UTEP Defeats NMSU 41-28 For Their First Victory Of The Season

On a picturesque evening, the UTEP Miners beat their oldest rival, 41-28 in front of 33,000 fans.  UTEP was desperate for the win because their last 2 losses against Ole Miss and Oklahoma were winnable games, and next week they travel to Wisconsin.

The Miners finally displayed signs of brilliance on offense as they scored early and often, taking a 27-0 lead by the second quarter.  UTEP's defense was clicking on all cylinders as well in the first half, with 13:36 to go in the second quarter, NMSU had yet to cross mid field.

Miners' QB Nick Lamaison had a spectacular game passing for 300 yards with 4 touchdown passes.  UTEP utilized numerous wide receivers, with Jordan Leslie and Michael Edwards having the most success for them throughout the evening.  UTEP has now won the last 4 games in the battle of I-10 rivalry.  The last time they accomplished that feat was from 1986-1991.

The victory was Mike Price's 100th game as the Miners head coach.  Following the game Coach Price discussed his team's character and how great it was for his seniors to defeat NMSU four years in a row. He mentioned,

Miners' QB Nick Lamaison talked about how pleased he was with his team's performance against NMSU, and their up coming opponent Wisconsin as well.  He had this to say,   

There is no doubt that these first 4 games represent a brutal non conference schedule for the Miners.  They realize that they can play with anyone in the country, the big question now is, can they go to Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin and give the Badgers a competitive game?  Next Saturday numerous El Pasoans, and 82,500 fans in Wisconsin will find out.