Oct. 25, 2014
Final Stats
UTEP 34, UTSA 0 |
Postgame Notes
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The UTEP offense was on point, but the defense was the real story as the Miners ran past UTSA, 34-0, on Saturday night in the Alamodome.
With the victory, UTEP improved to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in Conference USA, while UTSA drops to 2-6 overall and 1-3 in C-USA.
The UTEP defense played outstanding, allowing only two first downs (least allowed during the modern era in UTEP history) and 70 yards of total offense (third-fewest yards allowed in program history). The Miners picked up three sacks and a defensive touchdown in the victory.
The defense also opened the contest by forcing seven consecutive three-and-outs by the UTSA offense.
But back to the offense, the Miners scored their first two touchdowns on third down plays in the first quarter.
On a third down and five, Jameill Showers rolled out to his right and found Jaquan White down the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown, giving the Miners the early advantage. It tied Showers' career-long touchdown pass, while it was White's first collegiate score.
Following White's touchdown, Showers found Aaron Jones on a swing pass to the right side on a third and 11. Jones raced past UTSA defenders on a 40-yard sprint to the end zone.
UTEP's offense totaled 351 yards.
The scoring continued as Jay Mattox connected on a 20-yard field goal, giving UTEP a 17-0 lead late in the first half.
Jones scored his second touchdown on a 24-yard dash, putting his squad up 24-0 in the third quarter.
Mattox followed with another field goal, a career-best 47-yard kick. Mattox also served as punter, tallying 323 yards on seven punts (46.1 avg.), including putting four punts inside the 20-yard line.
UTEP linebacker Jimmy Musgrave put the last nail in the coffin when he intercepted a ball and took it 19 yards for a pick six. It was the first defensive touchdown since the 2011 season.
Jones led UTEP rushers with 86 yards, while Autrey Golden led with five receptions. Alvin Jones led the defense with six tackles, including a tackle for a loss. Nick Gathrite forced two fumbles.
UTEP pitched its first shutout since 2005, a 45-0 win over Southern Texas. As far as an FBS school, the Miners blanked NM State, 45-0, in 2004. The shutout was also the first road shutout since a 37-0 win at New Mexico in 1988.
The Miners return to the Sun Bowl to take on Southern Miss on Nov 1. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. MT.
