The Battle of the I-10 NMSU v. UTEP
A shot down the line during the rivalry game the “Battle of the I-10” between the New Mexico State Aggies and the UTEP Miners on Sept. 19 at Aggie Memorial Stadium.
In a rivalry that spans over 101 years, the Battle of the I-10 between the New Mexico State Aggies and the UTEP Miners is one of the most intense rivalries in College Football.
On Sept 19, 2015 the two teams met again at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
In one of the most up and down games between the two teams, the Aggies controlled the momentum for 95% of the game; until it turned into heart break and disappointment for the home town hopefuls.
The Aggies took control of the Miners not once but twice going up by two scores late in the game. The Aggies were even able to take out UTEP Quarterback Mack Leftwich, which at the time seemed to kill the Miners morale.
After an Aggie turn over the Miners would capitalize and score a touchdown. Moments later the Miners forced the Aggies to punt, resulting in a game tying touchdown that would ultimately restored the Miners confidence.
With time winding down the Aggies threw the ball toward the end zone in desperation to try and seal the win, but could not forcing overtime (OT).
The captains and referees met at the 50 yard line for a second coin toss. The Miners would win the toss electing to be on defensive first, and letting the strong Aggie offense try their luck first.
In what seemed like a promising drive moving down the field fast, the UTEP defense put a stop to the Aggies forcing them to kick a field goal putting the Aggies up 47-44. After a good defensive stand all the momentum had shifted toward the Miners.
A tired and beat Aggie defense then took the field to try and stop an ecstatic UTEP offense. In the first couple plays the Aggies stopped the Miners, but would give up a pivotal 3rd down drawing the Miners closer to the goal line.
After a quick run putting UTEP on the Aggie 6 yard line the Miners were in striking distance to the end zone.
On the following play, UTEP second string quarterback Ryan Metz threw the ball in the end zone for a touchdown completing the crazy UTEP comeback, and striking the final Pickaxe deep in to the heart of the Aggies.
New Mexico State will look to bounce back from a hard loss to their I-10 rivals, when they take on their long time rival, The New Mexico Lobos in the Battle of the I-25, on Oct 3rd in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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