New Mexico State players take advantage of time off during open week

LAS CRUCES - After playing seven straight games to open the season, New Mexico State football players practiced just once during the open week. 

"I think it was good to have a lot of time off," Aggies junior safety Chance Cook said. "Physically and emotionally it was draining after the start we had. It was good to step away and come back re-energized and refreshed and ready to go."

The Aggies practiced on Thursday and Sunday ahead of Saturday's 1 p.m., game at Georgia Southern. 

"That was a tough run of games and I felt like the guys needed to get away," Aggies coach Doug Martin said. "We felt like the coaches needed to get on the road too so we did that."

Players took advantage of the time away from the practice field to let their bodies recover and re-focus mentally. 

NM State (0-7) plays at 3-3 Georgia Southern at 1 p.m., on Saturday. 

The Aggies lost 42-28 at Central Michigan on Oct. 12 and will have a second open week following the Georgia Southern game. 

"It was good to get time away from the game," Aggies offensive lineman Austin Young said. "People don't see how physically and mentally exhausting the game is. Last week me and the guys were in the film room consistently because the one thing you can do is really focus on the mental side of the game."

Doug Martin sends condolences to family and Georgia Southern program

Georgia Southern announced Monday night that offensive lineman Jordan Wiggins had passed away. 

Wiggins was 18 years old. 

"This is a tough thing for any program to go though so our hearts go out to that family and their football program," Martin said.

Roy Lopez, Sage Doxtater participate in practice

Aggies senior defensive tackle Roy Lopez (leg) and senior offensive lineman Sage Doxtater (shoulder) both practiced over the weekend, Martin said. 

Martin said both players are doubtful this week. Lopez could play in three games and still redshirt and Doxtater could play in four games and still redshirt. 

Martin said senior safety Austin Perkins will not play on Saturday after undergoing surgery for a broken hand. 

Sports Editor Jason Groves can be reached at 575-541-5459 or jgroves@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on Twitter @jpgroves.