Nov. 16, 2015

Game Notes

UTEP to Host LA Tech on Senior Day
UTEP (4-6, 2-4 Conference USA) will close out its home portion of the schedule, as the Miners will play host to LA Tech (7-3, 5-1 C-USA) on Nov. 21 in the Sun Bowl. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m. in a rare day game in the Sun City. Twenty seniors will be honored following the contest. UTEP is 5-2 in its last seven home finales, including defeating FIU (33-10) on Nov. 16, 2013 and edging Middle Tennessee (24-21) on Nov. 29, 2014. With the loss at Old Dominion on Nov. 14, UTEP will have to win its next two contests, which includes the season finale at North Texas on Nov. 28, to gain bowl eligibility. The Miners are looking for back-to-back bowl seasons for the first time since the 2004 (EV1.net Houston Bowl) and 2005 (GMAC Bowl) campaigns.

Senior Sendoff
On Saturday afternoon, 20 seniors will be honored in the final home game of 2015. The seniors include: LB Trey Brown (Brownwood, Texas), DL Vince Czerniewski (Pittsburgh, Pa.), LS Nick Dooley (Scottsdale, Ariz.), RB Laquintus Dowell (Humble, Texas), DB Kelvin Fisher Jr. (Gilbert, Ariz.), WR Autrey Golden (Willis, Texas), DB Ishmael Harrison (Red Oak, Texas), LB Matthew Heard (El Paso, Texas), TE Cedrick Lang (Sioux Falls, S.D.), RB Jeremiah Laufasa (Seattle, Wash.), OL Eric Lee (Riverside, Calif.), LB Jimmy Musgrave (Victorville, Calif.), DB Da'Carlos Renfro (Orange, Texas), Roy Robertson-Harris (Grand Prairie, Texas), Natanael Rodriguez (El Paso, Texas), Daniel Siller (Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico), OL Josh Silvas (El Paso, Texas), DB Nathan Stukes (Anderson, S.C.), DL Alex Villarreal (Hidalgo, Texas) and DB Traun Roberson (DeSoto, Texas).

The Series
LA Tech leads the series 8-2-1, having won seven of the last eight meetings since 1991. The two teams met four times as members of the Western Athletic Conference from 2001-04. This is the third meeting as members of Conference USA. UTEP is 1-4-1 versus LA Tech in games played in the Sun City (0-4 in the Sun Bowl). The Miners have never beaten a team coached by Skip Holtz. They are 0-5 since 2007 (0-2 when he was at East Carolina, 0-1 at USF, 0-2 at LA Tech). UTEP last defeated LA Tech on Oct. 23, 2004 in Ruston by the score of 44-27. The last contest in the Sun Bowl between the two programs was on Oct. 5, 2013 – a 38-35 LA Tech victory. The Miners' lone win in El Paso against the Bulldogs came on Nov. 18, 1939 – a 27-0 victory.

The Last Meeting
LA Tech scored 28 points off five turnovers by UTEP and scored on nine of 13 possessions in handing the Miners a 55-3 loss in their Conference USA opener on Oct. 4, 2014 in Ruston. The Miner offense stalled on its opening drive and the Bulldogs capitalized with great field position. They moved 53 yards and Kenneth Dixon's four-yard touchdown run put the home team up 7-0. LA Tech scored touchdowns on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter following Jameill Showers interceptions. Cody Sokol rushed for a 32-yard score and completed a 69-yard pass to Carlos Henderson for another TD. Henderson had two catches for 100 yards. Later in the period, Jay Mattox's 28-yard field goal attempt was blocked and recovered by the Bulldogs' Adairius Barnes, who flipped it to Le'Vander Liggins for a 54-yard touchdown. It appeared that LA Tech was set to punt for the first time in the game on its first possession of the second half. However, an illegal substitution by the UTEP defense led to a 45-yard field goal by Jonathan Barnes and a 31-3 Bulldog lead. In all, LA Tech outscored UTEP 20-0 in the third period, taking advantage of fumbles by the Miners' Eric Tomlinson and Aaron Jones and converting them into touchdowns. UTEP was held to 224 yards of offense. LA Tech, which did not punt, rushed for 256 yards and passed for 187. Dixon rushed for 86 yards.

Connections
UTEP LB Trey Brown, UTEP OL Chris Thomas, UTEP WR Jaquan White and LA Tech OL Josh Robinson all attended Lancaster [Texas] High School. UTEP DB Da'Carlos Renfro and LA Tech DB Trey Spencer both attended West Orange-Stark [Texas] High School. UTEP offensive coordinator Patrick Higgins was the tight ends coach and special teams coordinator at LA Tech in 2004 immediately following his first stint at UTEP (1998-2003). LA Tech inside receivers coach Joe Sloan played in 41 games for East Carolina (2007-09), including two against UTEP during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. LA Tech has 19 players from the state of Texas.

