Dec. 8, 2014
UTEP to battle Utah State at the New Mexico Bowl
The UTEP football team is headed to the ninth annual Gildan New Mexico Bowl. The Miners (7-5, 5-3 C-USA) will face Utah State (9-4, 6-2 MWC) on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 12:20 p.m. at University Stadium in Albuquerque. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN. This is the second time that UTEP will play in the game, as the Miners took on BYU in the fifth annual New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 18, 2010. UTEP will play in the 14th bowl game in the program's history. The Miners clinched the bowl bid with a 24-21 triumph over Middle Tennessee on Nov. 29 in the Sun Bowl, while winning five of their last seven games. UTEP opened the 2014 season with a 31-24 victory over New Mexico at University Stadium. Including the 2010 New Mexico Bowl result, the Miners are 11-27-1 all-time in Albuquerque, including a 7-17 mark in University Stadium since it opened in 1960.
UTEP's Bowl History
UTEP has participated in 13 bowl games. UTEP will look for its first-ever bowl win outside of El Paso and will attempt to end a five-game losing streak in bowl competition. The Miners have won five bowl games in their history - all in the Sun Bowl. The Miners made their first-ever bowl appearance in 1937 at the second annual Sun Bowl (vs. Hardin Simmons), but registered their first bowl win on Jan. 2, 1950, defeating Georgetown, 33-20, in the 15th edition of the game. Their most recent bowl win came on Dec. 30, 1967, when UTEP took down Ole Miss, 14-7, in the 33rd Sun Bowl. The other three wins came in 1954 (defeated Southern Miss 37-14), 1955 (defeated Florida State 47-20) and 1965 (defeated TCU 13-12). The other Sun Bowl appearances were in 1949 (vs. West Virginia) and 1957 (vs. George Washington). The Miners returned to postseason play during the 1988 season, as they faced Brett Favre and Southern Miss in the 13th annual Independence Bowl. UTEP then returned to December football during the 2000 season, playing in the Humanitarian Bowl against Boise State. UTEP came close to ending the losing streak during the 2004 EV1.Net Houston Bowl, as the Miners fell to Colorado, 33-28. UTEP took on Toledo on Dec. 21, 2005 in the seventh annual GMAC Bowl.
Inside the Miners' Bowl Numbers
The most points scored were 47 against Florida State in the 20th annual Sun Bowl, while the least points allowed were seven against Ole Miss. Chris Porter (2000 Humanitarian Bowl) holds the record for most yards rushing (134) in a bowl game, while Pug Gabrel (1950 Sun Bowl) and Jesse Whittenton (1955 Sun Bowl) each rushed for two touchdowns during their respective bowl games. Reggie Barrett (1988 Independence Bowl) holds the program record for receptions (nine), while Kris Adams (2010 New Mexico Bowl) holds the school mark for yards (153), longest touchdown catch (67 yards) and receiving scores (three). Under center, Jordan Palmer (2004 Houston Bowl) holds the records for passing yards (328), completions (22) and attempts (42), while Whittenton and Trevor Vittatoe (2010 New Mexico Bowl) each threw for three touchdowns. Billy Stevens (1965 Sun Bowl) is the record-holder for completion percentage (61.8). On defense, Robert Rodriguez (2004 Houston Bowl) andTroy Collavo (2005 GMAC Bowl) each tallied 14 tackles. Terry Walker (1988 Independence Bowl) intercepted two passes, while Menson Holloway (2000 Humanitarian Bowl) registered three sacks.
