UTEP Miners

UTEP Game Notes
USM Notes

UTEP Travels to Southern Miss on Halloween
UTEP (3-4, 1-2 Conference USA) and Southern Miss (5-3, 3-1 C-USA) will face each other on Halloween in Hattiesburg, Miss. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. MT at M.M. Roberts Stadium. The contest will be televised on FOX  Network. It marks the Miners’ first trip to Hattiesburg since Nov. 17, 2012 – a 34-33 victory over the Golden Eagles. UTEP will have two more road trips following the game, as Old Dominion on Nov. 14 (Norfolk, Va.) and North Texas on Nov. 28 (Denton, Texas) are on the slate. The last time UTEP played on Halloween was during the 2009 season against UAB in the Sun Bowl.

Fright Night
UTEP is 2-4 on Halloween dating back to the 1970 season. The Miners blanked New Mexico 34-0 in 1987 and beat up on Hawaii 30-13 in 1998. The losses were to New Mexico 35-16 (1970), Arizona 48-15 (1981), Hawaii 41-21 (1992) and UAB 38-33 (2009).  

The Series
UTEP leads the series 4-3.  The teams have met five times during the regular season and twice in bowl games. The Miners defeated the Golden Eagles, 37-14, in the Sun Bowl on Jan. 1, 1954.  Southern Miss topped UTEP, 38-18, in the Independence Bowl on Dec. 29, 1988.  UTEP is 2-0 versus Southern Miss in Hattiesburg with narrow victories during the 2008 (40-37 in double overtime) and 2012 (34-33) seasons.

The Last Meeting
Riding an opportunistic performance by the defense, UTEP moved within a win of bowl eligibility by topping Southern Miss, 35-14, on Oct. 29, 2014 in the Sun Bowl.  The Miners netted 21 points off turnovers by the Golden Eagles and added a 98-yard kickoff return by Autrey Golden.  Golden broke a 7-7 tie with his fifth career kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter.  Later in the period, a Golden Eagles fumble was recovered by UTEP linebacker Jimmy Musgrave at the Southern Miss 12, and three plays later Jameill Showers pranced 10 yards into the end zone to put his team up 14.  The Golden Eagles blocked Jay Mattox’s field goal attempt from 34 yards late in the third quarter, Cornell Armstrong scooped up the ball and ran 78 yards to cut his team’s deficit in half.  UTEP was forced to punt on its next possession, and Southern Miss advanced the ball to midfield before Weeks’ pass was intercepted by Trey Brown and returned 51 yards for a TD.  The Miners completed the scoring when Roy Robertson-Harris stripped Weeks of the football, Nick Gathrite recovered it and ran 59 yards for a score with 9:31 to play.  Southern Miss had five turnovers to UTEP’s one.  That was the difference on a night where the Golden Eagles gained 402 yards to UTEP’s 234.  Showers completed 10-of-23 passes for 127 yards, while Nathan Jeffery (57 yards) and Aaron Jones (38) combined for 95 of the Miners’ 107 rushing yards.  The defense tied its season high with nine tackles for losses led by Robertson-Harris, who tallied three while forcing a couple of fumbles.