About LA Tech
The Bulldogs are coming off their bye week, after dominating North Texas 56-13 on Nov. 7 at Joe Aillet Stadium. LA Tech running back Kenneth Dixon set a Conference USA single-game record with six rushing touchdowns. Dixon ran for 195 yards on 22 carries (8.9 avg.). Jeff Driskel threw for 296 yards on 17-of-26 passing and an interception. Carlos Henderson reeled in five passes for 162 yards (32.4 avg.), while Beau Fitte led the defense with eight tackles, including a fumble recovery. Fitte's recovery was one of three on the day for LA Tech, including an interception by Kentrell Brice. The Bulldogs are averaging 40.0 points per game (ranked second in C-USA), while yielding 24.8 points per game (ranked third). The Bulldogs are ranked no. 3 in total defense (361.5 ypg) and no. 3 in total offense (487.7 ypg). Dixon's 20 total touchdowns (17 rush, three rec.) lead C-USA, while he ranks third in rushing yards (933). Driskel has thrown for 3,032 yards on 215-of-346 passing (62.1 percent), 19 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Trent Taylor is one of the top receivers in C-USA, hauling in 75 passes for 1,019 yards and seven scores. Taylor averages 101.9 receiving yards per game. Bryson Abraham leads the defense with three picks, while six other Bulldogs have each registered an interception. Fitte leads the defense with 73 tackles, while adding 4.5 tackles for loss, an interception and two fumble recoveries. LA Tech has recorded 21 sacks, led by Jaylon Ferguson's 6.0. Since starting the season 1-2 with losses at WKU (41-38) and at Kansas State (39-33 [3OT]), the Bulldogs are 6-1. LA Tech fell at Mississippi State, 45-20, on Oct. 17.

Last Game: UTEP 21, Old Dominion 31
Mack Leftwich threw a trio of touchdowns, but UTEP fell to Old Dominion, 31-21, in front of a sold out crowd (20,118) at S.B. Ballard Stadium on Nov. 14. The Miners were outscored 14-6 in the second half, as the Monarchs rattled off 196 yards of total offense, including 78 on the ground. With the score 15-10 in favor of UTEP, Old Dominion quarterback David Washington found Zach Pascal on a 26-yard score with six seconds remaining in the first half, while connecting with Jonathon Durhart on an 11-yard touchdown toss with 1:02 left in the third quarter to make the score 24-15. Washington threw for 291 yards on 26-of-42 passing and Pascal tied a school record with 12 receptions for 145 yards. The Miners took an early 6-0 lead, as they opened the contest with a 10-play, 71-yard scoring drive that resulted in a Tyler Batson seven-yard touchdown reception. True freshman running back Treyvon Hughes highlighted the drive by grinding out a career-long 19-yard run to help set up the score. However, the extra point attempt failed after a bad snap to the holder. The Monarchs answered, as Chris Kirtley connected on a 23-yard field goal attempt, making the score 6-3. Autrey Golden, who needs one kickoff return for a touchdown to tie the NCAA record, ran back a 61-yard return on the following kickoff that helped set up a Jay Mattox 22-yard field goal and a 9-3 UTEP lead. Ray Lawry, the C-USA rushing leader entering the contest, gave his squad the lead 10-9 at the beginning of the second quarter. On a third and four, Lawry rambled 42 yards to the end zone, as Washington made a key block at the beginning of the play. UTEP would take the lead again, but for the last time. Leftwich led the Miners on a seven-play, 51-yard drive that ended with a Jaquan White 12-yard touchdown reception. Leftwich tied his career high with the three scoring passes on 21-of-38 for 193 yards and two interceptions. Warren Redix tallied a career-best 75 yards on four receptions, while White tied his career high with a pair of touchdown receptions. But the Miners had multiple drops on key possessions, while Leftwich was sacked twice – both on play-action drop backs. Jeremy Cox put the game away with a 42-yard scamper, giving the Monarchs a 31-15 lead. Cox led the rushing attack with 84 yards on 15 attempts. Old Dominion tallied 441 yards of total offense to UTEP's 305 yards.

Success in the Sun City
After its 24-21 win over Rice on Nov. 6, UTEP is 9-2 in the Sun Bowl dating back to a 33-10 victory over FIU on Nov. 16, 2013. The Miners finished 5-1 at home in 2014 and are 3-1 thus far in 2015. With the victory over Rice, the Miners finished with back-to-back winning home marks for the first time since the 2004 (5-1) and 2005 (5-1) seasons.

First Down, Miners!
UTEP registered 19 first downs at Old Dominion, which tied for third-most in 2015. The Miners also gained 19 first downs against Rice on Nov. 6. The season high was 27 first downs at NM State, while the second-most was 20 against Florida Atlantic. The offense has converted 74 first downs during its last four games, which averages out to 18.5 per contest. On the season, UTEP has averaged 17.5 first downs per game, including 16.8 in six Conference USA games.

