NM State stayed within striking distance of Conference USA leader Liberty before late scores sealed a 30-14 homecoming loss in Las Cruces. Trey Hedden III threw two touchdown passes in his first start since Sept. 26, including a fourth-quarter connection with AJ Williams III that cut Liberty’s lead to 17-14. The Flames answered late as the Aggies’ final two possessions ended in a turnover on downs and an interception.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Liberty 30, NM State 14.
  • AJ Williams III: 8 catches, 150 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Trey Hedden III: 256 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • NM State record: 3-6 overall, 2-3 in Conference USA; Liberty: 8-1 overall, 5-0 in conference.
Yes, But

The Aggies’ offense showed promise, including a 12-play, 90-yard scoring drive, and the defense recorded two sacks. But turnovers and late stops by Liberty kept NM State from completing the comeback; the Aggies also held the Flames out of the end zone on two early red-zone trips, forcing field goals.

State of Play
  • NM State is 2-3 at Aggie Memorial Stadium, with one home game left.
  • The defense has recorded at least one sack in 11 consecutive games.
Bottom Line

Williams delivered a season-best performance, but NM State couldn’t turn its fourth-quarter rally into a finish. Against a conference leader, the difference came down to late-game execution and protecting possession.