UTEP Coaching Staff Bowl Experience
UTEP Head Coach Sean Kugler will take part in his third bowl game with the Miners. Kugler played in the Independence Bowl (1988), was an assistant coach in the Humanitarian Bowl (2000) and will now lead the Miners as head coach in the New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 20. Kugler was on the 2006 Boise State coaching staff that won the 2007 Fiesta Bowl over national power Oklahoma. Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks CoachPatrick Higgins was the offensive coordinator for the Miners at the Humanitarian Bowl. Higgins gained plenty of bowl experience as the outside receivers coach/special teams coordinator at BYU from 2005-10. The Cougars played in the Las Vegas Bowl (2005-09) and the New Mexico Bowl (2010) during his time in Provo, Utah. Higgins acted as Purdue's interim head coach for the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2012, while being a part of a win at the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in 2011. Defensive Line Coach Andrew Browning was a student-athlete at Boise State in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl with Kugler. Browning also took part in the Fort Worth Bowl (2003), Liberty Bowl (2004) and MPC Computers Bowl (2005) with the Broncos. Defensive Backs Coach Gabe Franklin played at Boise State (2001-04), making three bowl appearances (2002 Humanitarian Bowl, 2003 Fort Worth Bowl & 2004 Liberty Bowl). Running Backs Coach Cornell Jackson was part of the coaching staff at Arizona State that took part in the 1997 Rose Bowl, the 1997 Sun Bowl and the 1999 Aloha Bowl. Jackson also coached at Washington, as the Huskies played in the 2002 Sun Bowl. Jackson was part of New Mexico's 2006 New Mexico Bowl team, and while at Purdue, the Boilermakers played in the 2011 Little Caesars Bowl and 2012 Heart of Dallas Bowl. Assistant Head Coach Spencer Leftwich was the offensive line coach at North Texas during its back-to-back New Orleans Bowl appearances (2001 & 2002). Leftwich saw more bowl action with Tulsa at the 2003 Humanitarian Bowl, 2005 Liberty Bowl, 2006 Armed Forces Bowl and the 2010 Hawai'i Bowl. Leftwich also coached at Pitt (2011 BBVA Compass Bowl) and at Arizona (2012 New Mexico Bowl). Tight Ends Coach Brian Natkin was the starting tight end for the Miners at the 2000 Humanitarian Bowl, while assistant special teams coordinator/nickleback/safeties coach Robert Rodriguez was the starting linebacker for UTEP in the 2004 EV1.Net Houston Bowl. Wide Receivers Coach Todd Whitten was a graduate assistant at Texas Tech during its 1989 All-American Bowl appearance. Graduate Assistant Frank Halliburton played in the 2006 Champs Sports Bowl and the 2007 Motor City Bowl, while other graduate assistant Jeremy Springer played in the 2010 New Mexico Bowl for the Miners. Defensive Coordinator Scott Stoker may not have FBS postseason experience, but has seen his share of postseason success. Stoker served as defensive coordinator at Sam Houston State when the Bearkats captured Southland Conference titles with back-to-back berths in the FCS championship game (2011 & 2012).
UTEP Players Bowl Experience
UTEP TE Katrae Ford and DB Adrian James both saw action on special teams at the 2010 New Mexico Bowl during their freshmen campaigns. UTEP QB Jameill Showers, while at Texas A&M, was part of two bowl teams (2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas & 2013 Cotton Bowl Classic). DB Damian Payne tallied a punt return at the 2012 TicketCity Bowl while playing for Houston.
About Utah State
The Aggies reeled off five consecutive victories before dropping their regular season finale at Boise State, 50-19. Utah State rates among the national leaders in sacks (fourth), tackles for losses (fifth), defensive touchdowns (sixth), turnovers gained (seventh), passes intercepted (ninth), kick return defense (11th), punt return defense (13th), blocked kicks (18th), turnover margin (15th), pass efficiency defense (24th) and scoring defense (21st). The Aggies average 27.4 points per game and allow 20.8 ppg. Utah State is averaging 381.2 yards per game. Darell Garretson has thrown for a team-high 1,140 yards and eight touchdowns. Three Aggies have over 450 yards rushing led by LaJuan Hunt (524). Hunter Sharp is the team's leading receiver with 918 yards and seven TDs. Utah State's top two tacklers, brothers Zach and Nick Vigil, have combined for 261 stops, 35.5 tackles for losses and 16 sacks. Jojo Natson is ninth in the nation in punt returns (12.1 avg.). UTEP and Utah State have one common opponent, New Mexico (Miners won 31-24 in Albuquerque, Aggies won 28-21 in Logan).
The Series
Utah State leads the all-time series 2-0. The two programs first met on Sept. 17, 1960 in El Paso in the season opener, as Utah State won 20-7. The Aggies defeated the Miners, 21-6, in Logan, Utah to open the 1961 season.
The Last Meeting
Texas Western's Paul Paxson caught a 46-yard touchdown from John Furman, but it wasn't enough as Utah State defeated the Miners 21-6 in Logan, Utah on Sept. 16, 1961. Furman threw for 58 yards on 3-of-14 passing with an interception. Don Boyce paced the Miners with 53 yards rushing. Utah State scored a touchdown in the first quarter, while its two scores in the second stanza put the Miners away. No points were produced in the second half of the contest.
