Thompson returns 2 fumbles for scores, Thomas adds a long punt return, UTEP leads NM State 42-35

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Bryton Thompson returned two fumbles for touchdowns, Kameron Thomas had a 93-yard punt return for a touchdown and UTEP closed the season with a 42-35 win over New Mexico State on Saturday.

The rivals’ 101st meeting, now dubbed the “Battle of I-10,” was only decided when New Mexico’s on-side kick attempt went out of bounds with 24 seconds left. It was also the last game for New Mexico State play-by-play announcer Jack Nixon after 45 years.

Thompson scored a 33-yard return 2 1/2 minutes into the game, and his 5-yard return with 13:12 left gave the Miners (3-9, 3-5 Conference USA) a 42-24, 13:12 lead before the end of the game. That came 11 seconds after Thomas set the school record for longest punt return.

Parker Awad threw his third touchdown pass, hitting PJ Johnson III for a 30-yard touchdown to put the Aggies (3-9, 2-6) within 42-32 after a two-point conversion with 7:22 to play bring. They got the ball back and reached the UTEP 6, but the 20-play drive lasted more than four minutes, so they settled for the short field goal.

Jevon Jackson ran for 79 yards and two touchdowns for the Miners, who trailed 24-14 at halftime. Skyler Locklear threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Odom. UTEP had 298 total yards.

Awad was 22 of 51 passing for 340 yards and Mike Washington ran for 130 yards and a score as the Aggies added 543 yards and had the ball 19 minutes longer than UTEP.

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