UTEP’s New Methods, Grit Downs Old Dominion

Sean Kugler was as good as his word. After getting thrashed, 55-3, at Louisiana Tech, the Miners head coach promised changes in lineups and procedures. There were, and UTEP beat Old Dominion in its centennial homecoming game, 42-35.

But more than the changes, it was the Miners' response after the Monarchs roared back to tie the game, 28-28.

Specifically, they showed a heart and determination that was non-existent in Ruston, LA, a week ago.

UTEP's offense responded with 14 points, including a 16-play, 91-yard fourth quarter drive after being pinned deep on a punt, capped off by a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jameill Showers to his new slotback, Autrey Golden.

It was the Miners defense that showed up next. With time running out, ODU's reliable run game was stuffed on a 4th and 1 by Roy Robertson-Harris and Anthony Puente, setting up another Showers touchdown pass to Golden, who would outrun the defense for a 37-yard score.

Golden's move to slot was the most notable change and it paid off immediately. Showers now has a target on the perimeter and Golden has an opportunity to make plays, leading UTEP receivers with 70 yards, gaining 51 more on the ground.

Add in another 48 yards on two kickoff returns and Golden paced the Miners with 169 all-purpose yards.

Running back Aaron Jones also got back to his triple-digit ways, earning 103 yards on 18 carries for his seventh game over the century mark.

UTEP moves to 3-3, 1-1 in C-USA while the Monarchs drop to 3-4, 1-1. The Miners return to action in two weeks at UTSA.