Connections
UTEP Running Backs Coach Cornell Jackson was the linebackers coach at Utah State during the 1990 and 1991 seasons. Jackson also coached the linebackers at New Mexico during the 1995 season. First-year Utah State defensive line coach Ikaika Malloe served as the defensive line coach at UTEP, helping the Miners to the 2004 EV1.Net Houston Bowl and the 2005 GMAC Bowl. UTEP Offensive Line Coach Spencer Leftwich coached with Utah State head coach Matt Wells at Tulsa for four years.
UTEP TE Sterling Napier hails from Rio Rancho, N.M., north of Albuquerque. Utah State has 10 players on its roster from the state of Texas: QB Kent Myers (Rowlett), QB Damion Hobbs (Cedar Hill), QB Chuckie Keeton (Houston), DB Jontrell Rocquemore (McKinney), RB Justen Hervey (Beaumont), LB La'Bradford Harold (Crowley), LB Leki Uaskie (Hurst), LS Salanoa Galea'i (Euless), WR Andrew Rodriguez (Allen) and Braelon Roberts (Dallas). UTEP OL Chris Thomas and Uaskie attended Cisco Junior College.
Last Game: Middle Tennessee 21, UTEP 24
The Miners pulled off a thriller on Nov. 29 at the Sun Bowl, 24-21 over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. In front of 27,455 raucous fans, UTEP ensured itself its first winning season since 2005. The outlook looked grim for UTEP with a little more than a minute left to play in the game. Middle Tennessee, trailing by three, had second and goal from UTEP's seven-yard line. That's when senior Jameel Erving created a spectacular play. Blue Raider quarterback Austin Grammer rolled out of the pocket and attempted to connect with a receiver. Erving jumped up and batted the ball down, and in the process, picked the pass off; it was his first career interception in a UTEP uniform. The game was far from over, though. Middle Tennessee would wind up getting the ball back on the 50-yard line with 17 seconds left and no timeouts. After a penalty and a couple of reviewed plays, Middle Tennessee had time for one last heave. Wesley Miller knocked down the final Hail Mary attempt to top off a memorable "Senior Night." The senior also led the defense with 11 tackles (five solo, six assisted). In a game that featured five lead changes, UTEP took the lead midway through the fourth quarter with a nine play, 75-yard drive and never relinquished it. The Miners tallied 69 rushing yards on the drive; the other six were from an unsportsmanlike penalty committed by Middle Tennessee. UTEP ran the ball 48 times for 250 yards (5.2 avg.) while Middle Tennessee amassed 259 yards on 44 carries (5.9 avg). The rushing attack was led once again byAaron Jones. The sophomore sensation tallied 147 yards on 29 carries and one score; it was Jones' ninth career game where he ran for 100+ yards. Jameill Showers pitched in 59 yards on 10 carries with the go-ahead touchdown. Senior Nathan Jeffery had 31 yards on seven carries and Josh Bell ran for 13 yards on two attempts. Middle Tennessee's ground game was led by Grammer. The sophomore accumulated 106 yards on only 12 carries. Shane Tucker ran for two touchdowns and 101 yards. Showers completed seven of 13 passes for 106 yards. Seventy-two of those came via a third and six pass to Jones that led the Sun Bowl to erupt. The touchdown reception by Jones was the longest of his career. It was also Showers' first touchdown pass since the Southern Miss game.
The Rushing Attack
The UTEP rushing game has produced its most yards and touchdowns in quite some time this season. Its 2,552 yards ranks fifth-best in program history. The Miners rushed for 2,700 yards in 1956 for fourth best in a single season. UTEP rushed for 27 touchdowns, tying the sixth-best seasonal tally; the 2009 squad also scored 27 times. The Miners also averaged 212.7 yards per game, ranking eighth-best in school annals. The rushing offense assembled seven 200-plus yard games, including four 300-plus yard games. It is the first time in the modern era (since 1965) that the Miners have reached 300-plus yards in three or more games during a season. UTEP's yards per game and total yards rank third in Conference USA. The Miners' 27 rushing scores are tied for fourth-best in C-USA.
