Freshman free safety Derron Smith will be making his first start as a Bulldog in replace of Phillip Thomas who is not expected to play against New Mexico State. Starting cornerback, L.J. Jones is also sitting out the homecoming contest with Isaiah Green filling in.

Rashad Evans is back to his full-time return duties after being replaced by freshman Jalen Saunders for the past few weeks. In Evans’ place, Saunders averaged 24.5 yards per kick return, good enough for fifth in the Western Athletic Conference.

New Mexico State quarterback Matt Christian, who began his collegiate career at Fresno State, will not start for the Aggies. Instead, the Aggies will call freshman Andrew Manley’s number in hopes of sparking an offense that ranks last in the WAC and 112th in the country in passing.

After missing the past two weeks with a toe injury, running back A.J. Ellis has been listed as a game time decision.