FCS Tarleton upends FBS New Mexico St. 43-17 behind Burston

Updated Feb. 21, 2021 8:41 p.m. ET

Associated Press

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Cameron Burston ran for a pair of scores in the first quarter and FCS-member Tarleton overwhelmed FBS-level New Mexico State 43-17 on Sunday night.

The win was the first for the Texans (1-1) in just their second game at the FCS level following 26 years in Division II.

On the first play following the opening kickoff,

Tarleton forced New Mexico State to punt after the Aggies' initial 6-play, 20-yard drive. Instead of using his legs, this time,

On the ensuing kickoff,

Still in the first quarter, the Texans' defense recorded a safety on a botched pitch by New Mexico State quarterback Jonah Johnson in which an Aggies running back fell on the ball in the end zone for a 16-7 advantage.

With 3:29 left in the first, the elusive Burston recorded his second-rushing touchdown on a 21-yard scamper in which he seemingly eluded the entire New Mexico State defense.

The Aggies' Johnson finished 17-for-31 passing for 187 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted three times.

___

More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25