Red Zone Offense
The UTEP offense was 4-for-4 in the red zone at Old Dominion, as the Miners registered three touchdown passes of seven, 12 and six yards, while connecting on a 22-yard field goal. UTEP ranks second in Conference USA with its 88.0 conversion percent (22-of-25). UTEP is 10-for-10 on field goals, while scoring 12 touchdowns (four rush, eight pass) with one turnover. FIU leads the league with its 89.2 percent, while WKU is tops in C-USA with its 36 touchdowns.

Third-Down Conversions
UTEP converted seven third down attempts against Rice on Nov. 6 – tied for second-most in 2015. This came after converting a season-high 52.9 percent of its third-down attempts at Southern Miss on Oct. 31, while its nine third downs tied a season high. The Miners converted 9-of-18 against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24. The nine third downs were the second-most during the Sean Kugler era. UTEP registered 10 against Old Dominion on Oct. 11, 2014, while the highest conversion percentage was 70 against NM State on Sept. 13, 2014. UTEP ranks fifth in Conference USA with its 40.7 percent (66-of-162). WKU ranks first (48.0 percent), while Rice has converted a league-high 74 third downs.

Penalties on Both Sides of the Ball
UTEP has done an exceptional job in the penalties department. The Miners are tied for second with LA Tech in Conference USA in total penalties (51) and penalties per game (5.1), while ranking third in penalty yards per game (44.7). UTEP ranks tied for 20th nationally in penalties per game. On the other side of the ball, UTEP ranks fourth in C-USA in opponent penalty yards per game (56.5).

Mack Playing Solid Under Center
QB Mack Leftwich tied his career best with three touchdown passes at Old Dominion. Leftwich has registered three games with two or more touchdown throws in 2015. Leftwich added a pair of touchdown tosses during UTEP's win against Rice on Nov. 6. Leftwich returned to the starting lineup against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24, as he set career-highs in yards (271), completions (20), attempts (39) and touchdown passes (three) against the Owls. Leftwich also connected on a career-long 76-yard touchdown throw to Tyler Batson against FAU. On the season, Leftwich has thrown for 1,228 yards on 105-of-192 passing, with nine scores and three interceptions. Leftwich ranks tied for first in Conference USA with ODU's David Washington with only three interceptions thrown, and ninth in passing yards.

Passing Yards During the Kugler Era
Ryan Metz's 275 yards against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26 were the second-most passing, while Mack Leftwich's 271 yards against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24 were the third-most during the Sean Kugler era. Jameill Showers threw for 365 yards at Colorado State on Sept. 28, 2013. Of the 35 games with Kugler at the helm of the program, UTEP quarterbacks have hit 200 or more passing yards 10 times, including five this season after Leftwich's 231 yards against Rice. Metz threw for 218 yards at NM State and 216 against UTSA.

More on the Quarterbacks
UTEP quarterbacks Mack Leftwich (nine), Ryan Metz (six) and Kavika Johnson (one) have combined for 16 touchdown passes in 2015, surpassing last season's total of 12. The Miners combined for 14 touchdowns in 2013, Sean Kugler's first season, where three quarterbacks tallied at least one passing score (Jameill Showers – 11; Leftwich – 2; Blaire Sullivan – 1). UTEP's 16 touchdown passes are the most since 2012's total of 16. In 2010, the Miners totaled 23 touchdown tosses, while in 2009 quarterbacks threw 17.

Jaquan's Big Season
WR Jaquan White tied his career high with two touchdown receptions at Old Dominion. This came after registering career-highs in receiving yards (90) and touchdown receptions (two) on four catches against Rice on Nov. 6. White also hauled in a season-long 58-yard touchdown reception against the Owls, while both scores were recorded during the first half. White leads the Miners in receiving yards (406), touchdown receptions (seven) and receiving yards per game (40.6). White also leads the squad with eight total touchdowns, which includes his 64-yard punt return for a score at NM State on Sept. 19. White registered a career-high seven receptions for 73 yards and a score against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26. White ranks second on the team in points (48), while ranking tied for sixth in Conference USA games only in points per game (6.0). Seventeen of White's catches have gone for first downs, while 10 have come on third down plays and another on fourth down.

More on White's TDs
Jaquan White's seven receiving scores are the most since WR Jordan Leslie's seven scores in 2013. White would need three more to crack the top 10 in touchdown receptions during a single season. Reggie Barrett (1988), Johnnie Lee Higgins Jr. (2004) and David Karns (1966) are tied for eighth all-time with 10 touchdowns hauled in. White ranks tied for fifth in Conference USA in touchdown receptions, while ranking tied for 27th nationally. Baylor's Corey Coleman leads the nation with 20, while WKU's Taywan Taylor leads C-USA with 13.

