Aggies fall to Hawaii 29-19 despite erasing 16-point deficit

Honolulu, Hawaii -- New Mexico State erased a 16-point deficit and tied the game in the third quarter, but the Aggies could not finish the comeback Saturday night, falling 29-19 to Hawaii.

NMSU dropped to 1-2 on the season after turning the ball over three times and failing to score in the fourth quarter. Hawaii improved to 1-2 with its first win of the season.

The Rainbow Warriors jumped out to a 16-0 lead before the Aggies finally found their footing.

James Jones got NMSU on the board with a 2-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter. Quarterback Trey Hedden then connected with TK King on a 33-yard touchdown pass, cutting Hawaii’s lead to 19-13 at halftime.

NMSU carried that momentum into the third quarter.

Gabe Peterson forced a fumble from Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado, and De’Marcus Peters picked up the loose ball and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown. The score pulled the Aggies even at 19-19, although NMSU missed the extra point.

But the offense struggled to capitalize after tying the game.

Hawaii answered with a 33-yard field goal to regain the lead, then put the game away in the fourth quarter. Facing fourth-and-5 at the NMSU 7-yard line, Hawaii used a direct snap to Tama Uiliata, who threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Frank Abreu with 5:17 remaining.

Hedden finished 19-of-35 passing for 256 yards and a touchdown, but threw two interceptions. Jones led the Aggies with 78 rushing yards and a touchdown, while King caught four passes for 67 yards and a score.

NMSU actually outgained Hawaii on the ground 124-67 and finished with 380 total yards, compared with 420 for the Rainbow Warriors. But the Aggies' three turnovers and inability to score in the fourth quarter proved costly.

The loss continues a difficult history for NMSU against Hawaii. The Aggies are now 1-12 all-time against the Rainbow Warriors and 0-8 in Honolulu.

NMSU returns home September 26th to face New Mexico in the Rio Grande Rivalry.

FINAL: NMSU 19 - Hawaii 29