Liberty (8-3) and New Mexico State (4-6) will meet for the first time in three years when they renew their rivalry on Saturday. The Flames and Aggies last met on Senior Day 2019 when Liberty picked up the win to become bowl eligible for the first time in school history.

Under first year head coach Jerry Kill, NMSU began the season 0-4 but have bounced back to win four of their past seven games. The Aggies have recorded wins over Hawaii, New Mexico, UMass, and Lamar, and are coming off a 45-14 loss at Missouri.

“I love Jerry. Not a ton (of interaction). We were on two Nike trips together,” Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze said of his relationship with Coach Kill. “I really like the guy. I think he’s a hard-nosed, old-school football coach and you see it in his team. I mean, his defense is playing lights out. Offensively, they are probably not where he wants them to be, but they are very smart. Obviously, we were at Conference USA meetings together this past spring and got to kind of reunite. I think a lot of him. He does it the right way too. He’s for the kids. He’s a great ambassador for college football.””

The Aggies have only scored over 23 points against an FBS opponent so far this season, doing so when they defeated Hawaii 45-26, as they are averaging just 19.3 points per game. Diego Pavia has been the primary signal caller for New Mexico State this season. He has completed just 46.5% of his 127 passes for 746 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.. He’s also rushed the ball 58 times for 289 yards and 2 scores.

Gavin Frakes has played in all 10 games for the Aggies. The Freshman quarterback has completed 50 of 100 passes for 678 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions while rushing 32 times for 145 yards and two scores.

Justice Powers leads all receivers with 17 receptions for 323 yards. Kordell David has 13 catches for 143 yards and 2 scores. Bryce Childress has added 13 receptions for 133 yards.

Star Thomas leads the team in rushing with 405 yards and 4 touchdowns while Jamoni Jones has 279 yards and 4 touchdowns.

“They are just not going to let you create any negative plays,” said Freeze. “They are just going to move the pocket, throw quick game, try to run the football, punt, and then play defense if that’s the way it works out. They are ok with that and they are playing to their strengths. It’s the personality of Jerry Kill that I’ve gotten to know.”

The future Conference USA members are expected to meet frequently in the future as both current FBS Independent members move to their new league home beginning with the 2023 season.

“I challenged our kids to finish strong and win nine games in the regular season, which I think is an incredible accomplishment with the schedule we’ve had and the injuries we’ve faced,” Freeze said. “Excited to see how they respond this week.”

PREDICTION

Liberty 31, New Mexico State 17

Line: Liberty -23.5

Picks results this year:
Straight-up: 8-3
ATS: 7-4