In the second season of a complete program rebuild, Dimel made it clear that the team will preserve a number of players as redshirts this season. Per the NCAA redshirt rules, players are allowed to play in four games without losing a season of eligibility.
Following UTEP's 52-26 loss to North Texas, question marks still hovered over the Miners' inconsistent defense that has allowed an average of 42 points in their last three games.