UTEP Dethrones The Monarchs On Homecoming

UTEP continued their rushing dominance and actually finished strong defensively to defeat Old Dominion at the Sun Bowl 42-35 on Homecoming.

The Miners' extraordinary rushing attack combined with quarterback Jameill Shower's flawless play enabled them to get the much needed victory after a lopsided loss at Louisiana Tech last week.  In total the Miners gained 334 yards on the ground, with Aaron Jones, Josh Bell, and Nathan Jeffery accumulating 70 or more yards each.

Josh Bell had a tremendous performance with 76 yards and three touchdowns.  Aaron Jones' incredible season continued as he rushed for 103 yards on 18 carries; he has rushed for over 100 yards in four of six games this season for the Miners.  Autrey Golden was moved to the slot and it paid off as he had six receptions for 70 yards, scored two touchdowns, rushed for 51 yards, and added two kickoff returns for 48 yards.  Jameill Showers was 17 for 26 with 152 yards and threw two touchdown passes.

UTEP looked as though they were going to run away with the game as they took a 21-7 lead into halftime.  The Miners took a 28-14 lead in the third quarter, but ODU tied up the game at 28-28 with 2:53 remaining in the quarter.  The Miners went up 42-28 with 2:03 remaining in the fourth quarter.  Old Dominion scored a late touchdown with just 1:10 remaining in the game, but it was too little too late as UTEP held on for the crucial victory.

UTEP's fourth quarter play was nothing short of clutch as they scored two touchdowns including a drive where they went 4 for 4 on third down conversions and Showers found Golden for a 10 yard TD pass on a third and goal.  The Miners' defense also stepped up late in the fourth quarter by stopping ODU running back Ray Lawry on a 4th and 1 from his own 34 yard line.  With the win the Miners even their record at 3-3, 1-1 in C-USA.  They will have a bye next week before traveling to San Antonio to face UTSA on October 25.

Following the victory Coach Kugler discussed his thoughts on the game, here is the entire post game press conference.