OFFENSIVE MVP: Andrew Manley, QB, New Mexico State

The sophomore completed 20 of 31 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns. His only negative was tossing a pair of interceptions. There's a bad trend: A week ago USC QB Matt Barkley completed 34 of 45 passes for 304 yards and three TDs.

DEFENSIVE MVP: Jonte Green, DB, New Mexico State

The senior had 10 tackles, forced a fumble and broke up a pass to help his team hold off the Gophers. Minnesota had 419 yards of total offense but failed to convert on 10 of 12 third-down tries.

TURNING POINT

NMSU, leading 21-14, took possession on its own 6-yard line with 5 minutes to play in the third quarter after a 64-yard punt by Dan Orseske. The Aggies drove the length of the field in 10 plays, scoring on Robert Clay's 2-yard run with 31 seconds left in the quarter. The Gophers' Kim Royston has a potential interception wiped away by a pass interference call on the drive.

BY THE NUMBERS

1 Victories New Mexico State now has against Big Ten opponents. The Aggies had lost their previous six games against the Big Ten by an average of 49 points.

51 Seasons since NMSU has appeared in a bowl.

133 Rushing yards for New Mexico State after being held to 6 net yards on the ground in a season-opening loss to Ohio.