Full Breakdown
New Mexico State Aggies Host Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in Season Finale
11/30/2025, 2:05:00 AM
Game Overview
The New Mexico State Aggies (4-7, 2-5 Conference USA) will face the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2-9, 1-6) in their final game of the 2025 season on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The matchup is set to take place at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. MT (3 p.m. ET). This game marks the earliest home kickoff for the Aggies this season.
Recent Performance
Both teams are entering the game with recent victories that ended lengthy losing streaks. New Mexico State snapped a five-game losing streak with a dramatic 34-31 win over the UTEP Miners, overcoming a 21-0 deficit. Quarterback Adam Damante led the Aggies with 253 passing yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee secured its first conference win of the season, defeating the Sam Houston Bearkats 31-17, ending a seven-game losing streak. Quarterback Roman Gagliano contributed significantly, throwing for 268 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for two touchdowns.
Betting Odds and Predictions
New Mexico State is favored to win by 3.5 points, with a total points over/under set at 52.5. The Aggies have a record of 6-5 against the spread this season, while Middle Tennessee stands at 5-6. Predictions for the game vary, with some analysts projecting a close contest, suggesting a final score of New Mexico State 31, Middle Tennessee 27, while others predict a slightly wider margin, favoring the Aggies 32-25.
Key Players
For New Mexico State, Adam Damante has emerged as a key player, completing 70.7% of his passes in the last game. Dijon Stanley also made an impact with 106 rushing yards. Middle Tennessee's Gagliano has revitalized the Blue Raiders' offense, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with both passing and rushing touchdowns. Jekail Middlebrook has been a reliable contributor in the ground game, adding to the team's offensive balance.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the recent victories, both teams are looking to build momentum. Middle Tennessee's athletic director Chris Massaro expressed confidence in head coach Derek Mason, announcing his retention for the 2026 season. This decision comes after a challenging season but reflects a commitment to developing the program.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the recent wins, both teams face scrutiny regarding their overall performance this season. Critics point out that New Mexico State's defense has struggled, allowing an average of over 27 points per game, while Middle Tennessee's offense has been inconsistent throughout the year.
What's Next
As the season concludes, both teams will look to regroup and assess their strategies moving forward. The outcome of this game will be pivotal for both programs as they prepare for the offseason and aim to improve in the next season.