About Southern Miss
The Golden Eagles are coming off a dominating 44-10 victory over Charlotte on Oct. 24. Junior QB Nick Mullens threw for 265 yards on 24-of-38 passing and four touchdowns. It was the 10th consecutive game that Mullens has thrown at least one touchdown pass and the seventh time in his career in which he tossed at least three touchdowns in a contest. Senior RB Jalen Richard led the rushing attack with 114 yards and added pair of scores (one rushing TD and one kickoff return for a TD). Southern Miss ranks no. 2 in Conference USA in total offense (505.8 y/g) and total defense (369.6 y/g). The Golden Eagles rank third in C-USA in scoring offense (35.9 ppg) and scoring defense (23.9 ppg). Mullens ranks second in conference, averaging 326.6 yards passing per game, while his 21 passing scores also rank second. Overall, Mullens has thrown for 2,613 yards (ranks no. 2 in C-USA) on 200-of-315 passing (63.5 percent) and only seven interceptions. Richard ranks sixth in C-USA in rushing yards per game (85.1). Richard has rushed for 681 yards on 120 attempts (5.7 avg.) and seven scores. Richard has added 19 receptions for 189 yards. Senior WRs Michael Thomas and Martin Casey are two of the top receivers in C-USA. Thomas ranks fourth in receiving yards per game (93.3). Thomas has caught 36 passes for 653 yards (18.1 avg.) and six scores, while Martin has hauled in 49 catches for 500 yards and six touchdowns. Junior LB D’Nerius Antoine leads the defense with 56 tackles (37 solo), while adding an interception and two forced fumbles. Senior DB Kalan Reed leads the team with three pickoffs, while Dylan Bradley is tied for the league lead in sacks (5.5). Bradley also has 10.5 tackles for loss.

Last Week: UTEP 27, Florida Atlantic 17
Mack Leftwich completed 20-of-39 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns in his return to the starting lineup, as UTEP snapped a two-game skid with a 27-17 win over Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24 in the Sun Bowl. The Miners started the second half of their schedule on a high note, topping the Owls in the first-ever matchup between the teams. Leftwich established career-highs across the board, including throwing his career-long 76-yard pass to Tyler Batson to account for the Miners’ first touchdown. He was making his first start since Sept. 19 at NM State, where he suffered a concussion that knocked him out of the next three games. With Leftwich at the controls, the Miners did not throw an interception for the first time since Sept. 26 and the third time this season (Leftwich started two of those games). UTEP had just one turnover overall and forced three, which it turned into 10 points. The Miners trailed 17-14 at halftime but rallied to shut out the Owls over the final 30 minutes. UTEP took the lead for good when Batson hauled in a 30-yard TD pass from Leftwich late in the third quarter, putting the finishing touches on a nine-play, 76-yard drive. Batson finished with three catches for a career-high 143 yards, the most by a UTEP player this year and the most under Sean Kugler. Jay Mattox made a couple of field goals in the fourth quarter to ice the victory – a 35-yarder with 13:08 to go, and a 42-yarder with 4:01 remaining. Florida Atlantic’s last gasp came up short with 2:32 left when Greg Joseph missed a 36-yard field goal that could’ve made it a one-possession game. At halftime the Owls had 293 yards of offense behind Trey Rodriguez, who rushed for 112 on six carries.  In the second half, the tables were turned as FAU gained 116 yards including six on the ground. Laquintus Dowell (73 yards) and Jeremiah Laufasa (71) accounted for 142 yards rushing for the Miners, who gained 139 as a team. Laufasa’s output was a career high. A return to health by leading tackler Alvin Jones sparked the Miners on defense. He was credited with a game-high eight stops and two tackles for losses, increasing his season total to 11. Jaquez Johnson completed 14-of-22 passes for 263 yards for the Owls. Jenson Stoshak had 130 yards receiving, and Rodriguez had 114 rushing. The Miners stopped the Owls in the red zone three times.  Johnson fumbled at the one-yard line in the first quarter, threw an interception at the one-yard line in the third quarter, and Joseph missed the field goal at the 20 in the final frame.

Golden’s Success Against the Golden Eagles
Senior WR/KR Autrey Golden has played Southern Miss twice during his time with the Orange and Blue. Of his six career kickoff returns for touchdowns, two have come at the expense of the Golden Eagles. The first came on a 98-yard return with 6:22 remaining on Nov. 17, 2012 that gave UTEP the go-ahead touchdown. It was Golden’s second career kickoff return touchdown, while his 191 yards were a career best on four returns (47.8 avg.). The second touchdown was returned on Nov. 1, 2014 in the Sun Bowl where Golden, again, dashed 98 yards to pay dirt. In two games, Golden has returned six kickoffs for a total of 303 yards (50.5 avg.).