Where Jones Ranks in Conference and Nationally
El Paso native Aaron Jones rates 22nd amongst all FBS players with 112.1 rushing yards per game, while ranking fourth in Conference USA. Jones, who didn't play at Western Kentucky on Nov. 8 due to injury, is still 29th in rushing yards (1,233) and fifth in conference. Devon Johnson from Marshall leads C-USA with 1,636 rushing yards. Jones is 55th in the FBS and fifth in conference in scoring (7.6 points per game), while ranking 26th nationally and sixth in conference in all-purpose yards per game (137.9 avg.).
1,000-Yard Rusher
Aaron Jones' 147 yards rushing against Middle Tennessee increased his season total to 1,233 yards. His current total rates sixth-best in program history. Donald Buckram (1,594 yards in 2009), Fred Wendt (1,546 in 1948),Toraino Singleton (1,358 in 1995 & 1,277 in 1994) and Paul Smith (1,258 in 1999) rank first, second, third, fourth and fifth respectively. Jones is the ninth Miner to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. He is the first to gain over 1,000 yards since Buckram set a school record with 1,594 yards during the 2009 season. Howard Jackson (2003 & 2004), John Harvey (1987), Marcus Thomas (2007) and Robert Elliott (1977) have also reached the milestone.
Jones' Opener
Aaron Jones rushed for a career-high 237 yards - tied for the fifth-most in a game in school history - and three touchdowns, also a personal best, in the season opener at New Mexico on Aug. 30. The 237 rushing yards were the most by a UTEP player in an opener and the most in a game since Joe Banyard compiled 240 versus Houston on Sept. 29, 2011. Jones' total is tied for the 24th-most yards by an FBS player in a game this season. He is the first sophomore in school history to run for 200 yards in a game.
Hitting the Century Mark
Aaron Jones has hit 100-plus yards rushing nine times in 20 games during his UTEP career. Jones is tied for sixth in program history in 100-yard games. Donald Buckram (2006-10), Robert Elliott (1974-77) and Pug Gabrel(1947-50) notched nine. John Harvey (1985-88) leads the all-time list with sixteen 100-yard games, whileHoward Jackson (2001-04) tallied 14, Toraino Singleton (1994-95) 12, Marcus Thomas (2004-07) 11 and Paul Smith (1996-99) 10.
The Longest Yards
Aaron Jones is one of 19 collegiate rushers who have multiple rushing touchdowns of 50-plus yards in 2014. Jones had a 73-yard score at New Mexico and a 54-yard dash to the end zone against North Texas. Jones is one of five sophomores and one of two Conference USA running backs on the list. Marshall's Devon Johnson has three such scores (58, 62, 66 yards).
Other Aaron Jones Facts
Aaron Jones led the Miners with three touchdown receptions during the 2014 regular season, including a career-long 72-yard touchdown catch against Middle Tennessee. He also ranked second on the team in receptions (27) while totaling 284 yards receiving. Jones' 1,517 all-purpose yards this season are ranked ninth-best in program history. Jones has also amassed 14 total touchdowns, the most since Leilyon Myers had 12 scores in 2011.
Making the Top 10 List
Nathan Jeffery has 2,108 career rushing yards after the Middle Tennessee game on Nov. 29. He overtook the no. 10 spot in the Miner record book from Ray Holt (2,069 yards). Fred Wendt is ninth (2,166 yards), Pug Gabrel is eighth (2,321) and Donald Buckram is seventh (2,417).
Taking it to the House
Nathan Jeffery set a career high when he rushed for three touchdowns versus North Texas on Nov. 15 - all during the first half. Jeffery now has 18 rushing touchdowns in his career and is one away from finding himself in the top-10 in school history. Ken Heineman, Clovis Riley and Toraino Singleton each rushed for 19 touchdowns to tie for eighth all time. Owen Price and Donald Buckram are tied for sixth all-time with 21 scores.
Getting the Job Done
The UTEP passing game was a bit inconsistent in 2014, but starting quarterback Jameill Showers put up solid numbers during the first 12 games. The senior connected on 146-of-262 passes (55.7 percent) for 1,732 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also showed versatility, rushing for 288 yards (third-most on the team) and four scores. For his career, Showers has completed 56.2 percent (253-for-450) of his passes, ranking fourth-best in program history. Showers has produced 23 passing scores and eight rushing scores, and 2,995 yards passing and 483 yards rushing during his two years in a UTEP uniform.
