8 Star UTEP Backfield

[fan]

Thanks. That then is a bit discouraging if you look at my post with respect to all defenses and total yardage yielded in the last 20 years. This team is clearly statistically worse on D than what we had from 90-98.

I will say that in those years however our offenses were not very good. Not sure what is worse--- losing because you can't score or losing because you can't stop anyone.

[Stallion]

I've never predicted that Phil Bennett would have a winning record. Which makes me correct and consistent. In fact, I've never predicted SMU would go to a bowl in 18 years-which make me a stinkin' genuis compared to 98% on this board. Welcome to the Dark Side.

[PlanoStang]

Marcus Thomas is the real deal, and had pro scouts at the game to see
him.

[JasonB]

Their four star backfield didn't kill us.

Our walk-on linebacker, and "diamonds in the rough" at both saftey spots, middle linebacker, and all along the defensive line (other than Muse) did.

Having players that poor in your starting lineup isn't about academic standards being too high. It is about not getting decent recruits, much less "good" recruits. And it is about talent evaluation. Hurst is our best LB and he doesn't play much. That is player evaluation. The Frosh saftey is supposed to be great. So is the Frosh corner. Florida can start a frosh saftey and corner because of the talent and upside. Why can't we?

We have made changes to the standards of the program. The talent level has certainly increased over the Cavan years. But it still isn't where it needs to be.

That said, the part that IS on the coaches is the scheming. Staying in a 4-3 against spread offenses. Not utilizing a strength of the offense - the TE - enough for years. Another thing that IS on the coaches are the little things that coaches do to get their teams ready to win games - special teams, being ready for game situations such as an onside kick, not making critical penalties. Well coached teams don't make the mistakes it takes to lose. You can't teach a kid to make the plays to win, that is athleticism, but you certainly can teach them not to make the mistakes that cost you a victory. Good coaches get the little things right. And the little things have cost us games like this for years.

[mavsrage311]

JasonB you are right, and Stallion is right too. It was a combination of both. It puzzles me how UTEP throws Sams out their at QB (HE IS A FREAKING RECEIVER FOLKS), yet the defense can't figure out that he DOESNT THROW. As a QB, he ran it for over 100 yards, and netted -3 yards on his pass completions, yet we can't stop him when we know he's only going to be running. Phil Bennet is a DEFENSIVE coach, yet that side of the ball reminds me of a chicken running around with it's head cut off. Don't get me started on the offense, I just love to see Justin Willis in a shotgun handing it off to our running back BEHIND him by the goalline. Wonderful playcalling that is, making 3rd and 4 more like a 3rd and 10. Bravo coaches, Bravo

[Stallion]

yeah but that's the point-every SMU Defensive player knew that Sam can't throw and couldn't stop him anyway. That's an athletic problem. Look I knew last year that Sam doesn't throw-so did Phil and so did our players.

[mavsrage311]

yeah but that's the point-every SMU Defensive player knew that Sam can't throw and couldn't stop him anyway. That's an athletic problem. Look I knew last year that Sam doesn't throw-so did Phil and so did our players.

I saw safeties back when he was under center. Not that I will ever be a coach, but I would've put 8-9 men in the box and dared him to throw. I don't think they threw it once in overtime, yet they ran it down our throats. No reason not to put atleast 8 men in the box when Sam was behind center

[Stallion]

BTW Thomas had 207 yards rushing while Sam had 88 yards in pass receptions and 106 yards in rushing for a total of 401 yards total offense. Naw it was all poor coaching.

[Stallion]

UTEP A Team of Destiny? Overcame a 9 point deficit AGAIN. Tulsa had over 648 yards Total Offense. Gave up 47 points (92 in 2 Games) and won again.

Here's a wrapup on UTEP's 8 Star BackField who are basically turning a bad UTEP team into a Title Contender. -at least 342 yards of total offense:


A 29-yard touchdown reception by Lorne Sam, and Marcus Thomas’ 11-yard run gave the Miners a 21-10 lead with 12:10 to go before halftime. Thomas had 134 yards on the ground. Sam, who splits quarterback duties with Vittatoe, was a thorn in TU’s side all evening. He ended with 176 all-purpose yards (94 receiving, 82 running). He also threw for 32 yards and a touchdown.