UTEP football returns to the Sun Bowl on Saturday night looking to turn its season around as the Miners host Nevada in their first ever Mountain West home game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Mountain Time, with the game airing nationally on FS1. Both teams enter the matchup looking to snap three game losing streaks, making Saturday an important opportunity for either program to get back on track.
UTEP enters the game at 1-4 overall and 0-1 in Mountain West play after suffering a 61-7 loss at New Mexico last weekend. Nevada comes in at 1-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play after a bye week, with its most recent game ending in a 36-33 double overtime loss to Air Force on September 26.
UTEP Searching for a Fresh Start at Home
The Miners have struggled to find consistency through the first five games of the season, averaging 16.4 points and 266.2 yards of total offense per game.
Through five games, UTEP has recorded 876 passing and rushing yards on the ground combined? The Miners have totaled 1,331 yards of offense, including 649 passing yards and 682 net rushing yards.
Quarterback EJ Colson Jr. has thrown for 541 yards and seven touchdowns while completing 63.6 percent of his passes. Colson has shown the ability to create scoring opportunities through the air, but UTEP will need more sustained offensive production to compete against Nevada.
Carver Cheeks has been one of the Miners’ most productive receiving options, recording 168 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His ability to create separation and make plays downfield could be important against a Nevada defense that has allowed 370.5 yards per game.
UTEP may also look to create more opportunities with its rushing attack. The Miners have averaged 136.4 rushing yards per game, and the performance of the ground game could help take pressure off the passing offense.
Last week against New Mexico, backup quarterback Raymond Moore III provided a major bright spot, rushing for a career high 135 yards and scoring on an 86 yard run. That was the longest rushing touchdown by a UTEP quarterback in program history.
If the Miners can establish a more consistent rushing attack and avoid costly mistakes, they could give themselves a better chance to compete throughout the game.
Nevada Brings a Physical Offense and Defense
Nevada enters Saturday averaging 27.3 points and 381.5 yards of total offense per game. The Wolf Pack have shown the ability to move the football, particularly through their rushing attack.
In their most recent game against Air Force, Nevada rushed for 187 yards. Herschel Turner led the way with 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Dominic Kelley added 60 yards.
Turner and the Nevada offensive line will present a challenge for a UTEP defense that has allowed 397.2 yards per game this season.
The Wolf Pack have also demonstrated the ability to make games competitive. Nevada pushed Air Force into double overtime before falling 36-33, showing that its offense can produce against Mountain West competition.
Defensively, Nevada has allowed 24.3 points and 370.5 yards per game. The Wolf Pack will look to pressure Colson, disrupt UTEP’s offensive rhythm and force the Miners into difficult third down situations.
Linebacker EJ Smith is a player to watch. He entered the matchup leading the FBS with 55 tackles and 30 solo tackles. Edge defender Dylan LaBarbera has also been productive, recording 39 tackles and giving Nevada another disruptive presence on defense.
UTEP will need to account for both players while finding ways to protect its quarterback and generate explosive plays.
Three Keys to the Game
1. Protect the Football
Turnovers have the potential to determine the outcome of a matchup between two teams searching for momentum. UTEP needs to protect the football, sustain drives and avoid giving Nevada extra possessions.
2. Establish the Run
The Miners could benefit from a balanced offensive approach. A productive rushing attack would help control the clock, create manageable third downs and open opportunities for Colson and the passing game.
3. Slow Down Nevada’s Rushing Attack
Nevada rushed for 187 yards against Air Force in its last game. UTEP’s defense must tackle effectively and limit the Wolf Pack’s ability to control the game on the ground.
A Critical Opportunity for the Miners
Saturday represents more than another conference game for UTEP. It is the program’s first Mountain West home contest at the Sun Bowl, giving the Miners an opportunity to make a statement in front of their home crowd.
With both teams entering on three game losing streaks, the matchup offers a chance to reset before the season moves deeper into conference play.
For UTEP, the formula begins with a more consistent offense, improved ball security and a defense capable of limiting Nevada’s rushing attack. The Miners have shown flashes of potential, but putting together a complete performance will be essential.
Nevada will arrive looking to take advantage of UTEP’s recent struggles, while the Miners will look to use their home field to get back into the win column.
The challenge is clear. UTEP needs a response, and Saturday night at the Sun Bowl provides its next opportunity.
Game Information
Matchup: UTEP vs. Nevada
Date: Saturday, October 10
Kickoff: 5 p.m. Mountain Time
Location: Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas
TV: FS1