Offensive Interior
The UTEP offensive line began the 2014 season with a bunch of question marks. Senior Jerel Watkins, juniorEric Lee, sophomore Jerome Daniels, and redshirt freshmen Derek Elmendorff & Will Hernandez answered the call. The starting five helped open holes for UTEP rushers to average over 200 yards on the ground, while Miner quarterbacks were only sacked 11 times in 12 games (ranks first in Conference USA and sixth nationally in sacks allowed).
Third-Down Conversions
UTEP ranked 35th in the nation and fifth in Conference USA with its 44.2 percent third-down conversion percentage. The Miners registered 50 percent or better in six contests in 2014, including a season-high 70 percent (7-of-10) conversion rate versus NM State. The Miners also converted 10 third downs (season high) on 16 attempts (62.5 percent) during a win over Old Dominion.
Stoked Defense
After an abysmal 2013, second-year defensive coordinator Scott Stoker has overseen considerable improvement in 2014. The Miners allowed 28.7 points after allowing just over 39 points last season, while giving up 42 touchdowns in 2014 after 61 in 2013. The defense gave up 369.8 yards per game this season, still a high number, but vastly improved from last year's 468.3 yards allowed. UTEP rates fifth in Conference USA in scoring defense.
Pass Defense Rankings
UTEP's passing defense (201.5 yards per game) ranks second in Conference USA and 33rd amongst FBS schools in 2014. The Miners are no. 1 in conference in total passing yards (2,418) allowed and rate 32nd nationally.
Stalling the Chain Gang
UTEP ranks first in Conference USA and ninth amongst FBS schools in first downs allowed per game (16.3). The defense only yielded 195 first downs after giving up 262 in 2013. The highlight was when the Miners set a school and conference record by allowing two first downs at UTSA on Oct. 25.
Third-Down Defense
The UTEP defense ranked first in Conference USA and sixth nationally in third down conversions allowed (54), while its 36 percent conversion rate against ranks fifth in conference and 29th nationally. It's the lowest percentage since the 2004 season when the Miners only gave up 53-of-180 third down conversions (29 percent).
First Conference USA Shutout of 2014
Besides only allowing two first downs at UTSA on Oct. 25, the UTEP defense pitched a shutout, 34-0, in the Alamodome. With the win, UTEP was the first Conference USA school to not allow any points in a league game this season. It was also the first shutout for UTEP of an FBS opponent since NM State in 2004 (45-0). The goose egg was the first on the road for the Miners since a 37-0 win at New Mexico on Oct. 22, 1988.
Scoring on the Defensive
The UTEP defense, after scoring a defensive touchdown against UTSA, found the end zone two more times against Southern Miss on Nov. 1. The first came when Trey Brown intercepted a pass and took it 51 yards to the end zone, while the second was a Nick Gathrite fumble recovery that went 59 yards to the house. Both touchdowns were the first in their UTEP careers. It was the first time since the 2008 season that the Miner defense scored two touchdowns in a game and two consecutive games in which the defense produced points.Anthony Morrow took an interception 27 yards to the end zone and Robert Soleyjacks returned a fumble 24 yards for a score against NM State (9/20/08). The next week, Josh Ferguson scored on a 45-yard fumble return and Dane O'Neil recovered a fumble in the end zone against UCF (9/27/08). Jimmy Musgrave took an interception 19 yards for a score at UTSA. The Miners have three defensive touchdowns in 2014, their most since scoring four in 2008.
Sack Attack
After tallying only two sacks in the first five games (2-3 overall record), UTEP stepped up the pressure in the big way, registering 20 sacks over the last seven games (5-2 mark). The sack party started against Old Dominion with three quarterback takedowns. During the stretch, UTEP recorded four sacks against Southern Miss and four versus North Texas. Roy Robertson-Harris leads the defense with 3.5 sacks, while Cooper Brock has registered 3.0 sacks.
QB Hurries & Tackles for Loss
As the Miners' sacks have increased, so have their quarterback hurries. UTEP has recorded 38 quarterback hurries this season, after only getting 12 in 2013. And after registering a season-high 11 tackles for loss against North Texas and adding six at Rice, UTEP now has 68 tackles for losses (for 231 yards). Last season, the Miners tallied 45 for 158 yards.
