The New Mexico State Aggies were locked in a shootout with the Liberty Flames on Friday night in the Conference USA Championship Game. With both quarterbacks dealing some of their finest performances to date, it came as a shock when New Mexico State QB Diego Pavia exited the lineup late in the third quarter.
Here’s the latest on the Aggies’ signal-caller.
Diego Pavia Injury: QB Exits CUSA Championship Game
According to sideline reporting, Pavia had been dealing with some elbow soreness in the lead-up to the Conference USA Championship Game. Despite that, Pavia threw a 75-yard touchdown strike coming out of halftime, his third of the game.
However, on the ensuing drive, viewers both in attendance and from their homes were stunned when freshman QB Blaze Berlowitz entered the game for the Aggies in the waning stages of the third quarter.
Berlowitz nearly threw an interception on his first attempt but came right back to complete four straight throws for 61 yards and a touchdown. Despite the early success from Berlowitz, the concerns started to grow for Pavia who stood on the sidelines with his helmet half on his head.
Pavia was shown receiving treatment to his right elbow — his throwing arm — and had reportedly visited the injury tent following the touchdown toss in the third quarter.
The severity of the injury is not immediately known as it came as a big surprise. Pavia had thrown for 188 yards on 11-of-16 passing with three scores. The talented dual-threat quarterback had also run for 45 yards and a touchdown in the game against Liberty.
Berlowitz is the third-string quarterback for the Aggies and hadn’t attempted a collegiate pass until the Conference USA Championship Game.
At 6’3″, 200 pounds, Berlowitz has great size and showcased some impressive field vision in his early action following Pavia’s exit. However, replacing Pavia’s leadership, 2,915 passing yards, and 851 rushing yards will be hard.