The energy during an NM State vs LA Tech game is just different. It’s not your typical high-budget, blue-blood rivalry, but it’s got this grit that most fans overlook. You’ve got the desert-tough Aggies from Las Cruces and the Bulldogs from Ruston, Louisiana, two programs that have spent years jumping through the same conference hoops, from the WAC to Conference USA.
Honestly, if you missed their most recent football clash on September 13, 2025, you missed a total clinic. LA Tech basically took over the field. They didn't just win; they physically dominated with a 49-14 blowout that felt even more lopsided than the score suggests.
The Bulldogs’ offense was a wrecking ball. They racked up 353 rushing yards on 65 carries. That’s an old-school, smash-mouth style of football you don't see much anymore. Quarterback Blake Baker was the star, putting up over 100 yards on the ground—only the second time a LA Tech QB has ever done that. Meanwhile, the Aggies’ run game was non-existent, held to just 27 yards. Total.
The Football History: A Back-and-Forth Battle
Looking at the all-time series, LA Tech holds a 9-6 lead as of late 2025. It’s been a series of streaks and surprises. Before the 2025 blowout, NM State actually had a little momentum. In 2024, they pulled off a wild 33-30 double-overtime win in Las Cruces.
That 2024 game was the kind of heart-stopper that keeps fans coming back. The Aggies were down, then they weren't, then it went to extra periods, and finally, they escaped. It was the smallest margin of victory in the series and showed that NM State could hang when things got messy.
But the Bulldogs have a history of making statements. Back in 2011, they delivered a 44-0 shutout. They also have the longest winning streak in the matchup, taking six games in a row from 2007 to 2012.
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Key Moments You Might Have Forgotten
- The 85-Yard Punt: In one of the more bizarre highlights, LA Tech’s Ryan Allen once booted an 85-yard punt against NM State. It’s still a school record.
- The Terry Bradshaw Era: Long before he was a TV personality, Bradshaw was lighting up the Aggies. In 1968, he threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns to lead a comeback win.
- Defensive Scores: In that 2025 game, the Bulldog defense scored twice, including a 20-yard fumble return by Jacob Bradford.
Hardwood Drama: NM State vs LA Tech on the Court
If football is about power, basketball is where the real finesse happens between these two schools. The NM State vs LA Tech basketball series is heavily tilted toward the Aggies. New Mexico State leads the all-time series 17-6, and they’ve historically been a nightmare for the Bulldogs.
In the 2024-25 season, the Aggies swept both games. They won 78-48 in Las Cruces and followed it up with a 67-55 victory in Ruston. The Bulldogs just couldn't find an answer for the Aggies' defense.
But don't count LA Tech out completely. They had a brief moment of glory in early 2024, winning two straight against the Aggies, including a 20-point blowout (73-53) where they looked untouchable.
Basketball Series at a Glance
The Aggies' dominance is most visible in their home record, where they are 10-1 against the Bulldogs. LA Tech has only managed to win once in Las Cruces over the last two decades.
On the flip side, the Bulldogs are much more competitive in Ruston at the Thomas Assembly Center (the TAC). While NM State still leads there, the games are often much tighter. The Aggies' longest win streak in the hoops series was a massive 7-game run from 2010 to 2012.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
It’s the geography and the shared struggle. Both schools are in "mid-major" territory, often fighting for national respect against bigger state schools. When they play, it’s about more than just a conference win. It's about proving which program is on the rise.
The transition to Conference USA has renewed the fire. Because they play every year now, the players are getting more familiar, and the fans are getting more vocal. You can see the tension on the sidelines.
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Common Misconceptions
Some people think LA Tech always has the advantage because of their recruiting pipeline in Louisiana. While they often have more "flashy" athletes, NM State’s "junk yard dog" mentality often levels the playing field, especially in basketball.
Another mistake is assuming the home team always wins. While that’s mostly true in basketball, the football series has seen plenty of road upsets.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're following the NM State vs LA Tech series, here’s what you should actually look for in the next few years:
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- Watch the Trenches in Football: As the 2025 game showed, the team that wins the rushing battle almost always wins the game. LA Tech’s current identity is built on high-volume rushing (65 carries in a game!), so if the Aggies can't stop the run, they don't stand a chance.
- Basketball Depth: NM State usually wins with a deep bench. If you're watching a game, check the bench points. If the Aggies are rotating 10 players effectively, they’re going to wear the Bulldogs down by the 10-minute mark of the second half.
- The "TAC" Factor: Ruston is a tough place to play. If you're a bettor, look at the spread when NM State travels to Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs play significantly better at home, often covering even when they don't win outright.
- Injury Reports: Because these schools don't have the same depth as Power Four programs, losing one key starter (like a QB or a lead point guard) can swing the outcome by 14 points or more.
The next few years are going to be interesting as both programs settle into the new CUSA hierarchy. Whether it's on the field or the court, these two teams always find a way to make it a scrap. Keep an eye on the recruiting trails in East Texas and New Mexico; that's where the next chapter of this rivalry is currently being written.