck first, with Dylan Early recording a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter to set the early momentum. New Mexico State built a 10-0 lead after one quarter and never trailed, extending their advantage to 23-7 by halftime.
Middle Tennessee's Nick Vattiato led a fourth-quarter comeback attempt, completing touchdown passes to Omari Kelly and connecting on multiple big plays, but the Blue Raiders fell short. Vattiato finished with 277 passing yards to lead all passers. Seth McGowan was the game's most versatile weapon for New Mexico State, recording 96 receiving yards and 83 rushing yards.
The game exceeded the over-under line of 53 points, and New Mexico State covered the 3-point spread. The fourth quarter featured multiple lead changes, keeping the contest competitive despite the Aggies' eventual comfortable margin of victory.
AI-generated recap · Sep 2, 2026
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New Mexico State | 10 | 3 | 13 | 10 | 36 |
 Middle Tennessee | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
Scoring Timeline
Drive Chart
Box Score
| Statistic | New Mexico State | Middle Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Passing | 14-18 | 30-45 |
| Pass Yards | 237 | 277 |
| Rush Yards | 145 | 170 |
| Total Yards | 382 | 447 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| 3rd Down | 7-12 | 7-14 |
| Penalties | 3-30 | 6-60 |
| Possession | 27:16 | 32:44 |
Player Leaders
Player Leaders
Play-by-Play
Abraham Montano kickoff for 64 yds , Kellen Stewart return for 29 yds to the MTSU 15
Terry Wilkins run for 5 yds to the MTSU 20
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Cam'ron Lacy for 2 yds to the MTSU 22
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Jekail Middlebrook for 7 yds to the MTSU 29 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass intercepted Dylan Early return for 30 yds for a TD (Abraham Montano KICK)
Jaiden Credle run for 3 yds to the MTSU 38
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Hayes Sutton for 13 yds to the NMSU 49 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato run for 5 yds to the NMSU 44
Jaiden Credle run for 3 yds to the NMSU 41
(10:25) VATTIATO, Nicholas pass to the left complete for 14 yards to KELLY, Omari caught at the NMS35 and advanced to the NMS27 (BARNES, Tayden), clock 10:26. PENALTY MTSU Face mask on JAMES, Markel enforced 15 yards from the NMS41 to the MTSU44 [NHSG]. NO PLAY (replay the down).
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Trey Turk punt for 47 yds , TJ Pride returns for 17 yds to the NMSU 26
Mike Washington run for 5 yds to the NMSU 31
Parker Awad pass complete to Seth McGowan for 12 yds to the NMSU 43 for a 1ST down
Parker Awad run for 5 yds to the NMSU 48
Seth McGowan run for 1 yd to the NMSU 49
Parker Awad pass complete to TJ Pride for 4 yds to the MTSU 47 for a 1ST down
Parker Awad run for a loss of 3 yards to the 50 yard line
Seth McGowan run for 12 yds to the MTSU 38
Mike Washington run for 4 yds to the MTSU 34 for a 1ST down
Mike Washington run for no gain to the MTSU 34
Mike Washington run for 2 yds to the MTSU 32
Parker Awad pass complete to TJ Pride for 9 yds to the MTSU 23 for a 1ST down
Mike Washington run for a loss of 1 yard to the MTSU 24
Parker Awad run for no gain to the MTSU 24
Parker Awad pass incomplete
Abraham Montano 42 yd FG GOOD
Jekail Middlebrook run for 4 yds to the MTSU 29
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Evan Poticher for 4 yds to the MTSU 33
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Holden Willis for 12 yds to the MTSU 45 for a 1ST down
VATTIATO, Nicholas pass short to the left incomplete dropped by WILLIS, Holden thrown to the MTSU47, clock 00:23. PENALTY MTSU Ineligible Receiver Downfield on Pass on MILLER, Marcus enforced 5 yards from the MTSU45 to the MTSU40 [NHSG]. NO PLAY (replay the down).
