Pavia leads New Mexico State to 34-17 victory over FIU

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- , Diego Pavia threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score to help New Mexico State pull away in the fourth quarter for a 34-17 victory over Florida International on Wednesday night. Pavia raced 43 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter for a 24-17 lead. NMSU forced a punt and Monte Watkins’ 32-yard run set up a 3-yard scoring run by Star Thomas for a 31-17 advantage with 10:35 left to play. Pavia completed 20 of 31 passes for 256 yards with one interception. Watkins had 89 yards on five carries. New Mexico State (3-3, 1-1 Conference USA) took a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter when Pavia capped an 11-play, 76-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown toss to Chris Bellamy . FIU (3-3, 0-3) pulled even on the ensuing drive on Keyone Jenkins ' 6-yard touchdown run at the end of a seven-play, 75-yard drive.