Keys to victory
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2000 6:04 pm* Quick start. Last year we got ahead, but quickly fell way behind. We're better with a lead than we are playing catch-up.
* Accurate performance by McCown. He doesn't have to complete every pass, but he must make smart choices with the ball. Give the WR's a chance to make the play, and avoid interceptions. Take a sack if need be, but also don't be afraid to tuck the ball and take off. He has good wheels and can cause a defense headaches if he establishes himself as a viable running threat.
* Pound Chris Briggs. UTEP doesn't have the defense it did last year, and they should not be able to contain him.
* D-line, especially the interior guys, need to collapse the pocket and occupy blockers. That way, Pratt and Aldridge will have a free path to Rocky Perez (UTEP QB) and the LB's will be able to run to the ball and make plays.
* Another sharp day from Jonas Rutledge and Kevin Aldridge. If the D-line can generate some pressure and force Perez into throwing before he's ready, Rutledge and Garrett could find themselves with a TD-scoring INT.
* Accurate performance by McCown. He doesn't have to complete every pass, but he must make smart choices with the ball. Give the WR's a chance to make the play, and avoid interceptions. Take a sack if need be, but also don't be afraid to tuck the ball and take off. He has good wheels and can cause a defense headaches if he establishes himself as a viable running threat.
* Pound Chris Briggs. UTEP doesn't have the defense it did last year, and they should not be able to contain him.
* D-line, especially the interior guys, need to collapse the pocket and occupy blockers. That way, Pratt and Aldridge will have a free path to Rocky Perez (UTEP QB) and the LB's will be able to run to the ball and make plays.
* Another sharp day from Jonas Rutledge and Kevin Aldridge. If the D-line can generate some pressure and force Perez into throwing before he's ready, Rutledge and Garrett could find themselves with a TD-scoring INT.