UTEP’s Success Against Florida Programs in the Sun City
After Saturday’s 27-17 win against Florida Atlantic, the Miners are 4-5 all-time versus schools from the state of Florida, but 4-0 in the Sun Bowl. Texas Western defeated Florida State 47-20 in the 1955 Sun Bowl, while UTEP defeated UCF 58-13 in 2008 and FIU 33-10 in 2013.

Rebounding After a 40+ Point Loss
UTEP, in the Sean Kugler era, has come back to win a trio of times after a 40+-point loss, as the Miners defeated Florida Atlantic after falling at FIU (52-12) on Oct. 10. UTEP was hammered 55-3 at LA Tech on Oct. 4, 2014, but came back to win 42-35 over Old Dominion the next week. This season, after a 69-20 loss at Texas Tech on Sept. 12, the Miners rebounded and defeated NM State 50-47 in overtime on Sept. 19.

First Down, Miners!
UTEP racked up 19 first downs against Florida Atlantic. It was the second-most first downs gained in 2015, as the Miners tallied 27 at NM State on Sept. 19. The most first downs converted during the Sean Kugler era were 29 at NM State (9/14/13) and 28 at Colorado State (9/28/13).

Third Down Conversions
UTEP registered a season-high nine third down conversions against Florida Atlantic, while its 50 percent (9-of-18) conversion percentage tied the season high. The Miners converted 7-of-14 at Arkansas during the season opener. The nine third downs were the second-most in the Sean Kugler era. UTEP registered 10 third downs against Old Dominion last season. UTEP ranks sixth in Conference USA in third down percentage (39.1), converting 45-of-115. Rice leads the league at 53.6 percent (60-of-112).

Third Quarter vs. the Owls
UTEP entered its Oct. 24 game against Florida Atlantic having being outscored 73-24 in the third quarter. The Miners came up big, shutting out the Owls and scoring a touchdown in the third period. UTEP outscored FIU 7-3 during the third quarter on Oct. 10. The Miners, during the Sean Kugler era, have outscored their opponents in the third quarter 10 times – three times in 2014 and five times in 2013. UTEP is 5-5 in those 10 contests. The Miners only yielded 67 yards during the third quarter, along with picking off a pass at the goal line.

Second Half Shutout
After trailing 17-14 at the half against Florida Atlantic, UTEP shut out the Owls, 13-0 during the second half. With the exception of shutting out UTSA, 34-0, last season in the Alamodome, the Miners have never blanked an opponent in the second half during the Sean Kugler era.

Return of the Mack
QB Mack Leftwich made his first start against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24 since Sept. 19 at NM State. Leftwich was coming off a concussion that kept him out for an extended period of time. The sophomore played the best game in his career, setting career highs in passing yards (271), completions (20), attempts (39) and touchdown passes (three). Leftwich also connected on a career-long 76-yard touchdowns throw to Tyler Batson. On the season, Leftwich has thrown for 607 yards on 50-of-86 passing, four scores and only one interception. If Leftwich were eligible, his 130.5 pass efficiency would rank in the top 10 in Conference USA.

Passing Yards during the Kugler Era
Ryan Metz’s 275 yards on Sept. 26 were the second-most passing, while Mack Leftwich’s 271 yards were the third-most during the Sean Kugler era. Jameill Showers threw for 365 yards at Colorado State on Sept. 28, 2013. Of the 32 games with Kugler at the helm of the program, UTEP quarterbacks have hit 200 or more passing yards eight times, including four this season. Metz threw for 218 yards at NM State on Sept. 19 and 216 against UTSA on Oct. 3. Showers threw for 253 yards at NM State on Sept. 14, 2013 and 237 yards against LA Tech on Oct. 5, 2013. Last season, Showers recorded 201 yards at no. 25 Kansas (Sept. 27) and 209 yards at Rice (Nov. 11).

