UTEP worries me

[ponyte]

UTEP is a hot and cold team. Our defense once again showed it can take a 0-8 team and turn some of its unknown players into Heisman candidates. Imagine what we could do against a team with some talent.

UTEP has a good running back and a QB that can make plays. Throw in a defense that might actually play up to potential and UTEP has a perfect storm for an upset against us.

Special teams saved us last week. We need a stronger performance from the D and a more consistent O.

And all this bowl talk could put the mojo on our young kids that are thinking before performing about a bowl game.

We had a must win situation last week and won against a team we should have dominated. We once again have a must win but we are playing a team with much more talent and capability.

I hope our kids are focused and prepared and perform to a higher standard this week.

[Billy Joe]

I agree but I think a lot of the worries are from being an SMU fan and being used to losing. I have to believe this season is different and this is the season we finally break through and go to a bowl game. The team is playing together and has been competitive in every game we have played except for the second half against TCU and the first quarter against Houston. We could easily be 7-2 right now and should have won the Wash. St. and Navy games. It is amazing what June and his staff are doing with such a young team and now a true freshman qb. This team has to play a good game to win the next three games. It is possible. Why not us? We have lost long enough. This is our year and the year we finally break through. You have to believe! June and this team will find a way. We have all year! We had every chance to lose against Rice but found a way to win. We will do the same against UTEP.

[ponyinNC]

hopefully the Rice game was a wake up call that we aren't world beaters quite yet and need to play well to win every game, even against inferior teams. after a game like that, i assume players have more focus during practice and start ignoring the "bowl talk" for now.

[MidlandMustang]

I don't think focus and intensity should be a problem - I would hope not with what's on the line. They could have been a little flat after the big Tulsa win - I hope that is part of it. You're right we should have dominated Rice.

[ClickClack]

I agree but I think a lot of the worries are from being an SMU fan and being used to losing. I have to believe this season is different and this is the season we finally break through and go to a bowl game. The team is playing together and has been competitive in every game we have played except for the second half against TCU and the first quarter against Houston. We could easily be 7-2 right now and should have won the Wash. St. and Navy games. It is amazing what June and his staff are doing with such a young team and now a true freshman qb. This team has to play a good game to win the next three games. It is possible. Why not us? We have lost long enough. This is our year and the year we finally break through. You have to believe! June and this team will find a way. We have all year! We had every chance to lose against Rice but found a way to win. We will do the same against UTEP.

you have to be fair...you say we can easily be 7-2...how easily could we be 3-6 if it werent for two blocked field goals returned for touchdowns??? I mean that is pretty wild. I think the 5-4 record is pretty Indicative of our team.

[RGV Pony]

with you on UTEP. Their RB is easily the best we will have soon, and as fast as AR or Shawnbrey. To quote someone in the know, the D absolutely must keep their angles. Buckram singlehandedly beat Houston and Tulsa. We have to maintain discipline on play action as well.

I could see UTEP running a fake FG also. Price is someone who will try some questionable stuff, not unlike Scelfo at Tulane who faked a punt out of his own endzone.

Also...man coverage and a lot of blitzing. That's not a combination Padron has seen.

[abezontar]

Should we have dominated Rice? We are playing better than we did last year, but does that really translate into being able to dominate any team? Let's not forget that we aren't that far removed from 1-11 and poor performances against SFA.

[MidlandMustang]

Should we have dominated Rice? We are playing better than we did last year, but does that really translate into being able to dominate any team? Let's not forget that we aren't that far removed from 1-11 and poor performances against SFA.

I know it was only SFA but last I saw they were having a pretty good season. And yes, I think we should have dominated Rice in our own house. Heck, worst teams have put a pretty good whoopin' on them if I'm not mistaken.

[CalallenStang]

The Rice fans say that their game against us is by far the best they have played all year. In my opinion it was also the worst we have played all year. Got to like that combination but like I said after the Rice game if we play that poorly again we will lose.

UTEP has a horrific defense that we will have to take advantage of. They gave up 45 to Tulane last week - Tulane was averaging 16 points per game coming in. IMO we have to take advantage of UTEP's defensive ineptitude.

Offensively UTEP has a good RB (Buckram) and a talented QB (Vittatoe). They like to run a lot of one-back formations and are very good at getting the ball to Buckram in space. We have to contain Buckram and keep the WRs covered as well as get pressure on Vittatoe. If Buffalo can hold UTEP's offense then so can we, but we have to play well to do it.

[JasonB]

Our offense is going to have to click on all cylinders for us to win this game.

[jtstang]

Any team that figured out a way to beat Houston should worry us.

[ddderrius]

UTEP offense is just starting to turn things around. Trevor hasn't had the year like his previous two years he has the tendency to throw the pick in the redzone. He has put the defense in a heck of a predicament a lot this year. The D has been beat up every since they played Texas, but they're getting some of there players back this game. Go Mustangs!!! and Go Miners!!! May the best team WIN!

[bagice]

UTEP should scare the hell out of us...funny how people point out that we could be 7-2 but don't mention that we could just as easily be 3-6 without a few breaks going our way.

In reality this is a .500 team that needs to claw and scratch for each win...I think we will win, but am worried...On the plus side, the Rice game should have reminded all the players that they cannot just show up and win.

[Cadillac]

UTEP offense is just starting to turn things around. Trevor hasn't had the year like his previous two years he has the tendency to throw the pick in the redzone. He has put the defense in a heck of a predicament a lot this year. The D has been beat up every since they played Texas, but they're getting some of there players back this game. Go Mustangs!!! and Go Miners!!! May the best team WIN!

Hey! How's Dustin doing out in El Paso? Really wish he'd come our way, but I hope all is well even if he's playing for the bad guys

-CoS

[peruna81]

every team we play should worry us...the difference this year is we are finally beginning to worry other teams.