Box Score LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The Bryant football team fell to New Mexico State, 19-3, in its season opener on Saturday night at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 0-1 on the season. Bryant will play its second-straight FBS opponent when it travels to UMass next Saturday.

On Saturday, Bryant and NMSU were locked in a 9-3 game for nearly two full quarters before the Aggies scored 10 fourth-quarter points to close out the season-opening victory.

Azarel Juste collected his first-career interception, while Bryce Soli accounted for Bryant's only points with a 43-yard field goal.
 
Game Information
New Mexico State 19, Bryant 3
Records: Bryant (0-1), New Mexico State (1-0)
Location: Aggie Memorial (Las Cruces, N.M.)

Key Moment

• Trailing 9-3 late in the third quarter, Bryant drove to the NMSU 11-yard line but could not convert on a fourth-and-inches.

How it Happened

• On the Aggies second possession of the game, NMSU picked up a six-play touchdown drive, which was capped off by a 24-yard passing TD (6-0). The PAT was blocked by Gideon Bedada.
• The Bulldogs responded with a 13-play drive that saw Bryant put three points on the board on a career-long 43-yard field goal from Bryce Soli (6-3). Tristen Riley caught two passes on third down for 21 and 11 yards to keep the drive moving.
• NMSU would go on a ten-play drive that was halted by the Bulldogs' defense, resulting in an Aggies 41-yard FG to begin the second quarter (9-3).
• The Aggies extended their lead to nine (12-3) with a 27-yard field goal with 12:10 left in the game.
• Bryant then drove into NMSU territory again before turning it over on downs. The Aggies took advantage, driving 61 yards in just six plays to take a 19-3 lead on a 17-yard rushing touchdown with 6:20 left.

 Stats

• NMSU held a 305-255 advantage in total offense.
• The Aggies led 19-16 in first downs.
• Bryant finished the game 6-of-18 on third down and 0-2 on fourth down.
• Brennan Myer finished 20-of-33 for 187 yards and an interception.
• Tristen Riley posted five catches for 42 yards, while Aldrich Doe caught five passes for 54 yards.
• Zyheem Collick added two catches for 46 yards.
• Dylan Kedzior (8 car., 28 yards) and Elijah Elliott (15 car., 27 yards) paced Bryant's run game.
• Juste posted five tackles in addition to his interception.
• Brandon Perkins led Bryant with six tackles, while Lonnie Rice and Liam Lindo also chipped in five tackles.
• Michael Otty collected a pair of sacks.

 Game Notes

• Soli's 43-yard field goal was the longest of his career. He is now 11-of-15 on field goals in his career. 
• Juste's third-quarter interception was the first of his career.
• Riley matched his career high with five receptions.
• Doe set a new career high with his five catches.
• Otty, a preseason all-league selection, now has 13.0 career sacks. 

Next Up
Bryant will face its second-straight FBS opponent next week when it travels to the University of Massachusetts. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on September 6.