Batson’s Big Game
WR Tyler Batson played the biggest game of his UTEP career against Florida Atlantic. Batson only had three receptions, but he scored his first-ever touchdown on a career-long 76-yard catch and added another score – a 30-yard catch. Batson ended the night with a career-high 143 yards receiving (47.7 y/catch). Batson’s 47.7 yards per catch was the second-best performance in Conference USA during a single game this season (Florida Atlantic’s Kamrin Solomon averaged 55.0 yards per catch vs. Rice on Oct. 10). Batson currently leads the team in receiving yards (345) on 16 receptions (21.6 y/catch). Batson’s 76-yard score was the longest reception by a Miner in 2015.

More on Batson’s Yards
Tyler Batson’s 143 yards receiving against Florida Atlantic were the most by a UTEP pass catcher in the Sean Kugler era, while it was the most receiving yards by a Miner since Jordan Leslie’s 147 yards against NM State on Sept. 15, 2012. Batson is the fourth Miner in program history to record 143 yards receiving. The other three are David McMillan (1968 vs. UC-Santa Barbara), Lonnie Crittenden (1972 at Utah) and Lee Mays (2000 vs. SMU).

Big Play Cole
WR Cole Freytag entered the 2015 season with one catch in his career – an 11-yard reception in 2012. Freytag hasn’t had many opportunities but has shined when thrown to, hauling in five passes for 167 yards (33.4 avg.) and a pair of scores this season. His breakout game came at rival NM State where Freytag caught two passes for 58 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown catch. Freytag established a career-high in yards (81) and longest reception (58 yards) against FIU, including a 23-yard touchdown grab. Freytag chipped in with a 28-yard leaping catch against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24.  

Jaquan Making Plays
After winning Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week with a 64-yard punt return for a touchdown on Sept. 26, WR Jaquan White registered a career-high 77 yards on six receptions, including a 25-yard receiving score, against UTSA on Oct. 3. White leads the Miners in receptions (26) for 246 yards and leads the team with three touchdown receptions after hauling in a 17-yard touchdown catch against Florida Atlantic. White also leads the Miners with four total touchdowns and ranks second with 24 points. Twelve of White’s catches have gone for first downs, while eight have come on third down plays and another on fourth down.

Redix Seeing More Playing Time
Freshman WR Warren Redix gave fans and coaches a taste of his talents at FIU on Oct. 10 where he led the Miners with 52 yards rushing on 10 carries. Against Florida Atlantic, Redix registered career highs in receptions (five), receiving yards (19) and long reception (13 yards). On the season, Redix has rushed for 61 yards on 11 carries (5.5 avg.) and has caught 13 passes for 43 yards.

From Rebounding To Pass Catching
Former UTEP basketball forward Cedrick Lang caught his first touchdown at NM State on Sept. 19. It was a six-yard reception in overtime to down the Aggies. Lang is using his fifth-year status to play tight end for head coach Sean Kugler. Lang recorded his first collegiate reception during the third quarter at Texas Tech – a four-yard catch that went for a first down. Lang added a pair of receptions against Florida Atlantic for 13 yards. On the season, Lang has eight catches for 48 yards and a score.

Plinke on Midseason John Mackey Watch List
TE Hayden Plinke was named to the 2015 John Mackey Award Midseason Watch List on Oct. 14.  The junior ranks second on the team in receiving yards (258) and receptions (20). In the Miners’ home opener against Incarnate Word, Plinke caught four passes for 80 yards, including a career-long 57-yard reception. The junior led UTEP in receptions (four) and yards (87) against Texas Tech, including a 42-yard catch. His yards versus the Red Raiders were the most for a UTEP tight end since Jamar Hunt’s 86 yards to open the 2008 season at Buffalo.  Plinke hauled in a career-best seven receptions against UTSA on Oct. 3. This is the second consecutive year that UTEP has had a tight end named to the Midseason John Mackey Watch List (Eric Tomlinson in 2014). Plinke is one of seven Conference USA tight ends that were named to the list. Plinke’s 20 receptions are ranked sixth best by a C-USA tight end, while his 258 yards are fifth best amongst league tight ends.

