UTEP

[50's PONY]

http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/s ... 4417.shtml
Sports Sunday, November 14, 2004

UTEP needs two overtimes to get win

Matthew Aguilar
El Paso Times

Mark Lambie /El Paso Times
UTEP linebacker Robert Rodriguez dove to sack Rice quarterback Joel Armstrong on Saturday during their game at the Sun Bowl. The 23rd-ranked Miners needed two overtimes to win 35-28.


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In one of the most bizarre UTEP games in history and the first overtime contest in Sun Bowl history, the Miners overcame two fourth-quarter safeties -- rebounding from certain defeat -- to slip past upset-minded Rice 35-28 in double overtime Saturday in the Sun Bowl before 43,507 crazed, rain-soaked fans.

The end was a microcosm of the game. Rice running back Ed Bailey was stripped of the ball on the UTEP 1-yard line by freshman safety Quintin Demps. The ball was recovered by linebacker Robert Rodriguez, ending a game that was sloppy and miserable at times, but classic nonetheless because of the multiple ways the Miners snagged victory from defeat.

Afterwards, a thrilled crowd rushed the field as UTEP players mobbed Demps and Rodriguez. Fans even stuck around afterward to soak up an incredible Miner win that put UTEP at 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the Western Athletic Conference.

Rice fell to 3-7, 2-5. But what a fight the Owls put up. What a fight.

It seemed the Miners had won the game earlier in the second overtime period, when they had Rice in a 4th-and-14. But UTEP was called for pass interference, and it gave the Owls the ball on the Miner 11-yard line.

Just when it appeared Rice would go in for the tying score, UTEP was called for a facemask -- a play that wound up being very, very smart. It put Rice on the UTEP 1. That's when Demps and Rodriguez teamed up for the play of the season.

Rodriguez ended with more than 20 tackles in perhaps his finest game in blue and orange. UTEP quarterback Jordan Palmer finished 19-of-28 for 191 yards and an interception with three touchdowns. Tailback Howard Jackson ran 17 times for 83 yards. And UTEP receiver Jayson Boyd caught four passes for 61 yards.

But it was Rice's top-ranked option offense that caused UTEP the most problems. The Owls finished with 312 yards rushing. Bailey had 155 yards and Thomas Lott 65 yards. Mike Falco had 39 and quarterback Joel Armstrong finished 6-of-13 for 97 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also had 37 yards rushing.

The game took a strange turn in the fourth quarter.

With UTEP holding a 21-17 lead, Rice got the ball on its own 35-yard line after Miner placekicker Reagan Schneider kicked the ball out of bounds -- a problem he has been having all season. Rice's methodical option offense took over and took the ball to the 16-yard-line in 11 plays. But it appeared UTEP had wrapped it up after Howard sacked Armstrong for a 15-yard loss. Then cornerback Adrian Ward intercepted an Armstrong pass and returned it 26 yards to the Rice 34-yard-line.

But the Miners went three and out right when they needed a long, Rice-like drive the most. Trying to run out the clock, UTEP was backed to its own 1-yard line. Punter Bryce Benekos' punt, however, was blocked.

It was a Rice safety, and it made the score 21-19 UTEP.

Rice got the ball back, drove it to the 25-yard-line in another time-consuming drive. With 1:58 remaining, quarterback Armstrong got loose and was heading into the end zone when Howard stripped the ball loose. It was recovered by defensive lineman Justin Hanel, and it was a miracle play when the Miners needed it so desperately.

UTEP got the ball, and it was deja vu all over again. The Miners could do nothing offensively, and on 4th-and-12, Benekos fumbled the ball in the end zone as the ball slipped through his wet fingers. It tied the game at 21 with 17 seconds to go and ultimately sent the game into overtime.

The strange weather seemed to have an effect on UTEP, and the Miners went into the first extra period lacking momentum.

In the first overtime possession, Rice scored first on an Ed Bailey touchdown run that gave the Owls a 28-21 lead. UTEP came right back and scored on a Palmer-to-tight end Casey Mauch 25-yard touchdown pass. The game was tied again at 28.

The Miners scored on its first play of the second overtime period to make the score 35-28, and it gave the Miners the momentum to win the game.

Matthew Aguilar may be reached at [email protected]; 546-6166.


Copyright © 2001 El Paso Times.
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[Sam I Am]

Now that SMU is 3-2 at home, we have yet to prove that we can win on the road, much less against a ranked team like UTEP. The Miners are focusing on a bowl bid now and will "show out" against us if they can. BUT, SMU has found an offense and that changes things. I don't expect to win, but I not not conceding either. From now on the other team will have to beat us on the field since our team may be getting into their heads that they can win.

[KnuckleStang]

UTEP happens to be our last road win, in 2002. I remember running around my apartment drunk after that game, yelling 'Cody Cardwell for president.'

[WildBillPony]

It appears as though UTEP can't stop the run. Rice's game stats on the ground were huge. Maybe the Romo/Dorsey/Munlin offense could work well on UTEP.

[ponyte]

Areas of concern. Our pass rush is anemic and our secondary plays too soft in its zone. We are strong against the run (usually) but weak against the pass. Offensively we are improving. Can that new found offense remain consistent against a good team is to be seen. Our special teams are improving but we still need better punt coverage. That is a killer and it has cost us field position too many times.

I am not familiar with UTEP so I am not aware of their strengths or weaknesses. However, this Pony team has tasted success and nothing improves a team more. The Ponies will have a little more confidence on both sides of the ball and the belief that they can play and beat other teams. I look forward to Saturday.

[Water Pony]

Beating the Miners at their place and having a four win season would be a terrific way to finish up.

The team is getting stronger and the pain we have subjected ourselves to is paying dividends. I agree with ponyte's assessment of our progress.

Go Ponies!

[Ikus]

I try not to get ahead of myself with my optimism, but I have to admit I feel the same boost of confidence the players seem to feel.

Any way the team can take that music to El Paso with them????

Beating UTEP would send us FLYING into recruiting season.

Go Mustangs!

[Dooby]

OK, I admit that I haven't seen a second of a UTEP game all year, but I've looked at their stats and I have looked at their schedule, and I don't see what the big deal is. They they beat the powerhouses of .500 New Mexico State and 1-AA Weber State and took care of their conference play, aside from Boise. The two good teams they faced, beat 'em-Boise and Ariz. State.

Would I like to have their record? Sure. Are they unbeatable? Heck no.

Kick their @$$, Seabass.

Oh, and no pressure or anything, but if we lose, we are stuck with Ms. Bates as my avatar through the start of next season. But if we win, wait until you see the SMU alumni picture I have found for you.

[Lamont_Cranston]

UTEP is beatable.
Note to the Mustangs: JUST WIN!

[Arkpony]

I predicted before the start of the season that we would end up 4-7. Therefore, we WILL beat UTEP to confirm my prediction!

[Corso]

They also won at Fresno.
FSU might have been skidding, but that's still impressive.

[Lamont_Cranston]

I predicted before the start of the season that we would end up 4-7. Therefore, we WILL beat UTEP to confirm my prediction!

From your lips to God's ears, Arkpony.