Editor’s Note: This is not the most recent UTEP football game.
On Aug. 30, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) football team(0-1, 0-0 Conference USA) made their way to Utah to take on the Utah State Aggies (1-0,0-0 Mountain West) of the Mountain West Conference, with both teams looking to step off on the right foot and set the tone for their seasons.
With several new faces on the coaching staff and roster, many eyes were on UTEP to see what promise the teammight display in the season opener.
Utah State’s first drive looked promising, but the Miner defense buckled down to only halt the Aggies to a field goal, putting the first points on the board 3-0 at 09:48.
On UTEP’s second offensive possession, redshirt sophomore quarterback Malachi Nelson connected a pass for his first collegiate touchdown with redshirt junior receiver Kenny Odom who ended the game with 5 receptions and 124 receiving yards. The 34-yard passing touchdown put the Miners ahead 7-3, as Nelson went on to finish the day 22-of-34 passing for 178 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
With 18 seconds left in the first quarter, Utah State broke loose for a 58-yard touchdown run that drew questions from the broadcast booth. Although replays appeared to show the runner stepping out of bounds, the official review upheld the call on the field.
In the second quarter, Nelson attempted to find Odom again in double coverage, but the Aggies snagged the pass for a pick.
Utah State advanced near the red zone following the turnover, but the UTEP defense held firm once again, forcing the Aggies to settle for a field goal at to extend their lead to 13-7.
Around two minutes remaining, the Miners’ defense committed a crucial mistake in coverage, allowing a 52-yard passing touchdown, putting the Aggies ahead 20-7 with 1:56 left in the half.
In one of their offensive drives, the Miners methodically executed a two-minute drill to set up junior kicker Carlos Arreola for a 42-yard field goal with two seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to 20-10 at halftime.
Utah State gained control early in the second half, using a pair of UTEP penalties to fuel a drive that ended with a rushing touchdown. The Aggies then converted a two-point attempt, swinging the momentum in their favor.
Pinned deep in their own territory, UTEP made a quarterback change on the second possession out of halftime, giving redshirt freshman Shay Smith one series in which he went three-and-out.
For the rest of the third quarter, a mix of sloppy offense and disciplineddefense ensued from both sides.
In the last minute, UTEP drove the ball down the field, Kenny Odom pulled off a one-handed catch building energy on his own going into the fourth quarter.
After a few attempts, redshirt freshman running back Ashton Emery powered a touchdown into the end zone from two yards out at 13:48. The Miners went for a two-point conversion to make it a 10-point, two-possession game, but the attempt failed, leaving the score at 28-16.
UTEP defensive coordinator Bobby Daly’s defense, for the most part, played lights out for the rest of the half, making Utah State sputter out offensively. The Miner offense barely mustered out moving drives falling short 28-16.
Redshirt junior safety Xavier Smith led the team in tackles (9), and the defense notched 6 sacks.
UTEP’s offense showed occasional flashes of success, but largely played a conservative game. With the season just underway, their offense outlook will become clearer over more games played.
The Miners’ first home showcase at the Sun Bowl hosts UT Martin on Sept 6., as both programs look for their first win of the season.
Cameron Mason is a staff reporter for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
