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LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Despite the fact that it was New Mexico State's senior-day on Saturday, it could be argued that there were more people on Twitter following the game than actually at the stadium.
Charley Riddle (@charleyriddle) wrote, "I think there are more players than fans at the NMSU/USU game."
With the lack of enthusiasm on the part of the fans, both teams played with the same amount of emotion: none.
What started out as a punting-fest turned into a turnover fest as the game progressed through the early stages. Both teams had issues completing drives, with Utah State struggling to complete their fourth down conversion attempts.
Justin McKissick (@justin_sr) wrote, "USU goes for it again on 4th and short and again, nothing."
With an interception by Adam Kennedy and a fumble by New Mexico State to give the ball right back to USU, the offense was finally able to get things going.
Utah State Football (@USUFootball) tweeted, "TD toss from Kennedy to Turbin! USU up 7-0. Sixth straight game with a TD pass for the offense."
But New Mexico State came right back to march down the field and tie the game.
Tony Jones (@TonyAggieville) wrote, "New Mexico State with the touchdown on a 16-yard rush by Matt Christian."
It seemed that once both teams hit the scoreboard that it was time to play. Utah State drove the length of the field and got to the 1-yard line thanks to a Michael Smith run described by Cache Sports Media (@Cache_Sports) as a, "Marshawn Lynch Beastmode carry."
After a false start penalty, Utah State connected on a six-yard pass from Kennedy to Matt Austin to increase the lead to 14-7.
With less than two minutes remaining in the second quarter, New Mexico State charged down the field once again and seemed to be catching Utah State off guard with their play selection.
Teddy Feinberg (@TeddyFeinberg) tweeted, "Big run by NMSU's Turner brings it down to the USU 30."
After the "Southern Aggies" drove the ball to the USU 1- yard line, the Utah State defense came up with a big play.
"Kyle Gallagher with an interception on the 1-yard line. That's the third interception of the season by the defense," wrote Justin McKissick (@justin_sr).
The interception ended the half as Utah State went into the locker room leading 14-7.
USU did lose one of their better defenders as McKade Brady went down with injury. HJ Sports (@hjsports) wrote, "McKade Brady back in his jersey, but without pads, and his right arm in a sling."
At the beginning of the third quarter, Utah State started moving the ball with efficiency until the slippery conditions struck against the Aggies.
Tony Jones (@TonyAggieville) wrote, "Adam Kennedy gets his clock cleaned and fumbles. He is a little woozy as he gets up."
Immediately after the fumble, New Mexico State struck again. Justin McKissick (@justin_sr) tweeted, "USU has its secondary beat again, 52-yard TD pass for NMSU. All square at 14."
As the back and forth game continued, David James (@DavidDJJames) tweeted, "Why don't we just go away and come back with two minutes left in the 4th, since that is when all the USU games are won and lost."
Looking at the stats, he was pretty much right as Utah State has won or lost eight of the 11 games in the last two minutes or overtime of their games.
The third quarter was stagnant in terms of scoring outside of the pass play by NMSU. Tony Jones (@TonyAggieville) wrote, "It's a field position battle here. 14-14 with 3:22 remaining in the 3rd."
The score and tempo of the game remained the same at the end of the third quarter as it was all tied up at 14.
The fourth was a lot more running for Utah State and very few passes through the air. However, the offense finally had a breakthrough.
Tony Jones (@TonyAggieville) wrote, "Utah State gets a 22- yard field goal from Josh Thompson. USU leads 17-14 with 9:46 remaining."
But right away, NMSU stormed the USU defense on the next drive and once again, Tony Jones was there for the call:
"Three-yard touchdown. Utah State's defense turned to Swiss cheese on that possession."
With Utah State struggling against a 4-8 New Mexico State team, Matt Rollins (@AdiosBullwinkle) wondered, "How did BYU squeak by USU? They look terrible against NMSU who BYU throttled!"
With 5:49 remaining in the fourth, Utah State knew it had to finish off their Aggie-rivals and not give them another chance.
Tyler Riggs ([The Blue Aggies kept driving downfield in a style of offense that would make Tim Tebow proud. On 4th and 2 from the 14, Adam Kennedy stretched out and made it to the 12. Would he get the first down?
Tony Jones (@TonyAggieville) wrote, "They measure this one...annnnnnd... first down USU."
The close game marked the ninth time in 12 games that the game would be decided by a touchdown or less for USU.
Charles Barnard (@ccb1212) wrote, "Nice call for the touchdown pass! Matt Austin TD for USU."
But NMSU had one last chance to steal the game away. However, it was all for naught.
Tavin Stucki (@StuckiAggies) tweeted, "Ball on NMSU 35. Shotgun pass by Christian picked off by Nevin Lawson. USU wins."
Utah State wins 24-21 and extends their win streak to five games while marking their first seven-win regular season since 1979.](<http://twitter.com/#@TySpace' target=_blank >@TySpace) tweeted, >)
