UTEP Football Fires Offensive Coordinator Brent Pease

The UTEP football season continues to get worse every week and now, heads are starting to roll. The school announced today that offensive coordinator Brent Pease was let go, two days following the Miners 63-16 loss to Arizona. UTEP currently ranks 128th out of 129 Division 1 teams in total offense, and they averaging just 204.7 yards per game through their first three contests. Only Georgia Southern ranks lower. Without Aaron Jones, the Miners have the worst rushing offense in college football, and they are averaging just 38.7 yards on the ground per game.

The most surprising thing about their lack of offense and rushing yards is that the team came into the season with arguably the best offensive line in Conference USA. Unfortunately, that group has not lived up to the hype and UTEP's quarterbacks have been under pressure in every game while their running backs have had little success on the ground. In fairness, Oklahoma and Arizona both possess excellent defensive units. Their other opponent, the Rice Owl completely dominated the Miners physically.

There have been no other coaching casualties yet, but the Miners have their big Battle of I-10 showdown with NMSU Saturday in Las Cruces. If UTEP loses the game and gives up 30-plus points to the Aggies, it will be interesting to see if defensive coordinator Tom Mason is the next to go. In their first three games, the Miners rank 125th in total defense and 126th in scoring defense. NMSU lost their second game of the season this weekend to Troy 27-24, and the Aggies know that Saturday evening will be their best opportunity to beat the Miners and end their eight game losing streak.