With UTEP’s record sitting at 0-0 as they prepare for another season-opening matchup with the New Mexico Lobos this Saturday, optimism is on the rise as most fans have put the dismal 2013 season (2-10 overall, 1-7 CUSA)  behind them.

A season that started with a heartbreaking 42-35 overtime loss to the aforementioned Lobos in the Sun Bowl one year ago that sent the Miners spiraling to seven more losses over the next eight games, UTEP is hoping to return the favor this weekend.

Not exactly the start most were hoping for in Sean Kugler’s first season as UTEP’s head man.  The losses were one thing, but the way they were losing was tough to swallow as the Sun Bowl attendance failed to crack 30,000 after a second-straight home loss to UTSA in the third game of the season.

Now with a full offseason under his belt and a chance to correct some first-year mistakes, Kugler has a chance to right the ship and bring a little more excitement to the Sun Bowl.

Most experts will say the first game isn’t the “end all to be all” of the season, but after that UNM loss most felt the season was going to be a long one even with a bounce back win over NMSU the following weekend.

Expectations aren’t very high for UTEP to win more than five games this season, but a win in the opener could be all the difference in the world and turn a probable CUSA bottom dweller into a Cinderella.

While questions still remain on both sides of the ball, especially the defense, based on early reviews from Camp Alpine and recent practices the Miners should be much improved defensively.

The offense has some issues of their own at wide receiver (losing top receiver Jordan Leslie) and the offensive line (four new starters), but with a healthy Jameill Showers and the plethora of quality running backs ; UTEP has the potential to surprise the doubters.

However, that can’t happen with a loss in Albuquerque.

UNM like UTEP is hoping to turn the corner and it will be a tough game for the Miners, but if Kugler wants to make a splash, Saturday’s opener is a must win or we could have a repeat of last year.

0-1 could turn into 1-5 in a hurry (Sorry NMSU fans 0-6 is not even a consideration).

Tighten up those chin straps…Football is back!

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