Picking off Passes
The UTEP defense has registered 10 interceptions in 2014, more than tripling last season's total of three. 10 different Miners have intercepted a pass, which includes Adrian James (at New Mexico), Wesley Miller (vs. NM State), Damian Payne (vs. NM State), Da'Carlos Renfro (at LA Tech), Jimmy Musgrave (at UTSA), Alvin Jones(vs. Southern Miss), Trey Brown (vs. Southern Miss), Nick Gathrite (vs. North Texas), Devin Cockrell (at Rice) and Jameel Erving (vs. Middle Tennessee). For Payne, Renfro, Musgrave, Jones, Brown, Gathrite and Erving, it was their first interceptions in a UTEP uniform. Brown and Musgrave's interceptions were returned for touchdowns.
It's Miller Time
Wesley Miller leads UTEP in tackles and solo stops. The senior defensive back has tallied 74 tackles (42 solo) after an injury-riddled junior season. Miller is tied for the team lead with seven pass breakups in 2014, giving him 18 for his career. He's two away from tying Crance Clemons for 10th on the all-time list. DeShawn Graysonis ranked no. 9 with 21 pass breakups. Miller has also led the Miners in tackles during six different contests this season.
Roy's Breakout Season
Roy Robertson-Harris, after coming on strong late last season, has been productive during his junior season. Robertson-Harris ranks first on the defense in sacks (3.5), tackles for loss (8.5), quarterback hurries (five) and forced fumbles (four). Robertson-Harris' forced fumbles total is ranked first in Conference USA and 12th nationally.
The Golden Standard
Autrey Golden has returned two kickoffs for scores in 2014. The first was a 98-yard return in the third quarter against Southern Miss on Nov. 1, while the second came at WKU, 92 yards for a TD in the first quarter on Nov. 8. He has six kickoff return touchdowns in his career, making him the active FBS leader in the category. Golden is tied for second in Conference USA history and tied for third in NCAA history. He is now just one back of C-USA and NCAA record-holder Tyron Carrier of Houston (seven). Former Clemson star C.J. Spiller also shares the NCAA marker with seven kickoff returns for scores. Golden now has a total of 87 career returns, rating third in program history. He has also registered 2,322 kickoff return yards, ranking him second all-time at UTEP. Cedric Johnson (1993-96) holds the program record with 2,757 yards. Golden is ranked fourth in conference in kickoff return yards this season with 726. Golden is averaging 24.2 yards per return, ranking 36th in the nation.
Back-to-Back KR TDs
Autrey Golden became the first Miner since Marlon McClure to return kickoffs for touchdowns in back-to- back contests on Nov. 8. Golden returned one against Southern Miss, following with a return at WKU. McClure took one back 100 yards on Nov. 13, 2010 at Arkansas, followed by a 73-yard return at Tulsa on Nov. 20 of 2010.
Special Jay
UTEP kicker Jay Mattox has played a vital role on special teams. Firstly, Mattox is 11-for-14 on field goals and 43-of-44 on PATs, both career highs. Mattox also connected on a career-long 47-yard field goal at UTSA. It was the same game in which Mattox took over the punting duties. He averaged 46.1 yards on seven punts, while placing three of them inside the 10-yard line. Mattox kicked a career-long 68-yard punt at WKU.
Rare Winning Record
UTEP not only clinched a bowl bid, but also guaranteed itself a winning season for the first time since the 2005 campaign (8-4 record). UTEP has registered six winning seasons since 1987. The Miners finished 7-4 in 1987, 10-3 in 1988, 8-4 in 2000, 8-4 in 2004, and 7-5 in 2014. In 2010, the Miners had an opportunity to end the season with a winning record, but fell to BYU in the New Mexico Bowl to finish with a 6-7 mark.
Success in the Sun Bowl
The Miners finished 5-1 in the Sun Bowl this season (4-0 in C-USA action) and, with the victory over Middle Tennessee, they matched their most victories during league play in the venue since 1988 (4-0). UTEP also registered five home wins in 2000, 2004, 2005 and 2010.
Time Bandits
UTEP won the time of possession in 11 of 12 games this season. The Miners rate second in the nation in time of possession (34:49) behind Michigan State (35:14). UTEP's 41:26 of possession time against Old Dominion was the second most for the Miners ever, and the fourth time with better than 40 minutes in school history (41:53 at NM State in 2013, 41:25 vs. Valdosta State in 1995 and 41:03 at BYU in 1984). UTEP put together its longest drive, in terms of time, of 2014 at Western Kentucky. The Miners chewed 11:20 off the clock on an 18-play, 86-yard drive that resulted in a three-yard Nathan Jeffery touchdown. It was the longest drive by a Miner football team since a 21-play, 90-yard drive covering 11:46 that resulted in a field goal against SMU on Sept. 9, 2000.