Batson's Big Game
WR Tyler Batson hauled in his third receiving score of 2015 at Old Dominion. Batson, however, played the biggest game of his UTEP career against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24. Batson only had three receptions, but he scored his first-ever touchdown on a career-long 76-yard catch and added another score – a 30-yard catch. Batson ended the night with a career-high 143 yards receiving (47.7 y/catch). Batson's 47.7 yards per catch was the second-best performance in Conference USA during a single game this season (Florida Atlantic's Kamrin Solomon averaged 55.0 yards per catch versus Rice on Oct. 10). Batson currently ranks third on the team in receiving yards (370) on 20 receptions (18.5 y/catch). Batson's 76-yard score was the longest reception by a Miner in 2015. Batson's 143 yards receiving against Florida Atlantic were the most by a UTEP pass catcher in the Sean Kugler era, while it was the most receiving yards by a Miner since Jordan Leslie's 147 yards against NM State on Sept. 15, 2012. Batson is the fourth Miner in program history to record 143 yards receiving. The other three are David McMillan (1968 vs. UC-Santa Barbara), Lonnie Crittenden (1972 at Utah) and Lee Mays (2000 vs. SMU).

Big Play Cole
WR Cole Freytag established a career high in receptions (three) for 41 yards at Southern Miss on Oct. 31. Freytag entered the 2015 season with one catch in his career – an 11-yard reception in 2012. Freytag hasn't had many opportunities but has shined when thrown to, hauling in 10 passes for 221 yards (22.1 avg.) and a pair of scores this season. His breakout game came at rival NM State where he caught two passes for 58 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown catch. Freytag established a career-high in yards (81) and long reception (58 yards) against FIU, including a 23-yard touchdown grab.

More on UTEP's WRs
Overall, the UTEP wide receivers have caught on as the season has progressed. Entering 2015, Autrey Golden returned the most experience, as he led the team in catches (31) in 2014. Prior to the 2015 campaign, Tyler Batson, Jaquan White and Cole Freytag had combined for six catches for 117 yards and one score. This season, the trio has combined for 65 catches for 997 yards and 12 scores. Golden has tallied 165 yards receiving on 19 receptions and two touchdowns. All together, UTEP wide receivers have hauled in 14 touchdowns in 2015. It's the most touchdowns recorded by UTEP wideouts since the 2012 season where Mike Edwards (eight) and Jordan Leslie (six) combined for 14. Edwards and Leslie were the only wide receivers to haul in scores that year.

Redix's Breakout Game
Freshman Warren Redix registered a career-high 75 receiving yards on four receptions at Old Dominion. Redix registered catches of 20, 21, 22 and 12 yards on the day. Redix recorded 125 yards of total offense, which included 28 yards on kickoff returns and 22 yards on punt returns. Redix has seen action in nine games, including the last five contests. The El Paso native registered a career best in receptions (five) against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24. The Montwood High School graduate ranks third on the team in receptions (22) for 143 yards.

Plinke Pounding Defenders
TE Hayden Plinke registered a career-high nine receptions for 85 yards against Rice on Nov. 6, including opening the contest with a pair of 17-yard catches. Plinke has used his 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame to run over defensive players, while gaining big yards after contact. Plinke gained a career-high 87 yards on four receptions at Texas Tech earlier this season. Against Incarnate Word, Plinke hauled in four passes for 80 yards, including a career-long 57-yard grab. On one of his catches against Incarnate Word, Plinke grinded out nine yards after breaking away from the initial tackler and being brought down by literally six defenders.

Plinke on Midseason John Mackey Watch List
TE Hayden Plinke was named to the 2015 John Mackey Award Midseason Watch List on Oct. 14. The junior ranks first on the team in receptions (37), first down catches (17) and second in receiving yards (405). Plinke's yards and receptions are the most by a UTEP tight end during the Sean Kugler era. Eric Tomlinson gained 304 yards on 30 catches in 2013. Plinke's yards are the most by a UTEP tight end since Brian Natkin's 787 yards on 64 receptions in 2000. Jamar Hunt gained 367 yards in 2008. This is the second consecutive year that UTEP has had a tight end named to the Midseason John Mackey Watch List (Tomlinson in 2014). Plinke is one of seven Conference USA tight ends that were named to the list. Plinke's 37 receptions are tied for second-best amongst C-USA tight ends, while his 405 yards are ranked fourth-best among league tight ends. Plinke's 10.9 yards per catch rates fourth-best.

From Rebounding to Pass Catching
Former UTEP basketball forward Cedrick Lang caught his first touchdown at NM State on Sept. 19. It was a six-yard reception in overtime to down the Aggies. The 6-foot-9, 285-pound athlete is using his fifth-year status to play tight end for head coach Sean Kugler. Lang recorded his first collegiate reception during the third quarter at Texas Tech – a four-yard catch that went for a first down. Lang added a pair of receptions against Florida Atlantic for 13 yards. On the season, Lang has eight catches for 48 yards and a score.

