UTEP Football Defensive Report Card

High expectations for the UTEP defense resulted in a big letdown following their performance in the 26-16 loss to UTSA.

Here's a look at the defense by position

Defensive line: D+

Defensive tackle Denzel Chukwukelu carried the defensive front with four tackles and a sack, but the defensive line was unable to apply a solid pass rush and gave up 320 rushing yards by the Roadrunners.

Sincere McCormick broke the Roadrunners' single-game rushing record with 189 on the night, while quarterback Lowell Narcisse ended with 115 rushing yards, compared to just 46 passing yards.

Linebackers: D+

Again, the linebacker group was another position group that really didn't do much to contain the Roadrunners rushing plays. Sione Tupou was credited with a quarterback hurry, but aside to that, the linebackers struggled to put pressure on the UTSA passing game.

Secondary: B-

Considering the secondary lost safety Justin Prince, the UTEP defensive backs played sharp in this game, allowing just 46 passing yards and recording three pass deflections credited to Josh Caldwell, Duron Lowe and Justin Rogers. Safeties Michael Lewis and Adrian Hynson led the team in total tackles with 10 each.

Defense: C-

Another step back for the defense as a whole. They had a golden opportunity facing UTSA backup quarterback Narcisse, but could not stop the run and allowed 366 yards of total offense.