EP newspaper story

[EP Pony Fan]

In Wednesday's EPT (El Paso Times):

UTEP seeks to end losing streaks

Matthew Aguilar
El Paso Times

UTEP will be battling SMU and history when it visits the Mustangs Saturday in Dallas.

The Miners, in the midst of a 17-game road losing streak, also have lost their past eight Western Athletic Conference openers away from El Paso.

UTEP's last victory when opening the conference slate on the road came on Sept. 19, 1987, at Colorado State, when the Miners won 45-6. Overall, UTEP has won its first WAC game just once in the past 11 years.

A win could signal better things down the road, however. Of the eight times the Miners kicked off the WAC season with a win, they went on to post a .500 or better record in conference play on three occasions (1968, 1987, 2000). Linebacker Thomas Howard said a lot of the Miners' woes will be eliminated now that they have some confidence after Saturday's 49-14 victory over Sam Houston State at the Sun Bowl.

"A lot of it has to do with confidence, and gaining game experience," said Howard, who recorded an interception Saturday. "Game speed can be a lot different, and you have to get used to that. We have to play relaxed."

* The series: SMU leads the series with UTEP 8-2, including a 4-0 advantage in games played in Dallas. The Miners' average margin of defeat in the four Dallas games has been 18.3 points. SMU has won two straight over UTEP and has notched six consecutive victories in the series from 1932-97.

* Last time: Cody Cardwell returned a punt 66 yards for a touchdown with 1:22 remaining in the game to break a 35-35 tie as SMU escaped with a 42-35 win over UTEP Nov. 16, 2002, at the Sun Bowl.

Cardwell finished the night with six punt returns for 169 yards to set both the SMU and Sun Bowl records for punt returns in a game.

Miners quarterback Omar Duarte completed 18-of-34 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns, both career highs, to lead the Miners. UTEP was beaten despite owning a 397-348 advantage in total yards.

* More heartbreak: The Mustangs are coming off a tough 12-9 loss at Nevada in the conference opener last week.

Matthew Aguilar may be reached at maguilar@elpasotimes.com

[PonyFan]

Well said!

Prediction:

Ponies 34, Miners 13

[The PonyGrad]

PF I hope you are right about Bartel coming out hot. Otherwise my prediction is:
SMU 20
Utep 16

[The PonyGrad]

PF I hope you are right about Bartel coming out hot. Otherwise my prediction is:
SMU 20
Utep 16