Jeremiah's Career Night
RB Jeremiah Laufasa gained a career-high 92 yards on 15 carries, including a two-yard touchdown score against Rice on Nov. 6. Laufasa's 92 yards were the most by a UTEP running back since Aaron Jones' season-ending injury on Sept. 12 at Texas Tech. Laufasa's score was also his first since running for one against Texas Tech on Sept. 6, 2014. Laufasa also gained 79 of his 92 yards during the second half, including a long run of 19 yards against Rice.

Jeremiah Emerging
RB Jeremiah Laufasa is UTEP's leading rusher with his 301 yards. Laufasa's 71 yards against Florida Atlantic helped surge the offense to victory. Laufasa is also a solid pass catcher, as he set career highs in receptions (three), receiving yards (54) and long reception (39 yards) at Southern Miss on Oct. 31. Laufasa leads all UTEP running backs in receptions (14) and receiving yards (130).

The Brothers Laufasa
Darrin and Jeremiah Laufasa made their first collegiate start together on Sept. 19 in Las Cruces, N.M -- Darrin at the fullback position and Jeremiah at the tailback spot. The Laufasa brothers are the only brothers on an FBS program starting in the backfield. But they are not the only brothers making starts on the same side of the ball. Air Force's Connor and Patrick Healy are starting linebackers and Maryland's Levern and Taivon Jacobs are starting wide receivers. Darrin has started 30 games during his career.

Starting on Both Sides of the Ball
RB Laquintus Dowell made a start at the running back position against Rice, while making two starts at the strong safety position in back-to-back games at Arkansas and at Texas Tech earlier this season. Dowell is one of four FBS players to start on both sides of the ball in 2015. Illinois' V'Angelo Bentley, Utah's Cory Butler-Byrd and USC's Adoreé Jackson each made starts at the defensive back and wide receiver positions at some point during the season. Unfortunately, Dowell sustained a season-ending injury against Rice.

Running Backs' Contributions
With all the injuries piling up for UTEP running backs, freshmen Treyvon Hughes and T.K. Powell registered carries at Old Dominion. Hughes recorded career highs in attempts (six), rushing yards (36) and long rush (19 yards). Powell, who was taken off redshirt status earlier in the week, had one carry for four yards. The Miners rushed for 112 yards against the Monarchs, their fifth consecutive game of 100-plus.

Spreading the Attempts
Again, with injuries plaguing the team, rushing attempts have been spread around in 2015. FB Darrin Laufasa led UTEP in rushing attempts (11) and yards (46) at Old Dominion. It was Laufasa's third-most rushing yards and most attempts in his career. In fact, five different Miners have 30 or more rush attempts in 2015, led by Jeremiah Laufasa's 81 carries for a team-leading 301 rushing yards. Six different Miners have either led the team in rushing yards or rushing attempts throughout the season.

Protecting the Field General
The UTEP offensive line yielded a pair of sacks at Old Dominion. The Miners hadn't allowed any sacks in the previous two contests (at Southern Miss, vs. Rice), and have surrendered only 10 sacks in 10 games thus far in 2015. UTEP is ranked tied for first with WKU in Conference USA and tied for fifth nationally in fewest sacks allowed. The Miners' signal callers have not lost big chunks of yardage on the sacks, losing a combined 49 yards (fewest in C-USA). Dating back to last season, the Miners' offensive line has allowed only 23 sacks in 23 games. Air Force is the lone program nationally to not allow any sacks in 2015.

Keeping an Eye on Eric Lee
Senior C Eric Lee was named to the Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List on May 19. The list includes 52 of the best centers in Division I football. Lee saw playing time for the first time last season, starting in all 13 games. Lee is one of six starting centers in Conference USA to make their return for the 2015 campaign. The others are redshirt junior Jarred Barr (Charlotte), senior Kirby Wixson (LA Tech), redshirt junior Josh Chester (Middle Tennessee), junior Kaydon Kirby (North Texas) and junior Cameron Tom (Southern Miss).

Time Bandits
UTEP won the time of possession against Old Dominion, 31:07 to 28:53. UTEP currently leads Conference USA and ranks 12th nationally with its 33:13 average time of possession. Stanford leads the nation at 35:57. Winning the time of possession has been a consistent element during the Sean Kugler era. In 2014, UTEP won the time of possession in 12 of 13 games. The Miners ranked second in the nation in time of possession (34:57) behind Michigan State (35:21) in 2014. UTEP has led in time of possession in 21 of the last 23 games dating back to the 2014 season. Overall during Kugler's three seasons at the helm, the Miners have won time of possession in 28 of 35 games.