Plinke Running Hard
Transfer TE Hayden Plinke knows how to use his 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame to bulldoze over defenders. On Sept. 26 against Incarnate Word, Plinke caught four passes for 80 yards, including a career-long 57-yard reception. But it was the first pass he hauled in that set the stage for the remainder of the evening. It was a nine-yard reception during the third quarter where Plinke broke away from the initial tackler, before it took literally six defenders to bring down the big tight end. Plinke had another hard run after reception at FIU, as he ran over a defender and pushed another out of the way before being forced out of bounds for a nine-yard gain.

Protecting the Field General
The UTEP offensive line has surrendered eight sacks in seven games thus far in 2015. UTEP is ranked first in Conference USA in fewest sacks allowed and tied for 14th nationally. The Miners’ signal callers have not lost big chunks of yardage on the sacks, losing a combined 48 yards (fewest in C-USA). Dating back to last season, the Miners’ offensive line has allowed only 21 sacks in 20 games. WKU (nine) and Middle Tennessee (10) rank two and three in C-USA, respectively, in sack allowed, while on a national scale Air Force and Toledo are the only two programs to allow zero sacks in 2015.

Bigger O-Line
The final game of head coach Sean Kugler’s first season (2013) saw a starting offensive line that averaged 298 pounds. Since then, Kugler has assembled a starting offensive line that averages 310 pounds in 2015. LT Jerome Daniels (305 lbs.), LG Will Hernandez (330 lbs.), C Eric Lee (305 lbs.), RG Derek Elmendorff (310 lbs.) and RT Chris Thomas (300 lbs.) compose the starting run blockers/pass protectors. The second unit offensive line averages 327 pounds. According to the depth chart LT Jerrod Brooks (330 lbs.), LG Josh Silvas (375 lbs.), C Derron Gatewood (315 lbs.), RG Anthony Kyles (300 lbs.),  and RT John De La Rosa (315 lbs.) make up the second unit.

Keeping an Eye on Eric Lee
Senior C Eric Lee was named to the Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List on May 19. The list includes 52 of the best centers in Division I football. Lee saw playing time for the first time last season, starting in all 13 games. Lee is one of six starting centers in Conference USA to make their return for the 2015 campaign. The others are redshirt junior Jarred Barr (Charlotte), senior Kirby Wixson (LA Tech), redshirt junior Josh Chester (Middle Tennessee), junior Kaydon Kirby (North Texas) and junior Cameron Tom (Southern Miss).

Running Game Coming Back to Life
UTEP rushed for 139 yards against Florida Atlantic led by LaQuintus Dowell’s 73 yards and Jeremiah Laufasa’s career-high 71 yards. UTEP gained 155 yards at FIU on Oct. 10, as it was the first back-to-back 100-yard plus games since gaining 227 at Texas Tech (Sept. 12) and 269 at NM State the following week. The only thing lacking has been rushing scores, as UTEP runners haven’t found the end zone since rushing for three scores at NM State.

Jeremiah’s Career Night
Senior RB Jeremiah Laufasa grinded out a career-high 71 yards on 18 carries against Florida Atlantic. In fact, Laufasa’s 71 yards were the most gained in his collegiate career. Laufasa played at Washington State and Central Washington prior to transferring to UTEP. Laufasa ranks third on the team in rushing yards (182), while tallying nine receptions for 58 yards.

The Brothers Laufasa
Darrin and Jeremiah Laufasa made their first collegiate start together on Sept. 19 in Las Cruces, N.M -- Darrin at the fullback position and Jeremiah at the tailback spot. The Laufasa brothers are the only brothers on an FBS program starting in the backfield. But they are not the only brothers making starts on the same side of the ball. Air Force’s Connor and Patrick Healy are starting linebackers and Maryland’s Levern and Taivon Jacobs are starting wide receivers.

