NEW ORLEANS – The Sun Belt Conference announced the football player of the week awards on Monday. New Mexico State quarterback Tyler Rogers was named offensive player of the week and linebacker Terrill Hanks earned the defensive honors.

Rogers orchestrated an incredible home finale in his NM State career leading the Aggies to a 22-17 win over South Alabama and the team is now bowl bound for the first time since 1960. Rogers was in a rhythm all night going 40-for-61 for 451 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The Peoria, Ariz. natives night saw him command a game-winning drive in the closing minutes where the senior led the Aggies 83 yards down the field and capped off the series with a seven-yard touchdown pass.

Hanks was a man on a mission leading the NM State defense in its win over the Jaguars on Saturday. Hanks recorded eight tackles which included two huge sacks. The night did not end there for the linebacker who also forced a fumble on a quarterback keeper up the middle and made a crucial interception in the closing seconds of the first half on the NM State side of the field. 

The victory allowed New Mexico State to end the country's longest bowl drought of 57 years.  NM State is now heading to the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl on Dec. 29 at 3:30 p.m. MT to take on Utah State at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz.

Tickets for the game can be purchased at the Pan Am ticket office or by calling 575-646-1420.