McFeely: Three quick takes from NDSU's 21-16 loss to New Mexico

ALBURQUERQUE, N.M. — Three quick takes from North Dakota State's 21-16 loss to New Mexico on Saturday, Oct. 23, at University Stadium: True grit Despite a terrible offensive performance in the first half and the feeling that New Mexico was in control of the game 95% of the time, NDSU had the ball with 2:31 left in the fourth quarter with a chance to win. The Bison trailed just 21-16, which seemed impossible given their offensive struggles and two interceptions (including a pick-six) thrown by quarterback Nathan Hayes. It was a loss, and an important one, but the fact the Bison hung as close as they did says a lot about their grit. Perhaps fitting, a bad snap messed up NDSU's last-chance drive. No offense in first half New Mexico's experienced and talented defense was always going to be tough for NDSU to crack, but the Bison's offense was nearly invisible for much of the game. The Bison had 74 yards of total offense in the first half — and 67 of those came on three plays. When t