Very Few Infractions
UTEP has committed only 57 penalties for 439 yards in 12 games this season. The Miners rank second in Conference USA in penalties per game (4.8) and 20th nationally. The Miners also rank first in C-USA and 11th nationally in penalty yards per game (36.6). It's simple the par for the course under coach Sean Kugler. In 24 games under his direction, UTEP has been whistled for 105 penalties totaling 860 yards. That breaks down to 4.4 penalties and 35.8 penalty yards per contest.
Turnover Margin
UTEP is 20th amongst FBS schools with a +8 turnover margin, while its total lost (11) rates second best. The Miners intercepted 10 passes and recovered nine fumbles during the regular season. In Conference USA, UTEP ranks third in turnover margin, while ranking second in fumbles lost (six) and first in interceptions lost (five). It's the first time since the 2008 season (+12) that UTEP has been on the plus side in turnover margin. Prior to 2014, the last five campaigns (-3 [2009], -5 [2010], -8 [2011], -4 [2012] and -6 [2013]) saw the Miners in the negative.
First Win when not Scoring 30+ Points
UTEP is 8-3 under Sean Kugler when scoring 30+ points, including 6-0 this season. But the Miners, for the first time during the Kugler era, notched a win when scoring under 30 points after defeating Middle Tennessee 24-21 on Nov. 29. It's only the second time during the last three seasons that UTEP has won a game when not scoring 30+ points. The Miners defeated Tulane, 24-20, on Oct. 20, 2012.
Head Coach Sean Kugler
Sean Kugler is 9-15 in his second year as UTEP's head coach. He was a four-year letterwinner for the Miners (1985-88) and a three-year starter at right guard. Kugler returned to the Sun City as a UTEP assistant coach (1993-2000), working as a graduate assistant/defensive line coach in 1993, tight ends & assistant strength and conditioning coach in 1994 and offensive line coach from 1995-2000. He coached in the NFL with Detroit (2001-05), Buffalo (2007-09) and Pittsburgh (2010-12) and was also assistant head coach at Boise State in 2006 when the Broncos finished 13-0 and beat Oklahoma, 43-42, in the Fiesta Bowl.
Staff Returns Intact
UTEP is one of 16 schools nationally to return its coaching staff intact from the 2013 season, along with Arizona, Auburn, Baylor, Boston College, BYU, Colorado, Colorado State, Kansas State, UL-Lafayette, Michigan State, Mississippi, San Diego State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington State. Flanking Sean Kuglerare offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Patrick Higgins, defensive coordinator Scott Stoker, defensive line coach Andrew Browning, defensive backs coach Gabe Franklin, running backs coach Cornell Jackson, assistant head coach/offensive line coach Spencer Leftwich, tight ends coach/special teams coordinator Brian Natkin, assistant special teams coordinator/nickelbacks/safeties coach Robert Rodriguez and wide receivers coach Todd Whitten. Natkin and Rodriguez are former Miner players, while Higgins (1998-2003) and Whitten (1994-95) have both coached at UTEP previously.
Players Turned Coaches
Sean Kugler is the second UTEP head coach who played for the Miners at one time. The other is Walter Milner, a three-year letterman from 1931-33 who served as head coach in 1942. Kugler is one of 12 active Division I head coaches who played at the school where they are currently coaching.
School Head Coach Years
Air Force Troy Calhoun 1985-88
Boise State Bryan Harsin 1995-99
East Carolina Ruffin McNeill 1976-80
Kent State Paul Haynes 1987-91
Northwestern Pat Fitzgerald 1993-96
Oklahoma State Mike Gundy 1986-89
Stanford David Shaw 1991-94
Texas Tech Kliff Kingsbury 1999-02
Tulsa Bill Blankenship 1975-79
Utah State Matt Wells 1994-96
UTEP Sean Kugler 1985-88
Virginia Tech Frank Beamer 1966-68
The Roster
The Miners' 105-man roster includes 23 seniors, 23 juniors, 24 sophomores and 35 freshmen (26 true/nine redshirt). UTEP has 43 returning lettermen (18 offense/21 defense/four special teams) and 19 returning starters (eight offense/seven defense/four special teams).