Albuquerque, NM (Sports Network) - The New Mexico Lobos ran for 361 yards en
route to a 35-14 win over the Texas State Bobcats at Branch Field.
Kasey Carrier led the Lobos' (3-3) attack, running for 191 yards and four
touchdowns on 23 carries. Carrier entered the game with four career touchdown
runs. Jhurell Pressley added 78 yards and a score on 20 carries, and Cole
Gautsche ran for 79 yards on seven carries. Quarterback B.R. Holbrook threw
just three passes, completing one for nine yards.
Texas State (2-3) quarterback Shaun Rutherford passed for 186 yards on 16-
for-21. He also threw two touchdown passes, both in the first half, and an
interception. Andy Erickson reeled in a team-high eight catches for 100 yards
and a touchdown.
The Lobos got off to a terrific start behind their strong running attack and a
Bobcats' special teams blunder. On the first drive of the game, Carrier
went untouched for a 37-yard touchdown run. Erickson then fumbled on the
ensuing kickoff, which led to Carrier's second score on the very next play.
Rutherford quickly cut the deficit in half, throwing a 40-yard touchdown
strike to tight end Chase Harper less than a minute later. At the 7:15 mark
of the first quarter, three touchdowns had already been scored.
The Lobos added to their lead early in the second quarter when Pressley
bullied his way into the end zone from one yard out. The score capped off a
nine-play, 39-yard drive in which not a single pass was thrown.
Both teams added a touchdown before the half, and New Mexico took a 28-14 lead
into the break.
Texas State received the ball to start the second half hoping to trim the
Lobos' lead, but Rutherford was intercepted by Destry Berry on Bobcats' first
play from scrimmage. New Mexico took advantage of the miscue, running five
plays for 59 yards, including Carrier's fourth touchdown run of the day.
Defense prevailed for the remainder of the game, as no more points were
scored.
Carrier's performance marked the first time since 2003 that Texas State gave
up four rushing touchdowns to one player. New Mexico improves to 2-0 all-time
against Texas State.
GAME NOTES:
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