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– New Mexico State Director of Athleticsannounced an agreement with the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl that will secure NM State football's postseason future leading into Independent status."New Mexico State University and our football program are excited to enter into a bowl agreement with the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl for 2018 and 2019," said Moccia. "Every aspect of our experience last year was nothing short of phenomenal. With the proximity to Las Cruces, date of the game, weather of Tucson and the amount of alumni we have in Arizona makes this a perfect opportunity for our team as well as Aggie Nation. We appreciate Executive Director Kym Adair and her board affording us this opportunity. The NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl and Visit Tucson are widely recognized for providing a first class destination and experience for the participating teams and their fans."Thursday's newly-minted agreement places NM State as the first option for the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, should it meet the necessary win requirements for postseason eligibility, if the Mountain West or Sun Belt Conferences not qualify the necessary teams to fulfill their bowl commitments."The NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl is proud to further strengthen our relationship with New Mexico State University, which grew out of NM State's incredible 2017 season and culminated at our game in their win over Utah State in overtime," NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Executive Director Kym Adair said. "The enthusiastic fans that traveled to Tucson for the game created a remarkable energy in Arizona Stadium and if neither the Mountain West nor Sun Belt Conferences can produce a Bowl eligible team for our game in 2018, we would welcome the NM State Aggie fans back to Tucson with great enthusiasm. We are excited to be a part of the great momentum surrounding this rising football program."News of the agreement comes on the heels of the NM State football making its return to ESPN2 on Aug. 25 as it kicks off the 2018 season against Wyoming at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. (MT) for the 2017 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Champions.