We Love L.A.
Senior RB Laquintus Dowell led the Miners with 73 yards rushing against Florida Atlantic. It was the most yards gained since running for a career-high 76 yards at NM State on Sept. 19. Dowell added an 18-yard run late during the third quarter against the Owls that helped set up a Mack Leftwich 30-yard touchdown toss to Tyler Batson, the go-ahead score.

Time Bandits
UTEP  won the time of possession against Florida Atlantic, 36:55 to 23:05. Winning the time of possession has been a consistent element during the Sean Kugler era. In 2014, UTEP won the time of possession in 12 of 13 games. The Miners ranked second in the nation in time of possession (34:57) behind Michigan State (35:21) in 2014. UTEP has led in time of possession in 18 of the last 20 games dating back to the 2014 season. Overall during Kugler’s three seasons at the helm, the Miners have won time of possession in 25 of 32 games. UTEP currently ranks second in Conference USA and seventh nationally with its 33:44 time of possession. Rice is first in C-USA at 34:42, while Stanford leads the nation at 35:36.

Leader of the Sack
LB Alvin Jones has been a sack machine as of late. The sophomore entered the 2015 campaign with 1.5 sacks. So far, Jones is tied for the Conference USA lead with Southern Miss’ Dylan Bradley and ranks tied for 23rd nationally with 5.5 sacks including career-best 3.0 against UTSA on Oct. 3. Penn State DL Carl Nassib leads the nation with 12.5 sacks. Jones’ three-sack performance is tied with Florida Atlantic’s Trey Hendrickson and North Texas’ Jarrian Roberts for most in a single game in C-USA this season.

More on Jones’ QB Harassment
Alvin Jones’s 3.0 sacks on Oct. 3 were the most by a Miner since Jeremy Castillo’s 3.0 sacks at Alabama during the 2001 season.  Jones now has seven sacks in his career as a Miner. He would need five more to crack the all-time sacks list. Five Miners (Joe Terry, Ross Puritty, Ricky Massey, Barron Wortham and Horace Miller) have registered 12.0 sacks during their respective careers – all tied for 10th in program history. Gonzalo Floyd’s 20.0 career sacks lead the all-time list, while Chris Mineo ranks second with 16.5 and Herman Whiting ranks third with 16.0.

Alvin Racking up Tackles
Alvin Jones has played consistent so far in 2015, leading the UTEP defense with 48 tackles, including a team-high 22 solo stops. Jones ranks 16th in Conference USA in tackles per game (6.9) and is on pace for 82 tackles in 2015. Jones tallied 10 tackles against UTSA on Oct. 3, one short of his career best (11 tackles at NM State on Sept. 19). Jones led the Miners with eight tackles against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24.

Jones’ Tackles for Loss
Alvin Jones leads Conference USA and is tied for 14th in the nation with 11.0 tackles for loss. Jones recorded 2.0 more tackles for loss against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24, while tallying a career-high 5.0 at NM State on Sept. 19. Jones registered 9.0 tackles for loss in 2014. Jones has 20.0 tackles for loss in his career, needing 10.5 to crack the all-time list in program history. Barron Wortham leads the all-time list with 45.0, while Chris Mineo and Jeremy Jones are tied for ninth with 30.5. Penn State DL Carl Nassib ranks first nationally with 15.5. Jones’ 5.0 tackles for loss in Las Cruces were the most since Menson Holloway amassed five at Tulsa on Oct. 7, 2000. Lucien Johnson racked up 17.0 tackles for loss in 1975, the single-season high in program history. Troy Collavo and Jones each tallied 14.5 during the 2005 season, ranking tied for ninth in school history.

The Safety Dance
UTEP has recorded two safeties in 2015. Alvin Jones got a hold of NM State quarterback Tyler Rogers in the end zone during the first quarter on Sept. 19 to record UTEP’s first safety since Horace Miller on Nov. 16, 2013 against FIU in the Sun Bowl. The second safety came at FIU during the fourth quarter. The last time the Miners posted two safeties in a single season was during the 2000 campaign.

