LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KTSM) — New Mexico State football has gotten down to its third string quarterback at this point of the season. Last weekend, in its game against Sam Houston, Santino Marucci started at quarterback for New Mexico State. Marucci, a Wake Forest transfer, is set to get the start for a second straight game. NMSU head coach Tony Sanchez, during his weekly press conference on Monday, said that Marucci will start against New Mexico on Saturday. In his first start of the season, Marucci completed 14-of-29 passes for just 79 yards and threw two interceptions. NMSU lost to Sam Houston, 31-11. It wasn't a good outing but again it was his first start of the season, and Marucci might be NMSU's best option at quarterback right now. NMSU's initial starter, sophomore Parker Awad, has struggled this season. After three games played, Awad has completed 20-of-55 passes, a completion percentage of 36.36 percent, for 243 yards. He's recorded two touchdown passes and has thrown two interceptions. NMSU second string quarterback Deuce Hogan will miss the rest of the season due to a collarbone injury. All that has led to Sanchez now giving Marucci an opportunity to lead the NMSU offense. Sanchez is hoping more reps with the starting offense for Marucci at practice will help him settle in more ahead of the Aggies' game against New Mexico in Week 5. "Santino started an entire game, played the whole game, did some good things, it was nice to see him make some throws at the end. We want to see that gradual improvement," NMSU football head coach Tony Sanchez said on Monday. "It's one of those deals that is hard for people to understand, like when you are a two or three [second string or third string quarterback], you just don't get the reps that the one guy [starting quarterback] does. It holds true at every single level. But now when you're the one guy, you are getting all those reps, you're seeing different looks, and it's easier to adjust and identify, and that's the biggest thing. Coach [Tyler] Wright needs to do a good job of getting him mentally ready and we got to make sure we get him a menu that he [Santino Marucci] can execute." This will be a vital week of preparation for Marucci as the Aggies, who are looking to snap a three-game skid, will take on in-state rival New Mexico (0-4) at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces, NM on Saturday night.