Running Game Leads BYU To Win Over New Mexico State

PROVO, Utah – The BYU Cougars become bowl eligible as they knock of New Mexico State 45-10 on senior night at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson had 172 passing yards on 12-of-26 attempts.

Running back Lopini Katoa exploded for 156 yards rushing and four touchdowns while Matt Hadley added 55 rushing yards and two scores.

The Cougars are going back to a bowl game after missing last season with a four win season. Before that, the Cougars didn’t miss a bowl game since 2004.

Interception Boosts BYU

New Mexico State took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter before Cougars’ Isaiah Kaufusi set up BYU’s first touchdown on an interception. Hadley scored on the following possession.

BYU went on to score three touchdowns and a field goal in the second quarter and held a 31-7 lead at halftime. All four touchdowns were on the ground, two from Hadley and two from Katoa.

The Cougars outscored the Aggies 14-3 in the second half to pick up the win.

Corbin Kaufusi Out For Season

Just before the game, Kalani Sitake announced defensive end Corbin Kaufusi will miss the remainder of the season with an injury. The senior finished the season with 48 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

Coach Sitake tells me in our pregame interview that Corbin Kaufusi’s senior campaign is over early due to season-ending injury. Younger brother Devin will get the start at DE. Kalani adds that LB Riggs Powell and RB Squally Canada will not be available tonight due to injury.

— Greg Wrubell (@gregwrubell) November 18, 2018

Next Up

BYU improved to 6-5 on the season and will wrap up their regular season against the University of Utah at Rice Eccles Stadium on Saturday at 8 p.m. on FS1 and KSL News Radio.

One last walk.

Thank you, Seniors.#GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/sPs0AZodgs

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 18, 2018