UTEP Scouting Report

[bullwark]

For UTEP in 2011, it's all about finishing the season strong.

The Miners beat eventual Conference USA champion SMU last November, 28-14, and at 6-4 appeared destined for a strong finish to the season. Instead they lost to No. 14 Arkansas, Tulsa and BYU by a combined 141-73 to limp to the finish line. The Miners allowed 58 points to Arkansas and 52 to BYU.

They did make their third bowl game in seven seasons under Mike Price, and that's something to build on as the former Washington State and Alabama coach tries to take the Miners to the next level.

The question is whether UTEP can sustain positive momentum, or constantly re-trench as they rebuild depth.

Price faces a huge rebuilding task on offense with only two starters back. The defense is another story with nine starters returning. The Miners were very good on special teams last season, and should be again in 2011.

Of course it's going to come down to two positions -- quarterback and the offensive line.

Price has plenty of candidates at QB, but he won't select a starter until fall practice.

And the offensive line that lost all five starters from last year made significant strides during the spring, Price said, and if this group continues to bond during preseason drills, the Miners' usual high-powered offense will be back intact again.

[bullwark]

UTEP vs NM RecLAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Dakota Warren booted three field goals and UTEP set up a touchdown with a 60-yard run on a fake punt in a 16-10 victory over New Mexico State on Saturday night.

On the fake punt, the ball was snapped to Joe Banyard, who raced 60 yards to the New Mexico State 6. Moments later, Leilyon Myers scored on a 5-yard run.

Warren connected on field goals of 42, 47 and 37 yards. Myers was tough up the middle -- 55 yards on 16 carries

New Mexico State couldn't establish a running game, rushing for just 16 yards on 29 attempts.

Aggies quarterback Andrew Manley completed 20-of-37 pass attempts for 242 yards and a touchdown, but was sacked six times.

New Mexico State moved the ball inside the UTEP 5-yard line three times, but only had a field goal to show for it.

[The Sheriff]

We win by 40... book it.