Jekail Middlebrook run for 18 yds to the NMSU 42 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Javonte Sherman for 15 yds to the NMSU 27 for a 1ST down
Jekail Middlebrook run for 4 yds to the NMSU 23
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Omari Kelly for 8 yds to the NMSU 15 for a 1ST down
Jekail Middlebrook run for 3 yds to the NMSU 12
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Myles Butler for 2 yds to the NMSU 10
Jaiden Credle run for 7 yds to the NMSU 3 for a 1ST down
Jaiden Credle run for 3 yds for a TD (Zeke Rankin KICK)
Zach Benedict kickoff for 57 yds , Larenzo McMillan return for 16 yds to the NMSU 14
Parker Awad pass complete to Seth McGowan for 14 yds to the NMSU 28 for a 1ST down
Seth McGowan run for 5 yds to the NMSU 33
Seth McGowan run for 6 yds to the NMSU 39 for a 1ST down
Parker Awad pass incomplete
Parker Awad run for 7 yds to the NMSU 46
Seth McGowan run for 1 yd to the NMSU 47
George Eberle punt for 50 yds , Kellen Stewart returns for 10 yds to the MTSU 13
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Evan Poticher for 9 yds to the MTSU 22
Terry Wilkins run for no gain to the MTSU 22
Nicholas Vattiato run for 2 yds to the MTSU 24 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Gamarion Carter for 8 yds to the MTSU 32
Terry Wilkins run for 23 yds to the NMSU 45 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Jekail Middlebrook run for 1 yd to the NMSU 44
Nicholas Vattiato run for 8 yds to the NMSU 36
Nicholas Vattiato run for no gain to the NMSU 36
Seth McGowan run for 12 yds to the NMSU 48 for a 1ST down
Parker Awad pass complete to Kordell David for 38 yds to the MTSU 14 for a 1ST down
Parker Awad pass incomplete
PJ Johnson III run for 5 yds to the MTSU 9
Parker Awad pass incomplete
Abraham Montano 26 yd FG GOOD
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Jaiden Credle for 9 yds to the MTSU 34
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Omari Kelly for 6 yds to the MTSU 40 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Myles Butler for 6 yds to the MTSU 46
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Grant Chadwick punt for 37 yds, fair catch by TJ Pride at the NMSU 17
End of 2nd Quarter
Mike Washington run for a loss of 9 yards to the NMSU 8 Mike Washington fumbled, recovered by NMSU Mike Washington M. Washington return for 0 yds
Zach Benedict kickoff for 61 yds , Larenzo McMillan return for 19 yds to the NMSU 14
Parker Awad pass complete to Seth McGowan for a loss of 1 yard to the NMSU 13
Parker Awad pass complete to TJ Pride for 4 yds to the NMSU 17
Parker Awad sacked by James Stewart for a loss of 7 yards to the NMSU 10
George Eberle punt for 48 yds , Kellen Stewart returns for no gain to the MTSU 42
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Myles Butler for 7 yds to the MTSU 49
CREDLE, Jaiden rush to the left for a gain of 14 yards to the NMS37 (MARTINEZ, Tyler), clock 12:13. PENALTY MTSU Holding on POTICHER, Evan enforced 10 yards from the MTSU49 to the MTSU39 [NHSG]. NO PLAY (replay the down).
Jaiden Credle run for 4 yds to the MTSU 43
Nicholas Vattiato pass intercepted Sone Aupiu return for no gain to the MTSU 49
Seth McGowan run for 3 yds to the MTSU 46
Parker Awad pass complete to TJ Pride for 34 yds to the MTSU 12 for a 1ST down
Brandon Nunez pass complete to Seth McGowan for 12 yds for a TD (Abraham Montano KICK)
Abraham Montano kickoff for 65 yds , Kellen Stewart return for 22 yds to the MTSU 22
(09:44) MIDDLEBROOK, Jekail rush to the right for a gain of 22 yards to the MTSU44 (CROSBY, Da'Marcus), out of bounds, clock 09:43. PENALTY MTSU Holding on WILSON, Simon enforced 10 yards from the MTSU22 to the MTSU12 [NH]. NO PLAY (replay the down).
