The Aggies hung right with the Broncos in the first quarter, trailing just 7-6 after the first 15 minutes and 21-6 at halftime.
The game started off well enough for Aggies as true freshman Chris Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.) returned the opening kickoff 32 yards to the Aggie 40-yard line. Joey Vincent (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton HS) led the Aggies down to the Bronco 32-yard line, but threw an interception at the Bronco seven-yard line.
Boise State then drove 93 yards on 13 plays to score a touchdown and take a 7-0 lead.
The Aggies responded. Steven Harper returned the ensuing kickoff 26 yards and Vincent came up with a 33 yard scramble for a first down on third and 11 from the Aggie 26 yard line. Vincent came up with another big play, running for 12 yards on third and seven down to the Bronco 11 yard line. Then on third and 12 from the BSU 13-yard line, Vincent found Derek Dubois (Colonia, N.J.) in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
The NMSU defense gave the Aggies some momentum heading into the locker room by stopping BSU after it had a first and goal on the Aggie seven-yard line at the end of the half and prevented the Broncos from scoring.
The second half was all Boise State as the Aggies struggled to move the football.
Senior safety Matt Griebel (Tucson, Ariz./Canyon Del Oro HS) had a heroic game, making a career high 23 tackles, just three short of the school record. He made those 23 tackles despite not playing on the final three defensive series of the second half.
Vincent was the Aggies’ leading ground gainer on the afternoon, finishing with 71 yards on 12 carries. He was 14-of-38 through the air for 115 yards.
True freshman A.J. Harris (Baton Rouge, La.) led the Aggies with 38 yards receiving on five catches.
New Mexico State returns home next week to host the Nevada Wolfpack at 2:00 p.m.