UTEP QB Zack Greenlee Throws a Touchdown Pass to TE Hayden Plinke {VIDEO}

The UTEP Miners opened their 2016 season with a tremendous 38-22 victory over I-10 rivals NMSU.  Aaron Jones returned in style with a game for the ages as he rushed for a career high 249 yards on 31 carries, caught 2 receptions for 43 yards, and scored two touchdowns, one of which was a stellar 75 yard run early in the fourth quarter.  Jones' incredible performance marked the third best rushing total in program history.  Fresno State transfer QB Zack Greenlee went 15 of 27 for 229 yards, and threw 3 touchdown passes.

Cole Freytag had 4 receptions for 95 yards, and scored on a stunning 46 yard reception in the second quarter. Warren Redix and Hayden Plinke also had touchdown receptions throughout the game.  Overall UTEP performed brilliantly on offense by accumulating 518 total yards and 28 first downs, as opposed to NMSU's 345 total yards and 28 first downs.

UTEP dominated the time of possession as they had the ball for 37:24 to NMSU's 22:36.  The Miners have owned the Aggies in this rivalry lately as they have now won the last 8 games, and 15 of the last 19 overall.  UTEP will have their hands full next Saturday as they travel to Austin to take on Texas at 5 p.m. MST.  You can listen to all the action on 600 ESPN El Paso, as we are the official radio home for all Texas Longhorns games.