New Mexico State Upset Auburn For First Win Over SEC Opponent

New Mexico State magical season continues. New Mexico State had previously been 0-24 all-time against SEC opponents. That changed with a 31-10 win over Auburn

© Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

New Mexico State magical season continues.

New Mexico State had previously been 0-24 all-time against SEC opponents. That changed with a 31-10 win over Auburn on Saturday. 

It was also New Mexico State's first win over a Power Five opponent in 27 attempts in that category.

New Mexico State gets $1.8 million check from Auburn & then delivers a 31-10 beatdown to the Tigers, who were 26-point favorites. Unreal job by Jerry Kill. Aggies will play for CUSA title in 2 weeks vs. Liberty

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 18, 2023

The win marked head coach Jerry Kill's second consecutive victory over Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze. Freeze was the head coach of Liberty last season when the Flames lost to the Aggies. 

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Quarterback Diego Pavia completed 19 on 28 attempts for 201 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 35 yards on Saturday. He was sacked just once. 

It’s all Aggies at Jordan-Hare😎#AggieUp x #HHLP
pic.twitter.com/4WMGwCiGXC

— New Mexico State Football (@NMStateFootball) November 18, 2023

In the running game, the Aggies totaled 213 yards while holding Auburn to 65 yards. NMSU held possession for 38 minutes and 50 seconds compared to 21 minutes and ten seconds by Auburn.

The Aggie defense also allowed Auburn to convert just two third downs on ten attempts.

Fear nothing.#AggieUp x #HHLP pic.twitter.com/PMAtzWAa6b

— New Mexico State Football (@NMStateFootball) November 18, 2023

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NMSU led for all but about twelve total minutes at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Since their loss at Hawaii, New Mexico State have now won seven games in a row. 

The Aggies improve to 9-3 on the season for their highest win total since winning 11 games since 1960. NMSU will play their regular season finale on November 25 when they host fellow CUSA newcomer Jacksonville State. New Mexico State have already clinched a spot in the CUSA championship game.