Blake Baker Powers Louisiana Tech to 49-14 Rout of New Mexico State in 2025 CUSA Opener
RUSTON, La. — Blake Baker ran for 103 yards and a touchdown in his first start of the season, and Louisiana Tech forced three turnovers while rushing for 353 yards in a 49-14 rout of New Mexico State on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs (2-1, 1-0 Conference USA) dominated on the ground with 65 carries, the most in a game since 2011 and a program high in league play. Baker also threw for 182 yards and a touchdown, helping Louisiana Tech outgain the Aggies 574-308 in total offense. Omiri Wiggins added 68 yards and a score, Clay Thevenin ran for 68 yards, and Andrew Burnette contributed 41 yards and a touchdown.
Louisiana Tech jumped to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter on John Hoyet Chance’s 55-yard field goal — tied for the third longest in program history — and Baker’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Mickens. The Bulldogs extended it to 24-0 early in the second on Burnette’s 11-yard run and Trey Kukuk’s 42-yard scoring strike to Marlion Jackson.
New Mexico State (2-1, 0-1) responded with two quick touchdowns, as Logan Fife connected with Brodrick Malone for 41 yards and PJ Johnson III for 38 yards, trimming the deficit to 24-14. But Chance’s 27-yard field goal gave Louisiana Tech a 27-14 halftime edge.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bulldogs pulled away in the fourth. Jacob Bradford returned a fumble 20 yards for a touchdown, Baker scored on a 1-yard keeper, and Wiggins added a 17-yard run. The defense, which limited the Aggies to 27 rushing yards — the fewest allowed since 2014 — sealed it with interceptions by Kam Franklin and Jakari Foster.
Fife threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice for New Mexico State, which managed just 27 yards on 17 carries.
Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie praised the offensive execution, saying, “I think Blake [Baker] started the game with a lot of confidence throwing the football. I thought he was not hesitant; I thought that he made plays with his feet.”
Baker credited preparation: “This week of prep we just took it personally. We did the little things right, and when you do the little things right you often have good outcomes.”
Foster highlighted the defense’s mindset: “We take it every day throughout the week … and then when we come out here on Saturdays it’s what we do.”
Kolbe Fields led Louisiana Tech with 10 tackles, the fifth time he’s reached double digits in his career.
The Bulldogs have won five straight home-opening Conference USA games and now lead the series 9-6.
Louisiana Tech hosts future conference mate Southern Miss next Saturday in The Rivalry in Dixie. The Golden Eagles hold a commanding 36-17 edge in the all-time series, including a 35-19 victory in their most recent meeting in 2021. New Mexico State visits University of New Mexico in two weeks following a bye.
