COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- No. 9 Texas A&M understands exactly what's at stake going into its finishing stretch after dismantling New Mexico State 52-10 on Saturday night at Kyle Field.

"I just hope down this back end that we're even sharper," Texas A&M quarterback Trevor Knight said.

In a clash of Aggies, Texas A&M (7-1) was never threatened in a late-season nonconference game that served as a break from its grueling SEC schedule.

The win followed last week's loss to top-ranked Alabama. Now the ranked Aggies turn their attention to the last four games of the regular season beginning next week at Mississippi State.

By running the table, Texas A&M would finish 11-1 and could be in contention for one of the four spots in the College Football Playoff.

"We have to stay focused on what we’re doing," A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said. "It's gotten us this far. That's not gonna change."

Texas A&M should get help in the polls, as well as the first playoff rankings Tuesday, after previously undefeated teams No. 7 Nebraska, No. 8 Baylor and No. 10 West Virginia were beaten Saturday.

Scoreboard watching has quickly become a favorite pastime for A&M's faithful.

"Great for our team and fans that we’re relevant in November," Sumlin said. "It's great that our fans are able to root for people to win or lose."

Knight threw for 204 yards and two touchdowns in an abbreviated outing due to the rout. Sophomore receiver Christian Kirk scored three times, twice on punt returns.

"Christian's established himself quickly as one of the best returners in the country," Sumlin said.

Texas A&M was without three defensive starters, including All-American defensive end Miles Garrett. The junior is considered a potential top overall pick in next year's NFL Draft.

Texas A&M, up 24-3 at halftime, scored two touchdowns in the first 2 1/2 minutes of the third quarter to blow the game open.

Knight connected with Josh Reynolds on a 41-yard score on the first possession coming out of the break. Kirk took a punt back 73 yards for the fourth return touchdown of his career to set a school record. The two punt returns in the same game are also a program record.

New Mexico State quarterback Tyler Rogers completed 19 of 34 passes for 138 yards and a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jaleel Scott in the fourth quarter. Running back Larry Rose rushed for 89 yards.

NMSU coach Doug Martin was pleased with his team’s effort.

"Offensively we got done what we wanted to get done," he said. "We played more physical, we took care of the football and ran the football. Defensively the first half we played well and gave them 14 points on the punt team or our defense looks even better."

New Mexico State (2-6) returns to Sun Belt play in two weeks at Arkansas State. The 14-day break is welcome.

"We have to get some guys healthy in our off week and we are going to get a head start on Arkansas State," Martin said.

Texas A&M scored the first two times it touched the ball to take a 14-0 lead, including Kirk's 70-yard punt return for touchdown.

Freshman running back Trayveon Williams had the game's first score on 12-yard burst 3:18 into the game.

Kirk scored again late in the second quarter on a 3-yard pass from Knight for a 24-0 advantage.

New Mexico State followed up with its best drive of the half (11 plays, 59 yards) to get points on the board on Parker Davidson's 33-yard field goal.

NOTES: Texas A&M starters DE Myles Garrett, FS Armani Watts and CB Priest Willis didn't suit up. Garrett is nursing a left ankle injury and was in a boot on the sideline. ... Texas A&M and New Mexico State met for the first time. ... New Mexico State hadn't faced a top-10 opponent since 2010, when No. 3 Boise State visited Las Cruces. ... Texas A&M owns a 22-game nonconference home winning streak. The last loss was 41-23 to Miami on Sept. 20, 2008. ... Texas A&M has one non-league game remaining, No. 19 at home against UTSA.