Texas A&M 55, New Mexico 14: The Aggies Score Early and Often to Rout the Lobos

Nick Starkel hit Christian Kirk for a 60-yard touchdown on the second play of the game to start Texas A&M’s 55-14 demolition of New Mexico.

The two aforementioned players had a big night as the freshman quarterback put up 416 passing yards with four touchdowns (no turnovers) and Kirk hauled in 120 receiving yards and returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown.

New Mexico’s only first half touchdown was a special team score of their own as Elijah Lilly returned a second quarter kickoff 100+ yards but the Aggies scored touchdowns on six of their seven first half drives and had a commanding 48-7 lead at halftime.

The second half saw the return of Kellen Mond at quarterback for the Aggies and, with the game long clinched, saw more runs as the A&M offense lagged. Mond and Jake Hubenak combined to go 9/12 for 83 yards and a touchdown in the second half.

Worryingly for the Aggies, the running game continued their struggles throughout the second half of the season as they only managed 63 yards on 23 carries. Fortunately for the Aggies, the tonic for an ailing running game is on deck as they travel for a night game against Ole Miss’ lackluster defense.

For New Mexico, the loss drops Bob Davie’s squad to 3-7 and likely out of bowl consideration (barring APR possibilities) after back to back trips to the New Mexico Bowl.