UMass vs. New Mexico State game delayed after drone spotted flying above field

The start of Saturday’s Week 0 game between Massachusetts and New Mexico State was delayed after a drone was spotted flying above Aggie Memorial Stadium. The NCAA has implemented a new rule this season that drones are not allowed to fly above the field or team areas.

DRONE DELAY in New Mexico State-UMass. That's a new NCAA rule this year, drones are not allowed above the field or team areas. https://t.co/E8OibQQWJW

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) August 27, 2023

Ultimately, the delay didn’t last too long as it took only two minutes for the situation to be resolved. Kickoff started not long after the originally scheduled start time of 7 p.m. ET.

The official rule from the NCAA states that “drones are not allowed over the field or the team area when squad members are present within the playing enclosure.  Outside the limit lines, game management (or conference policy) will govern drone activity.”

Massachusetts wasted no time getting going once the drone issue was cleared up. Although the Minutemen went three-and-out on their first drive, the defense stepped up to come away with an interception in the next few plays. That put Massachusetts in prime scoring position for its next drive as it took over at the New Mexico State 35-yard line.

After three plays, receiver Anthony Simpson ran it in for a 10-yard touchdown to put the Minutemen up 7-0. They held that advantage up until the 8:34 mark in the second quarter when Aggies running back Monte Watkins broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run.

Both teams added a field goal before the end of the first half to make the score even at 10-10 heading into halftime. That is where the score still stands with the third quarter just getting underway a few moments ago.

Jerry Kill, New Mexico State players wear serapes ahead of Week 0 matchup against Massachusetts

New Mexico State head coach Jerry Kill made a splash on Boxing Day last year when he emerged from the team bus at the QuickLane Bowl in Detroit sporting an Aggies-themed serape. Now the garment — traditional to Mexico and what is now the American southwest — appears to be hear to stay for the Aggies.

Ahead of New Mexico State’s season-opening game against UMass on Saturday in Week 0, Kill and his players were all sporting black and white serapes with some New Mexico State theming. Safe to say no other teams in college football have pregame outfits quite like that.

“Broke out our Week Zero best,” New Mexico State football said on X along with an array of photos.

Broke out our Week Zero best 😮‍💨#AggieUp x #HHLP pic.twitter.com/Jcsbcf5W2D

— New Mexico State Football (@NMStateFootball) August 26, 2023

On3’s Jesse Simonton made the case for Kill as one of the five most impactful first-year coaches in 2022. Coming off of a 7-6 finish and victory in the Quick Lane Bowl, he’ll hope to keep the momentum going and earn a win in the season opener.