Jekail Middlebrook run for 10 yds to the MTSU 22
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Jekail Middlebrook for 4 yds to the MTSU 26
(08:15) VATTIATO, Nicholas pass to the left incomplete intended for KELLY, Omari broken up by HOBBS, Dakerric at the MTSU35, clock 08:17. PENALTY NMS Pass Interference on HOBBS, Dakerric enforced at the spot of the foul for 10 yards to the MTSU36 and results in automatic 1ST DOWN [NH]. NO PLAY (replay the down).
Terry Wilkins run for 17 yds to the NMSU 47 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Omari Kelly for 11 yds to the NMSU 36 for a 1ST down
Terry Wilkins run for 3 yds to the NMSU 33
Jaiden Credle run for 8 yds to the NMSU 25 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Omari Kelly for 14 yds to the NMSU 11 for a 1ST down
Jaiden Credle run for a loss of 1 yard to the NMSU 12
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Holden Willis for 12 yds for a TD (Zeke Rankin KICK)
Larenzo McMillan run for 13 yds to the NMSU 38 for a 1ST down
Parker Awad pass complete to Seth McGowan for 43 yds to the MTSU 19 for a 1ST down
Parker Awad sacked by Anthony Bynum for a loss of 9 yards to the MTSU 28
Parker Awad run for 17 yds to the MTSU 11
Mike Washington run for 11 yds for a TD (Two-Point Conversion failed)
Jekail Middlebrook run for 7 yds to the MTSU 32
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Myles Butler for 16 yds to the MTSU 48 for a 1ST down
Jekail Middlebrook run for 12 yds to the NMSU 40 for a 1ST down
Jekail Middlebrook run for 16 yds to the NMSU 24 for a 1ST down
Terry Wilkins run for a loss of 1 yard to the NMSU 25
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Terry Wilkins for 6 yds to the NMSU 19
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Omari Kelly for 19 yds for a TD (Zeke Rankin KICK)
Mike Washington run for no gain to the NMSU 25
Mike Washington run for 4 yds to the NMSU 29
Parker Awad pass complete to Seth McGowan for 16 yds to the NMSU 45 for a 1ST down
Parker Awad run for a loss of 2 yards to the NMSU 43
Mike Washington run for 1 yd to the NMSU 44
Parker Awad run for 14 yds to the MTSU 42 for a 1ST down
Parker Awad pass complete to Adam Parks for 38 yds to the MTSU 4 for a 1ST down
Brandon Nunez run for no gain to the MTSU 4
Brandon Nunez pass complete to Cooper Sheehan for 4 yds for a TD (Abraham Montano KICK)
(07:39) VATTIATO, Nicholas pass to the right incomplete thrown to the MTSU40; QB hurried by BEADLES, Justin, clock 07:34. PENALTY MTSU Holding on ELLIS, Ethan enforced 10 yards from the MTSU25 to the MTSU15 [NHSG]. NO PLAY (replay the down).
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Holden Willis for 43 yds to the NMSU 42 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Jaiden Credle for no gain to the NMSU 42
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Gamarion Carter for 4 yds to the NMSU 38
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Seth McGowan run for 5 yds to the NMSU 43
Seth McGowan run for 4 yds to the NMSU 47
Seth McGowan run for 33 yds to the MTSU 20 for a 1ST down
Seth McGowan run for 1 yd to the MTSU 19
Parker Awad pass complete to Isaiah Rudison for 10 yds to the MTSU 9 for a 1ST down
Mike Washington run for 3 yds to the MTSU 6
Mike Washington run for 2 yds to the MTSU 4
Seth McGowan run for no gain to the MTSU 4 Seth McGowan fumbled, recovered by NMSU Parker Awad P. Awad return for 0 yds
Abraham Montano 21 yd FG GOOD
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Cam'ron Lacy for 6 yds to the MTSU 31
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Jekail Middlebrook for 4 yds to the MTSU 35 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato run for 1 yd to the MTSU 36
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Jekail Middlebrook for 2 yds to the MTSU 38
Jekail Middlebrook run for 5 yds to the MTSU 43
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Hayes Sutton for 5 yds to the MTSU 48 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Nicholas Vattiato pass incomplete
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Cam'ron Lacy for 11 yds to the NMSU 41 for a 1ST down
Nicholas Vattiato pass complete to Jekail Middlebrook for 12 yds to the NMSU 29 for a 1ST down