CUSA Football Preview: #13 UTEP Miners

Record: 4-8

Wins: New Mexico State, UTSA, Houston Baptist, North Texas

Losses: Texas, Army, Southern Miss., Louisiana Tech, FIU, Old Dominion, FAU, Rice

In 2016, the Miners opened the season with a W over New Mexico State 38-22. However, the rest of the season was an uphill battle:

-going 1-5 in the first six games

-going 2-6 in CUSA

-losing by an average of 22.75 points per game

-averaging 26.3 points per game and allowing 34.9 points per game

-there was one shining moment when UTEP defeated instate rival UTSA...in five overtimes.

Head coach Sean Kugler came to UTEP in 2013 knowing it was not going to be easy. His predecessor, Mike Price, had two winning seasons in nine years. Kugler - a UTEP Football alumnus - heads into his fifth season with one winning season (7-6; 2014) and one bowl appearance. Since then, it has not looked too pretty.

OFFENSE

The Miners were last in CUSA last season in passing and threw it the fewest times per game. Quarterback Ryan Metz started 7/11 games he played (130-201, 1,375 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 4 INT). Those 14 touchdowns were the most for a UTEP quarterback in a single season since 2010. He did not have to put up video game numbers because UTEP relied heavily upon running back Aaron Jones (1,773 yards and 17 touchdowns). With Jones' early departure to the big leagues, the pressure is now on Metz and running back Quardraiz Wadley. Metz has to continue growing as a leader and trust his ability. Wadley has/had a tall order in 2017 since he only ran for 168 yards in 2016. However, Wadley suffered from a shoulder injury in the spring game which will be monitored through fall camp. Kevin Dove was the next leading rusher with 101 yards and 1 touchdown.

The receiving corps returns both Eddie Sinegal and Warren Redix. Sinegal had 29 receptions for 338 yards and 2 rushing attempts for 44 yards in 2016. Redix had 12 receptions for 84 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Miners lost receiving leaders Hayden Plinke and Cole Freytag.

Will Hernandez - a second team AP All-American - returns for his senior campaign. Not only does he lead the offensive line, but he is the backbone of the offense. We will probably be watching him on Sundays in 2018. The line returns two starters and three others with starting experience.

DEFENSE

The Miners' defense looks to be in a better position than the offense.

While the offense lost one Jones, brother Alvin Jones (linebacker) will be back to lead the defense. Jones was second-team All CUSA and had a team high of 93 tackles (14th in CUSA). He accumulated 6 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 1 pass breakup. Dante Lovilotte was also a second-team All CUSA honoree with 89 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 4 quarterback hurries, and 1 forced fumble. Jones and Lovilotte both lead the defense in 2016. Jayson VanHook provides more depth: having 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. Wake Forest grad transfer Julian Jackson will also join the LBs.

UTEP was third in the conference against the pass and returns a secondary that boasted that accomplishment. Strong safety Devin Cockrell had 58 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup, 1 quarterback hurry, and 1 fumble recovery. He is joined by corners Nik Needham (54 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hurries ) and Kalon Beverly (41 tackles, 1 interception, and 6 pass breakups).

The defense's weakest link is the defensive line. UTEP is not very experienced up front and had 1.5 sacks in 2016. Mike Sota (47 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup, 2 quarterback hurries) will take the lead and help the d-line put pressure on the quarterback.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Punter Alan Luna averaged 41 yards per attempt and 15 inside of the 20. Other than Luna, the Miners are looking for a kicker. The return squad ranked second to last with 18.4 yards per kick return.

SUMMARY

Like Charlotte, there are simply too many questions and unknowns heading into 2017. UTEP had a winnable 2016 schedule (or at least 6-6), however the team fell flat. And while Metz is more experienced, the Miners lost Aaron Jones and Wadley is injured. The receiving corps could be good, but they are young. Defense should be fine as long as the offense can sustain some drives. 2017's schedule will be an even bigger challenge. Not only does the team have something to prove, but Sean Kugler, as well.

SCHEDULE & PREDICTION

Sept. 2 @ Oklahoma

Sept. 9 vs. Rice

Sept. 15 vs. Arizona

Sept. 23 @ New Mexico State

Sept. 30 @ Army

Oct. 7 vs. WKU

Oct. 14 @ Southern Miss.

Oct. 28 vs. UTSA

Nov. 4 @ Middle Tennessee

Nov. 11 @ North Texas

Nov. 18 vs. Louisiana Tech

Nov. 25 @ UAB

Record: 3-9 or 4-8

Projected Wins: New Mexico State, UAB, North Texas, and/or Rice.

Projected Losses: Oklahoma, Arizona, Army, Southern Miss., WKU, Middle Tennessee, UTSA, and/or Rice.

Previous Rankings:

#14 Charlotte 49ers