College Sports

Levis throws 4 TDs, Kentucky beats New Mexico State 56-16

Posted November 20, 2021 6:00 am

By STEVE MCCLAIN

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis looks for a receiver as New Mexico State linebacker Trevor Brohard (80) closes in during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb) The Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky (AP) - Will Levis overcame an early fumble to throw for four touchdowns and 419 yards as Kentucky cruised past New Mexico State 56-16 in Saturday's home finale.

The Wildcats (8-3) earned their 14th consecutive nonconference victory behind Levis, who completed 21 of 31 passes to become the first Kentucky quarterback to surpass 400 yards since Andre Woodson against Tennessee in 2007. Things didn't start so well for the junior QB, who couldn't corral a high snap on the first series and fumbled, which Trevor Brohard ultimately returned 25 yards to give the Aggies a 7-0 lead.

Kentucky outscored NMSU 56-9 from there, including Quandre Mosley's 38-yard interception return to make it 14-7. Levis threw touchdown passes of 32 and 2 yards to Justin Riggs and 9 and 62 yards to Josh Ali.

Wan'dale Robinson had eight receptions for 181 yards and became Kentucky's first 1,000-yard receiver under coach Mark Stoops. Chris Rodriguez Jr. overcame a fumble inside the Aggies' 5 to rush for 119 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown as the Wildcats rolled up a season-high 707 yards.

The Aggies (1-10) did move the ball effectively at times, but settled for three Ethan Albertson field goals before halftime. New Mexico State managed just 282 yards.

THE TAKEAWAY

New Mexico State: The Aggies' second consecutive Southeastern Conference opponent ended with them allowing more than 50 points again. Jonah Johnson completed 16 of 35 for 181 yards with an interception.

Kentucky: Wildcats seniors contributed several big plays on what was likely their final home game. In addition to Riggs' two scoring catches, Ali had seven catches for 164 yards. Josh Paschal had six tackles, including a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. Rodriguez posted his seventh 100-yard rushing game this season and 13th of his career.

UP NEXT

New Mexico State hosts UMass in its season finale on Saturday.

Kentucky visits in-state rival Louisville on Saturday in the annual Governor's Cup game.

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Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) goes out of bounds short of the end zone during the first half of the team's nNCAA college football game against New Mexico State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb) The Associated Press

Kentucky Wildcats running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (24) scores a touchdown during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against New Mexico State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb) The Associated Press

Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, right, celebrates with running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. after a Rodriguez touchdown during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against New Mexico State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb) The Associated Press

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops yells to players during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb) The Associated Press

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