Liberty heads to the desert this weekend looking to keep its Conference USA championship hopes firmly in its own hands. The Flames have won seven straight games since dropping their season opener at James Madison, including a dominant 49-10 Homecoming victory over FIU this past Saturday, and remain unbeaten in conference play.
Standing in the way is a New Mexico State team that has been difficult to figure out. The Aggies are 3-5 overall and 2-2 in CUSA, having alternated wins and losses throughout much of the season. They are coming off a disappointing 24-0 shutout loss at home to Jacksonville State, but their recent history against Liberty suggests this matchup could be more competitive than the records indicate.
Liberty and New Mexico State will meet Saturday, Nov. 7, at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Mountain Time, 8 p.m. Eastern, on ESPNU.
Analyzing the Aggies
New Mexico State enters the matchup looking to rebound from its shutout loss to Jacksonville State. The Aggies had opportunities to make the game competitive, but turnovers and missed field goals proved costly as they were unable to get on the scoreboard.
That loss followed a 30-24 road victory over Sam Houston, giving the Aggies a 3-5 record entering November. Their other wins came against Mercyhurst and Western Kentucky, while losses to Florida State, Hawaii, New Mexico, FIU and Jacksonville State have left them searching for consistency.
The biggest strength of the Aggies is their rushing attack. New Mexico State has made significant strides on the ground this season, averaging more than 150 rushing yards per game after finishing near the bottom nationally in rushing offense a year ago. James Jones has been the centerpiece of that improvement. Jones is among the leading rushers in Conference USA and has already produced multiple 100-yard performances this season. He rushed for a career-high 178 yards against Sam Houston before adding 112 yards against Jacksonville State. The Aggies will look to establish Jones early and use the ground game to control the clock and keep Liberty’s defense on the sideline. That will be a difficult task against a Flames defense that has consistently limited opposing rushing attacks.
New Mexico State’s defense has also been capable of creating havoc. The Aggies have forced turnovers at an impressive rate, recording multiple interceptions in recent games and finding ways to generate pressure in the backfield. Their defensive front has been particularly disruptive, leading Conference USA in tackles for loss entering the Liberty matchup.
That combination of a productive running back and an aggressive defense gives the Aggies a path to make this game uncomfortable for Liberty. The Flames cannot afford to overlook a team that has shown it can compete in conference play.
Positions, Players to Watch
RB James Jones: Jones is the engine of the New Mexico State offense. He leads Conference USA in rushing production and has been one of the most consistent backs in the league. Liberty must find a way to contain him early and force the Aggies into passing situations. He has rushed for 889 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry and 111.13 yards per game, which leads CUSA and ranks 11th nationally.
QB Adam Damante: The Aggies have struggled to pass the ball most of the season. Trey Hedden began the year as the starter, but Adam Damante has taken over recently. In the loss to Jax State, Damante completed just 7 of 20 passes for 23 yards with an interception. If Liberty can shut down Jones and make Damante (or whoever their quarterback is) beat them through the air, the Flames should have an advantage.
LB Sone Aupiu: Aupiu has been one of the Aggies’ most productive defenders, consistently showing up in the backfield. His ability to disrupt Liberty’s rushing attack will be critical to New Mexico State’s chances.
DL Gabe Peterson: Peterson has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in Conference USA. Liberty’s offensive line will need to account for him, particularly on passing downs, to prevent the Aggies from creating negative plays.
The Matchups
Liberty’s rushing attack vs. New Mexico State’s front seven
This is one of the most important matchups of the game. Liberty has built its offensive success around the rushing attack, while New Mexico State has shown an ability to create tackles for loss and disrupt opposing backfields. The Flames need to avoid getting behind the chains. If Davis and the offensive line can establish a rhythm early, Liberty can keep the Aggies’ pass rush from becoming a major factor.
New Mexico State’s ground game vs. Liberty’s defense
The Aggies will want to feed Jones and make this a physical game. Liberty’s defense has been one of the best in the country this season, particularly against the run, and will look to force New Mexico State into obvious passing situations. If the Flames can limit Jones’ production, the Aggies may struggle to generate enough offense to keep pace. The Flames lead CUSA and currently rank 26th in the country in holding opponents to 105.1 rushing yards per game.
Turnovers could decide the game
New Mexico State has been opportunistic defensively, forcing turnovers in nearly every game this season. Liberty has done a good job protecting the football during its winning streak, and that discipline will be important on the road. The Flames cannot give the Aggies extra possessions or allow defensive turnovers to change the momentum. Taking care of the football and winning the field-position battle should go a long way toward securing another conference victory.
A Series Liberty Has Controlled — But Not Easily
Liberty holds a 7-2 advantage in the all-time series with New Mexico State and has won the last four meetings, all coming since the two programs joined Conference USA prior to the 2023 football season.
The two programs have developed a familiar rivalry since both were independent FBS teams, and the series has featured several competitive games. Liberty defeated New Mexico State 49-35 in the 2023 Conference USA Championship Game, then won 30-24 in Las Cruces in 2024. Last season’s meeting was another close one. Liberty edged the Aggies 30-27 at Williams Stadium on Oct. 14, 2025, needing a strong fourth-quarter finish to secure the win.
New Mexico State has held late fourth-quarter leads in each of its last two meetings with Liberty, despite ultimately coming up short. The Aggies will certainly use that as motivation heading into Saturday. For Liberty, the challenge is avoiding another close finish. The Flames have been playing their best football of the season, but New Mexico State has enough familiarity with this matchup to make things interesting if Liberty gives it an opportunity.
What’s at Stake?
Liberty enters the weekend at 7-1 overall and 4-0 in Conference USA, firmly positioned in the conference championship race. With the regular season winding down, every conference game carries significant weight.
The Flames have already bounced back from their season-opening loss and have built momentum with seven consecutive victories. A win in Las Cruces would keep them unbeaten in CUSA and put them one step closer to securing a spot in the conference championship game.
New Mexico State, meanwhile, is looking to get back on track after its shutout loss to Jacksonville State. The Aggies still have an opportunity to finish strong, but they need to find consistency on offense and capitalize on their defensive opportunities.
The Aggies’ recent history against Liberty shows they are capable of keeping the game close. The Flames will need to bring their focus and physicality on the road to avoid giving New Mexico State another opportunity to pull off an upset.
The Bottom Line
New Mexico State has enough talent to make this a challenging road game for Liberty, particularly with James Jones leading a much-improved rushing attack and a defense capable of creating turnovers and pressure. But the Flames enter the matchup playing their best football of the season. Liberty’s defense has been dominant, the offense has found consistency, and the team has shown an ability to take care of business in conference play.
If Liberty can contain Jones, protect the football and establish its rushing attack, the Flames should be in a strong position to extend their winning streak and remain unbeaten in CUSA. The Aggies have made Liberty work for wins in recent meetings. This time, the Flames will look to make sure the result is never in doubt.
