UTEP Gets An Emotional Win on Homecoming against Tulane

The UTEP Miners won a game for the first time in over a month, by defeating Tulane 24-20 at the Sunbowl for Homecoming on Saturday night.  UTEP is now 2-6 on the season, and celebrated the rare victory like they had just won a bowl game. 

The emotion that Coach Price and his team displayed following the victory was tremendous, and quite frankly, great to see.  After all there hasn't been much to celebrate since the team went on a 4 game losing streak, dating back to September 22 at Wisconsin.

The Miners had a solid performance on both sides of the ball.  Their offense did their part for a change, scoring on their first possession of the game for only the second time this season.  Even more impressive, is that the Miners offense scored all of their points in the first half, including a season high 17 points in the second quarter.

The Miners defensive unit continues to impress as they allowed Tulane to score a single field goal in the second half to preserve the win.  UTEP starting quarterback Nick Lamaison did not play in the second half, because he suffered a pulled hamstring in the first half. Lamaison's played brilliantly, completing 11-16 passes for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns.   Backup QB Carson Meger played well in relief of Lamaison, going 9-14 for 71 yards.

Lamaison's favorite target was wide receiver Mike Edwards who had 7 catches for 82 yards, and 2 touchdown receptions.   This was a game that the Miners knew they had to win, as they are attempting to salvage their season.  Next week UTEP travels to Houston, a team that always gives them all they can handle.

Following the game defensive coordinator Andre Patterson expressed how satisfied he was with the defensive effort of the Miners.  He had this to say, 

 Coach Price was really pleased that his team finally won a close game, when asked about the emotional victory he mentioned,

With the win, Coach Price takes over sole possession of first place on the school's all time win list with 47.  If this is the final season for Coach Price at UTEP, then it is evident that he and his team will try to finish off the 2012 campaign on a positive note.  Showing emotion and heart is something that cannot be taught. There is little doubt that Coach Price still loves this game a lot, and it would be nice to see a storybook ending to a successful tenure for the head coach of the Miners.