Evans, Wyoming beat New Mexico State 29-7

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Nico Evans ran for 206 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries to help Wyoming beat New Mexico State 29-7 on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.

The senior came in with 36 career carries for 108 yards with one touchdown — a 6-yard reception against Fresno State on Nov. 18.

Evans capped a nine-play, 60-yard drive with a 24-yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 with 9:30 left in the first quarter. New Mexico was called for holding on the ensuing kickoff and then a false start on its next play from scrimmage. After an incomplete pass, on second-and-11 from the 2, Carl Granderson and Jesse Hooper tackled Jason Huntley in the end zone. Cooper Rothe made second-quarter field goals of 36 and 39 yards to give the Cowboys a 15-0 halftime lead.

New Mexico State had just eight total yards, including minus-9 yards rushing, at the break. The Aggies, who had seven first-half possessions, went three-and-out five times, allowed a safety and had a four-play, 4-yard drive that ended when the second quarter expired. Their lone first down in the half came with just seconds remaining and was followed by a false start and then a holding penalty.

Evans added a 56-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter and freshman Jevon Bigelow made it 29-0 with a 23-yard scoring run early in the fourth.

New Mexico State didn't cross midfield until the closing minutes during a 10-play, 93-yard drive that was capped by Matt Romero's 31-yard touchdown pass to Drew Dan with 1:16 to play.