UTEP is bringing back a new defense and a new defensive coach who is preaching 4-3 to his team after the failed 3-3–5 experiment. Is it enough of a change for them to see a winning season and a bowling game, or is it too little, too late? They’re tied second from last for fewest returning starters from last season, so will this be a factor?
Arkansas Pine-Bluff (W-45-7) – The Miners have to win this game or they won’t have fans in the stands for the rest of the year, but I don’t see a mini-Appalachian, though. been upset at this game
Houston – (L – 25-35) Donald Buckram shocked the Cougars last year, and Houston really looked like an old lady trying to keep up with a young man (no pun intended), but I doubt there will be an upset this year, Houston will. run his business + Case Keenum has Heisman aspirations
State of New Mexico – (W – 28-7) New Mexico hasn’t really done anything to impress me lately to show that they can win. I have to see to believe in New Mexico because I honestly don’t think they’ve gotten the memo that the forward pass has been introduced to football.
Memphis – (P – 26-25) They couldn’t beat Memphis last year, and now with a revamped coaching staff and even playing Eric Price (Mike Price’s son) it’s going to be tough to beat them this year. Memphis probably won’t be as good this year, but good enough to top UTEP
New Mexico – (W – 35-28) New Mexico hasn’t done anything in a long time and with a second-year coach, I think he has a year to go before he sees a solid team. Mike Locksley is capable of producing a great offense, he’s going to shine in the 2011 season, but this season, he’ll be lucky to get to a bowl game, that being said, these two teams are somewhat rivals and they’ll be a good finish to the end )
Rice – (W – 35-10) IMHO, Rice’s coach didn’t have enough talent last year, and when he doesn’t, he can win games. His coaching record is pretty inconsistent and there’s no reason for me to believe he can beat the Miners. Sure they have Sam Mcguffie, but Donald Buckram canceled it. So if the Miners can avoid 6 turnovers like they did last year, they could see an easy win.
UAB – (W – 23-14) Not Joe Webb, who was a nemesis last year, and while UAB coach Neil Callaway has shown progress every year, I just don’t think he can beat UTEP without Joe Webb and the inexperienced attacking player. They will put up a good fight, but they will still be a loss.
Tulane – (W – 35-29) – One thing I’ll never understand is how UTEP lost to this team in the first place, but now Tulane is back with an experienced quarterback with some promise in Ryan Griffin and we’ll probably see a lot of tricks with him. ex Joe Kemp at WR now. This is going to be a surprisingly exciting game and UTEP will barely beat Tulane.
Marshall – (L – 27-10) – Marshall is a sleeper team, I really think they’re going to surprise a lot of people with their West Virginia type of offense and an already solid team coming back for the most part; they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Southern Methodist – (L 35-14) – It’s June Jones, I mean, come on, he trains his opponents. And Shanwbrey Mcneal is an extremely fast running back who is actually a sleeper on the June Jones Offense happy pass.
Arkansas – (L – 45-7) – Arkansas will run the ball down the Miners’ throat and trade it with game action and there will be nothing they can do about it; this game is going to be ugly.
Tulsa – (L – 42-39) Tulsa’s entire offense is reeling from a heartbreaking loss last year, however their defense will remain pillow-soft, so expect a penalty shootout.
6-6their defensive personnel are not up to the task of being league champions, their run defense will be the obvious hole that teams will exploit.
What miners have to do to improve
They will need a higher completion percentage from their senior leader and quarterback Trevor Vittatoe. He had two great seasons the first year, but he fell off a bit last year, but after a tough offseason and a lot of work, we may see a big turnaround.
slot receiver
Jeff Moturi is gone, and he was definitely the best offensive asset the Miners had last year aside from their starting running back Donald Buckram. How are they going to solidify that slot receiver, and not only that, but can they get better?
Solidification depth in RB
Donald Buckram is a poor man’s Jahvid Best, he’s shown the same quality, production wise, no hype, but they’re going to have to get more depth behind him, especially more of a big bruise short yardage back so they can pick up some of those tough third downs that you’ve had trouble with.
Donald is not a short yards back, he is a home run hitter, they are going to need that depth to help the running game and make it even better.
stop the race
Let’s be honest, their run defense last year was atrocious, they couldn’t stop a hungry mouse with a block of cheese; Coach Mike Price believes the reason for this was the 3-3-5 scheme, maybe the 4-3 has what it takes, maybe not, only time will tell, but that element of surprise that the 3 brings -3-5 is unquestionable. gone, and many teams have extensive experience against a 4-3, so hopefully UTEP can mix it up a bit and get to the ball carrier.
The X Factor
Defensive tackles have been the root cause of why UTEP has been unsuccessful in recent years. Be it scheme or depth and personal game. Can you change that this year?
