New Mexico State 33-30 Louisiana Tech (Oct. 15, 2024) Game Recap

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Malaki Ta'ase blocked a field goal attempt on the final play of regulation and Mike Washington scored a game-winning touchdown in the second overtime as New Mexico State beat Louisiana Tech 33-30 on Tuesday night.

Both teams narrowly scored a field goal in the first overtime. Then Buck Buchanan's 36-yard field goal hit the upright early in the second overtime for a 30-27 lead.

New Mexico State backup Brandon Nunez completed his fourth pass of the game in the second overtime when he passed to Kordell David down the left sideline for a 16-yard gain. Washington was untouched on its touchdown run after breaking it outside from 4 yards out.

It was New Mexico State's first overtime game since the 2017 Arizona Bowl against Utah State.

Nunez threw for 49 yards and scored six times for 30 yards and two touchdowns for New Mexico State (2-5, 1/3 Conference USA).

Evan Bullock was 22 of 41 for 225 yards and two touchdowns for Louisiana Tech (2-4, 1-2). Tru Edwards had nine catches for 102 yards and two scores in his first career multi-touchdown game.

Louisiana Tech DB Pig Cage was called for targeting with 1:54 left to give New Mexico State a first down at the 13-yard line. Two plays later, Nunez scored on a 4-yard keeper to the left for the third tie of the game at 24-24.

Louisiana Tech marched down the field in 11 plays, helped by back-to-back long runs from Omiri Wiggins (25 yards) and Amani Givins (11). With three seconds left, the Bulldogs attempted a 26-yard field goal that was blocked by Ta'ase to send the game into overtime.

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