Alvin's Dynamic Season
LB Alvin Jones tied his career high with 11 tackles against Old Dominion. Jones has tallied 30 tackles during the last three games, including 11 last week versus Rice. Jones leads UTEP in tackles (78), solo stops (41), sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (12.0) in only his second season. Jones's 7.8 tackles per game are ranked 10th-best in Conference USA, while his sacks are tied for fifth most and he ranks fourth in tackles for loss. Jones' three-sack performance against UTSA is tied for second-most in a single game with three other C-USA defenders. Jones tallied a career-high 5.0 tackles for loss at NM State on Sept. 19. His 5.0 tackles for loss were also second-most during a single contest in C-USA.

More on Jones's Sacks
Alvin Jones has 7.0 sacks in his career as a Miner, needing five more to crack the all-time sacks list. Five Miners (Joe Terry, Ross Puritty, Ricky Massey, Barron Wortham and Horace Miller) have registered 12.0 sacks during their respective careers – all tied for 10th in program history. Gonzalo Floyd's 20.0 career sacks lead the all-time list, while Chris Mineo ranks second with 16.5 and Herman Whiting ranks third with 16.0.

More on Jones' Tackles for Loss
Alvin Jones has also amassed 21.0 tackles for loss in his career, needing 9.5 to crack the all-time list in program history. Barron Wortham leads the all-time list with 45.0, while Chris Mineo and Jeremy Jones are tied for ninth with 30.5. Penn State DL Carl Nassib ranks first nationally with 15.5. Jones' 5.0 tackles for loss in Las Cruces were the most since Menson Holloway amassed five at Tulsa on Oct. 7, 2000. Lucien Johnson racked up 17.0 tackles for loss in 1975, the single-season high in program history. Troy Collavo and Jones each tallied 14.5 during the 2005 season, ranking tied for ninth in school history.

‘Super Fly' Jimmy Musgrave
LB Jimmy Musgrave has been flying around the gridiron in 2015, making big hits and key tackles. The senior captain registered his second sack of 2015 at Old Dominion. Musgrave tallied a career-high 12 tackles versus UTSA on Oct. 3, surpassing his high of 10 stops against North Texas last season. Musgrave currently ranks second on the team in tackles (53) after his seven-tackle performance against ODU. He's chipped in with a pass breakup, two quarterback hurries, 6.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2015.

Robertson-Harris Getting to the QB
Roy Robertson-Harris registered a sack at Old Dominion, while recording one against Rice on Nov. 6. It was the first time in Robertson-Harris' career that he tallied sacks in back-to-back games. Robertson-Harris has 2.5 sacks in 2015 and 10.5 in his career. He needs two more to crack the top 10 in school history in career sacks. During his career, Robertson-Harris has started 31 games.

Usher's Defensive Prowess
DL Nick Usher has been a defensive stalwart in 2015. Usher ranks third on the team with 44 tackles, surpassing his total from 2014. Usher ranks second on the squad in sacks (3.5), tackles for loss (10.0) and quarterback hurries (four) – all career highs in single season for the junior defensive end. Usher has also chipped in with a forced fumble and his first-collegiate fumble recovery. Usher ranks tied for ninth in Conference USA in tackles for loss.

Usher's Block Party
DL Nick Usher came up with a huge block on a field goal attempt against Rice. With the score tied 21-21, Usher blocked the Owls' field goal attempt, giving the Miners the ball back with 8:13 remaining in the contest. The clutch play helped surge the Miners to a 24-21 victory.

More on Blocked Kicks
UTEP has registered two blocked kicks in 2015, as Nik Needham and Nick Usher have each blocked a kick. It's the most during the Sean Kugler era, as the Miners blocked one in 2014 and none in 2013. UTEP registered four blocked kicks in 2012, three in 2011 and two in 2010.

Montegut's First Sack
Sophomore DL Lawrence Montegut recorded his first collegiate sack at Old Dominion. Montegut has played in nine games this season, while chipping in with 10 tackles and a tackle for loss.

More on Sacks
UTEP didn't register a sack in its first two games of 2015. Since then, the defense has tallied 20 sacks, ranking seventh in Conference USA. Southern Miss leads the way with 27 sacks, while Marshall ranks third with 25. Florida Atlantic and Old Dominion rank tied for third with 23, and FIU and LA Tech rank tied for fifth with 21. The Miners are on pace for 24 sacks in 2015. Last year, UTEP registered 26 and only 13 in 2013.

Opponent First Downs
UTEP ranks tied for third with Charlotte in Conference USA in opponent first downs (204). Opponents are averaging 20.4 first downs, ranking tied for fourth with Charlotte and Marshall in C-USA. UTEP is tied for first with LA Tech in fewest first downs allowed (71) on run plays and ranks fourth in fewest first downs allowed (16) via penalties. Southern Miss leads the league in fewest allowed (181) and fewest per game (18.1).

Opponent Third Down Conversions
UTEP ranks fifth in Conference USA in opponent third down conversion percentage (38.3). The defense has allowed 49-of-128 conversions. The Miners lead C-USA and are ranked tied for 29th nationally, allowing only 49 third down conversions. Southern Miss leads C-USA with a 32.7 conversion percentage.

