NMSU defeats Middle Tennessee to earn bowl eligibility for the second straight year

UPDATE -- The New Mexico State Aggies beat the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 13-7, to move to 7-3 on the season.

The victory grants the Aggies Bowl eligibility in back-to-back years.

MTSU was in the red zone at the very end of the game and the Aggie defense came up with the stop to win the game.

The victory also boosts the Aggies chances to reach the Conference USA title game. NMSU will taken on Western Kentucky University next week.

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - The New Mexico State Aggies are holding on to a slim lead over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, 10-7 at halftime.

NMSU is in a fight to become bowl eligible, and also strengthen their chances to punch their ticket to the Conference USA championship game.

The first quarter was a defensive fight as neither team was able to put up any points.

The Aggies did have a punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter, but it was called back due to a holding penalty by NMSU.

NMSU would finally put up the first points of the game in the second quarter following a one yard touchdown run by tight end Ron Tiavaasue.

Aggies would take a 7-0 lead.

NMSU had a chance to tack on 3 more points late in the 2nd quarter, but NMSU kicker Ethan Albertson was unable to connect on a 33-yard field goal try.

Middle Tennessee's offense would finally get going late in the quarter.

Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato would find DJ England-Chisolm on a 27-yard touchdown pass for the first points of the game for the Blue Raiders.

That would tie the game at 7.

NMSU would march down the field to set up Albertson for a 26-yard field goal try right before the half.

Albertson would connect on the field goal to give NMSU the 10-7 lead.

NMSU is one win away from becoming bowl eligible.

If they win, it would be the first time that the Aggies will go to back-to-back bowl games since 1959/1960.