HUNTSVILLE \u2013 NM State leaned on Conference USA’s leading rusher to hold off Sam Houston 30-24 on Wednesday night at Bowers Stadium.<\/p>\n
James Jones rushed for 178 yards and a touchdown, including a pivotal fourth-down conversion late in the fourth quarter that allowed the Aggies (3-4, 2-1 CUSA) to run out the clock and hand the Bearkats (1-6, 0-3 CUSA) their fourth consecutive loss.<\/p>\n
Sam Houston trailed by 13 points entering the fourth quarter before an interception by Railyn Adams<\/a> sparked a late rally. Quarterback Landyn Locke<\/a> helped move the Kats into scoring position before MJ Dowdy<\/a> capped an eight-play, 32-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 30-24 with four minutes remaining.<\/p>\n NM State advanced to the Sam Houston 33-yard line on its ensuing possession before facing fourth-and-2 with 25 seconds remaining. Jones picked up two yards to move the chains and seal the victory.<\/p>\n Locke completed 18 of 31 passes for 235 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown pass to Tim Burns Jr.<\/a> that gave Sam Houston a 17-14 lead on the opening offensive play of the third quarter.<\/p>\n Burns finished with four receptions for 117 yards, becoming the first Bearkat to reach the 100-yard receiving mark since Qua’Vez Humphreys<\/a> against Hawaii in 2024. Jerrian Parker added three receptions for 58 yards.<\/p>\n Sam Houston’s defense and special teams provided an early spark, forcing NM State into a three-and-out on its opening possession.<\/p>\n