The Safety Dance
UTEP has recorded two safeties in 2015. Alvin Jones got a hold of NM State quarterback Tyler Rogers in the end zone during the first quarter on Sept. 19 to record UTEP's first safety since Horace Miller on Nov. 16, 2013 against FIU in the Sun Bowl. The second safety came at FIU during the fourth quarter. The last time the Miners posted two safeties in a single season was during the 2000 campaign.

The Golden Standard
Autrey Golden returned two kickoffs for scores in 2014. The first was a 98-yard return in the third quarter against Southern Miss, while the second came at WKU, 92 yards for a TD in the first quarter. He has six kickoff return touchdowns in his career (ranked No. 1 in program history), 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.

UTEP's All-Time Leader in Kickoff Return Yards and Attempts
Autrey Golden needed 92 yards to become UTEP's all-time leader in kickoff returns, and returned five kickoffs at FIU for that exact number to surpass Cedric Johnson's 2,757 yards. Golden is the program's all-time leader, NCAA active leader and ranked third all-time in Conference USA history with 2,953 yards after returning three kickoffs for 102 yards against Rice. On the season, Golden is averaging 21.2 yards on 29 kickoff returns with a season-long of 61 yards. Golden's 117-career returns also ranks first in program history.

Slash
Autrey Golden can find the end zone in multiple ways, as he scored his 12th career touchdown on Sept. 26 versus Incarnate Word. Golden hauled in a 10-yard touchdown reception, making it his third overall touchdown on the season and fourth career receiving score. His first touchdown in 2015 came on a reverse play to the left side that went 10 yards into the end zone during the season opener at Arkansas. It was his first rushing score since Nov. 16, 2013 versus FIU. Golden has six kickoff returns for touchdowns, four receiving and two rushing scores.

Special Jay
Junior K Jay Mattox connected on a 22-yard field goal at Old Dominion. Mattox also recorded a 24-yard field goal with 48 seconds remaining against Rice on Nov. 6, giving UTEP an eventual 24-21 win. It was the first game-winner of his career. Earlier this season, Mattox hit a career-long 50-yard field goal against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26. Mattox's field goal make is currently tied for the third longest in Conference USA behind Charlotte's Blake Brewer's 56-yard kick and UTSA's Daniel Portillo's 51-yard make. LA Tech's Jonathon Barnes connected on a 50-yard field goal. Mattox is 13-for-16 on field goal conversions and is ranked seventh for kickers in conference, averaging 5.9 points per game. Mattox leads the Miners with 59 points and is 20-for-20 in extra points. Mattox has made a dramatic improvement on his field goal kicking, connecting on 81.3 percent (26-of-32) since the start of the 2014 season after only 46.7 percent (7-of-15) in 2013.

Auto-Mattox
Junior K Jay Mattox has connected on 58 consecutive extra points since missing one against Texas Tech on Sept. 6, 2014. And dating back to the WKU game on Nov. 8, 2014, Mattox had made 13 consecutive field goals before missing one on Oct. 3 versus UTSA. Jose Martinez connected on 15 in a row during the 2008 season, the previous longest streak by a Miner.

Mattox's Career Rankings
Jay Mattox has also connected on 95-of-96 extra points and 33-of-47 field goals during his career at UTEP. Mattox currently ranks fifth in program history with 194 kicking points and is seven points from surpassing Jose Martinez's 200 points. Reagan Schneider is the career leader for kickers with 287 points. Mattox's 95 PATs rank fourth in program history behind Ricky Bishop's 96. Schneider has 137 PATs, ranking first all-time in program history.

Luna on Ray Guy Watch List
P/K Alan Luna was announced as a 2015 Ray Guy Award nominee on Oct. 30. The Ray Guy Award identifies the nation's top collegiate punter. The list is made up of 79 finalists. The native of El Paso is currently ranked first in Conference USA and sixth nationally in punting average (45.8). Luna has kicked 52 punts for 2,380 yards, including 12 inside the 20-yard line and 20 punts of 50 or more yards (tied for most in C-USA). The sophomore recorded a season-high in punts (eight), yards (375) and average (46.9) at FIU on Oct. 10. Luna's season long is 61 yards at Old Dominion, while he's booted a 60-yard punt, a feat he has achieved in four separate games (at Arkansas, at Texas Tech, against Incarnate Word at Old Dominion). Marshall's Tyler Williams leads the conference in punts inside the 20-yard line (25).

Punts Inside the 10-Yard Line
Alan Luna and Mack Leftwich have combined for 15 punts inside the 20-yard line. Luna has registered two inside the 20-yard line in a four games in 2015. Luna tallied two at Old Dominion, at Southern Miss, against UTSA and at NM State. Of the eight inside the 20-yard line, seven were downed inside the 10-yard line. Three or four Leftwich's punts have been downed inside the 10-yard line.

