NEW ORLEANS – The Sun Belt Conference announced the football player of the week awards on Monday morning. After a career-night against Battle of I-10 rival UTEP, New Mexico State defensive back Shamad Lomax earned the nod for defensive player of the week.
 
In the impressive 41-14 victory, Lomax recorded nine tackles and a career-high three interceptions. All three interceptions also came in just the first half, including a 19-yard pick-six that put the Aggies up 21-7 before heading to the locker room. 
 
The three interceptions was the first time an Aggie has accomplished such a feat since Donald Stowers did so against UNLV on Nov. 18, 1995. 
 
NM State's defense, led by Lomax, totaled five interceptions on the night which helped the Aggies to their first victory over rival UTEP since Sept. 20, 2008 and ended an eight-game losing streak.
 
This is Lomax's first Sun Belt Player of the Week honor and the third this season for an Aggie with quarterback Tyler Rogers and defensive back Ron LaForce earning the honor back on Sept. 11.
 
NM State football is back in action on the road against Arkansas this Saturday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. MT on the SEC Network.