THE KUGLER ERA- UTEP FOOTBALL

The Kugler Era has finally arrived.  UTEP showed a strong offense in this 42-35 loss to UNM.  Everyone was nervous about this game setting the tone for the season.  The end result was a loss but it was a hard fought loss that proved UTEP has a lot of talent and should be competing with anyone in the newly changed Conference USA.  Coach Kuglers first game as a Head Coach needs work on defense.  Defense plagued miner teams were a big part of Mike Price’s time here.  The first game jitters are gone so lets see how the Miners do this weekend against the Aggies on defense.

UTEP was behind much of the game but then finally took the lead 28-21 in the 4th.  Jameill Showers had a great game completing 15 out of 20 passes.  He also had 119 yards with zero interceptions.  Freshmen Aaron Jones finished the game with 127 rushing yards.  Both were not enough for a Miner squad trying to gel with what is pretty much a new team with new leaders.    Both UTEP newcomers are showing promise for a very optimistic season.

The next game for UTEP is against rival New Mexico state which should be an easy game.  Although NMSU looks soft, you can never count out a team at home during a rivalry game.  This game will be at this saturday(Sept 14th) at 6pm at NMSU.  Next week the Miners start conference play against C-USA newcomer UTSA.  The roadrunners are lead by former University of Miami coach Larry Coker.