Just Kicking It
Alan Luna, in his first season with the Miners, has done a solid job booting punts. If the sophomore transfer can maintain his average of 45.8 yards per punt, he could rank in the top 10 in program history in highest single-season punting average. Owen Price averaged 48.0 yards in 1940 (all-time best in school history). Ed Bunn (47.7 in 1992), Ian Campbell (46.1 in 2011), Price (45.3 in 1941) and Campbell (45.1 in 2010) round out the top five single-season averages. Price ranks no. 1 in career average (46.7), Bunn ranks second (44.5 avg.) and Campbell ranks third (44.4 avg.).

Overall Punting
UTEP ranks third in Conference USA in overall punting (37.8 avg.). Collectively, the Miners have booted 56 punts for 2,498 yards. Besides Alan Luna punting, QB Mack Leftwich has kicked four for 118 yards (29.5 avg.). Florida Atlantic leads the league with its 41.3 average.

Kickoff Coverage Rankings
UTEP ranks third in Conference USA in kickoff coverage (40.5 net avg.). Marshall ranks first with its 41.6 net average. The Miners are averaging 64.7 yards per kickoff. UTEP has 29 touchbacks (second-most in C-USA). Marshall leads with 38 touchbacks.

Depleted Roster
Injuries have piled up for UTEP, as 12 players are done in 2015 due to season-ending injuries. Those players are DB Jerrell Brown, DB Devin Cockrell, RB Laquintus Dowell, DL Luke Elsner, LB Stephen Forester, OL Derron Gatewood, LB Matthew Heard, RB Aaron Jones, WR Terry Juniel, OL Christopher Misaalefua, DL Christian Richardson and DB Brendan Royal. Eleven others have missed contests due to injuries -- OL John De La Rosa, OL Derek Elmendorff, DB Kelvin Fisher Jr., DB Ishmael Harrison, FB Darrin Laufasa, QB Mack Leftwich, TE Sterling Napier, DB Traun Roberson, LB Devin Simmons, QB Garrett Simpson OL Chris Thomas. Six other players have either quit the team or been suspended.

First-Time Appearances
With injuries plaguing UTEP, 28 players have seen action for the first time as Miners -- most notably DB Kalon Beverly, DB Mookie Carlile, DB Adrian Hynson, QB Kavika Johnson, TE Cedrick Lang, DB Michael Lewis, DL Sky Logan, P Alan Luna, QB Ryan Metz, DB Nik Needham, TE Hayden Plinke and WR Warren Redix. RB T.K. Powell is the most recent Miner to action for the first time. UTEP is one of 23 programs to have 26 or more players see action for the first time. Kansas leads the nation with 37 first-time players, while TCU has 36 and Colorado has 34. Boston College, UCF, Georgia, Ole Miss, Tennessee, USC and UTSA have 33 each. Arkansas State (31), Rice (31), NC State (30), Eastern Michigan (29), Fresno State (29), Old Dominion (29), South Carolina (28), Wake Forest (28), Wyoming (28), Oregon State (27), Texas (27), and Kansas State (26) round out the list.

Head Coach Sean Kugler
Sean Kugler is in his third season as UTEP's head coach, as he went from two wins in his first season to a winning campaign and a bowl bid during his second. 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 upset Oklahoma, 43-42, in the Fiesta Bowl.

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 14 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
Central Michigan John Bonamego 1985-86
East Carolina Ruffin McNeill 1976-80
Kent State Paul Haynes 1987-91
Michigan Jim Harbaugh 1983-86
Northwestern Pat Fitzgerald 1993-96
Oklahoma State Mike Gundy 1986-89
Stanford David Shaw 1991-94
Texas Tech Kliff Kingsbury 1999-02
Utah State Matt Wells 1994-96
UTEP Sean Kugler 1985-88
Virginia Tech Frank Beamer 1966-68
Wisconsin Paul Chryst 1986-88

Home Cookin'
There are 20 El Paso products on the 2015 roster (three seniors, four juniors, six sophomores and seven freshmen), including nine on this week's depth chart -- RG Derek Elmendorff (projected starter), WR Cole Freytag, LB Alvin Jones (projected starter), P Alan Luna (projected starter), QB Ryan Metz, WR Warren Redix, LG Josh Silvas, RG Erik Ramirez and DB Brandon Moss.

Captains
The Miners' captains for 2015 feature four seniors and one junior -- (offense) WR Autrey Golden and RB Aaron Jones, (defense) DL Roy Robertson-Harris and LB Jimmy Musgrave, and (special teams) DB Traun Roberson.

Up Next
UTEP will conclude the 2015 regular season at North Texas on Nov. 28. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. MT at Apogee Stadium in Denton. The Miners took care of the Mean Green, 35-17, on Nov. 15, 2014 in the Sun Bowl.