New Mexico State gets rare wins over Utah State

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) -- Quarterback Buck Pierce scored two touchdowns and freshman Tony Joseph rushed for 116 yards Thursday night in New Mexico State's 26-21 win over Utah State.
Pierce, who left the game in the final minute after being hit in head by a Utah State player, scored twice from a yard out and threw for 208 yards, completing 18 of 23 passes.
New Mexico State (3-7, 2-4 Sun Belt) scored a rare win over Utah State (3-7, 3-2). It was NMSU's fifth win in 28 games with Utah State. At one point in the series, Utah State won 19 straight games.
Pierce's second touchdown with 8:20 remaining in the game put New Mexico State ahead 26-14. Utah State came right back with an 85-yard drive that ended with a 6-yard TD run by David Fiefia with 4:30 remaining.
Quarterback Travis Cox kept the drive going with a 10-yard pass to Fiefia on fourth down to the NMSU 15 and Fiefia's touchdown also came on a fourth down play.
Pierce's first touchdown with 9:42 remaining in the third quarter was set up by Jonathan Holland's recovery of a fumble by Utah State's Joe Kilpack at the Utah State 10-yard line.