Rocky Top will be alive Saturday as Tennessee welcomes New Mexico State for its Homecoming game.
It’s a matchup that on paper looks as lopsided as they come but still carries significance for both programs.
For the Volunteers, it’s a chance to sharpen execution before their stretch run in the SEC.
For the Aggies, it’s something more; a rare opportunity to step onto a national stage and measure their progress against a power-conference opponent.
“They don’t get national television that much,” said Nick Coppola of the Las Cruces Sun-News. “It’s a chance for them to kind of put their brand on a national platform… and they also need the money, so that’s why they take these games.”
Defensive Front Aims to Set the Tone
If New Mexico State is to make noise, at any point, in Neyland Stadium, its defensive front will need to lead the way.
“The defensive line is probably one of their strongest points on the team,” Coppola said. “Jamall Thompson Jr. at defensive end, he’s been their best edge rusher. Ezra Christensen on the inside is their sack leader with six, which is pretty good for a defensive tackle.”
The Aggies rely on depth up front, often rotating as many as eight or nine linemen.
That includes Brad Vislisel, Gabe Peterson, Ta’Avili Tuitama, and Cole Schnettgoecke.
That constant rotation, Coppola noted, helps keep fresh legs against up-tempo opponents like Tennessee.
Equally critical will be the secondary’s ability to create turnovers. “Takeaways are something they’ve been really, really good at this season,” he said. “They have 20 takeaways, second-most in the conference, and 12 interceptions. That’s how they’ve stayed in games. They need those to keep the Tennessee offense off the field.”
Passing Game the Aggies’ Offensive Lifeline
Offensively, New Mexico State’s identity is clear. It’s through the air to their two 400+ yard wide receivers.
“It’s pretty much the only way they’ve been able to find offense this year,” Coppola admitted. “They had the worst rushing offense in the country.”
What the Aggies lack on the ground, they compensate for through explosive plays in the air.
Quarterback Logan Fife leans on wideouts Donovan Faupel and TK King, who have emerged as big-play threats downfield.
“Faupel’s been a really good receiver,” Coppola said.
“He had two touchdowns last week against Kennesaw State, both in the fourth quarter. King, meanwhile, offers speed and pedigree. He was recruited to Texas Tech out of high school, he’s probably the guy they’re going to go to when they take a shot deep,” Coppola added.
Tight end Gavin Harris has quietly become another key piece. “He’s provided a massive boost,” Coppola said. “Last year they didn’t have much production from tight ends, and now Harris gives them reliability.”
But pass protection remains a concern. “Both tackles have allowed a lot of pressures and sacks,” Coppola said. “They’ll need help, tight ends and running backs, to give Fife time. If he gets that, he can make plays.”
Fighting Spirit Amid Long Odds
The Aggies enter the weekend at 3-6, still mathematically alive for a bowl game if they win out. Coppola said that reality fuels their mindset.
“They can’t think the season’s over,” he said. “They’ve got to go into Tennessee with a little bit of fight, some tenacity and energy. I don’t think that’s going to translate into a win, but it’s the mindset they need at this point in the season.”
That attitude will hinge on playmakers rising to the occasion.
“I’m really looking at TK King,” Coppola said. “He’s one of the fastest guys on the team, and if they want to open up the passing game, he’s got to be that guy again.”
On defense, Coppola pointed to Bernock Lya and Naeten Mitchell, whose knack for interceptions could help slow the Volunteers’ rhythm.
“They just need to be explosive,” Coppola said. “Have those impact plays that can really stunt Tennessee and kind of shock them a little bit.”
A Measuring Stick on the National Stage
Saturday’s matchup does not tilt in the Aggies’ favor, but for a program chasing national relevance, the opportunity matters.
“It’s a chance for them to show the growth they’ve had in the back half of the season,” Coppola said. “Even if the odds are long, they’re not backing down.”
