NMSU showed some promise in season opener

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State stumbled on offense in the second quarter and its defense gave up three late touchdowns.

The Sun Devils were pretty good the rest of the night, leading to another homeopening win.

Manny Wilkins threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns, Kalen Ballage had two scoring runs and Arizona State opened the season with a 37-31 victory over New Mexico State on Thursday night.

Arizona State jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, allowed the Aggies back in it, then pulled away in the second half.

“Lots of good things, lots of positive things on both sides of the ball,” Arizona State coach Todd Graham said. “The biggest thing was we were rolling, probably should have been up 21-0. But (the Aggies) did a good job, had some good things they were doing.”

New Mexico State’s Tyler Rogers threw for 398 yards and three touchdowns on 40-of-57 passing. He also had two interceptions.

Jason Huntley and Jaleel Scott each scored two touchdowns for the Aggies.

“This is a good football team we played,” New Mexico State coach Doug Martin said. “They will be competing with everybody this year. There some positive signs.”

New Mexico State put together two long drives in the second quarter, pulling within 14-13 by halftime on Scott’s spectacular 16-yard touchdown catch and Rogers’ 1-yard keeper.

New Mexico State made a late push, pulling within 37-25 after Huntley scored on a 50-yard run and a 23-yard reception. Scott scored on a 29-yard pass as time expired.

“We were a little bumpy coming out,” Rogers said. “We shot ourselves in the foot with a couple of stupid penalties. I made a couple of dumb decisions on throws. Other than that, we responded.”