‘Super Fly’ Jimmy Musgrave
LB Jimmy Musgrave has been flying around the gridiron in 2015, making big hits and key tackles. The senior captain registered his first sack of 2015 for a nine-yard loss at FIU on Oct. 10. Musgrave tallied a career-high 12 tackles versus UTSA on Oct. 3, surpassing his high of 10 stops against North Texas last season. Musgrave currently ranks second on the team in tackles (39) after racking up six more tackles against Florida Atlantic. He’s chipped in with a pass breakup, two quarterback hurries, 3.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2015.

Usher the Pass Rusher
It took a few games, but DL Nick Usher finally tallied a sack, two actually against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26.  Usher’s two sacks were a career high for the junior defensive end. Usher has 5.5 sacks in his UTEP career (2.5 in 2015). Usher recorded half a sack at FIU on Oct. 10, while tallying a career-high nine tackes versus the Panthers. Usher also registered his first career fumble recovery during the fourth quarter against UTSA on Oct. 3. Usher has been more than a pass rusher, as he ranks second on the team and 12th in Conference USA with 7.0 tackles for loss. Usher currently ranks third on the squad with 32 tackles (18 solo), while ranking second in quarterback hurries (four).

In the Nik of Time
Redshirt freshman DB Nik Needham registered his first career interception against Florida Atlantic. In fact, it was a big play during the third quarter where the Owls were at the UTEP eight-yard line and Needham picked off the pass at the one. Needham returned it 27 yards. Needham’s interception was the first for the Miners since Kalon Beverly and Traun Roberson picked off passes against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26. Needham ranks sixth on the team with 23 tackles, while leading the team with three pass breakups. Needham’s chipped in with two tackles for loss, half a sack and a blocked kick.

Kalon Improving
After struggling his first two collegiate games, true freshman DB Kalon Beverly has stepped up. Beverly registered a career-best nine tackles on Oct. 3 against UTSA, a week after recording his first interception that went for a 24-yard pick six. Beverly currently ranks fourth on the team in tackles (30) and ranks second on the team with 20 solo stops. Beverly also has a pair of pass breakups.

Traun’s First INT
DB Traun Roberson recorded his first collegiate interception late in the first quarter against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26. Roberson is currently a graduate student, playing his sixth year. Roberson was injured early during the 2010 season, followed by rehabbing in 2011. He was injured again in 2012, playing in only three games in two seasons. But Roberson has played in 28 games his last three seasons, including five in 2015. He’s also made nine starts during that span.

Opponent Third Down Conversions
UTEP ranks fourth in Conference USA in opponent third down conversion percentage (36.0). The defense was allowed 31-of-86 conversions. The Miners lead C-USA and are ranked tied 13th nationally, allowing only 31 third down conversions.  Southern Miss leads the way with a 31.4 conversion percentage.

Opponent First Downs
UTEP ranks second in Conference USA in opponent first downs (142). Opponents are averaging 20.3 first downs, ranking tied fourth in C-USA. Charlotte leads the league, allowing 126 first downs.

The Golden Standard
Autrey Golden returned two kickoffs for scores in 2014. The first was a 98-yard return in the third quarter against Southern Miss, while the second came at WKU, 92 yards for a TD in the first quarter. He has six kickoff return touchdowns in his career (ranked No. 1 in program history), making him the active FBS leader in the category. Golden is tied for second in Conference USA history and tied for third in NCAA history. He is now just one back of C-USA and NCAA record-holder Tyron Carrier of Houston (seven). Former Clemson star C.J. Spiller also shares the NCAA marker with seven kickoff returns for scores. Golden has a total of 113 career returns, three behind all-time leader Cedric Johnson (116).

UTEP’s All-Time Leader in Kickoff Return Yards
Autrey Golden needed 92 yards to become UTEP’s all-time leader in kickoff returns, and returned five kickoffs at FIU for that exact number to surpass Cedric Johnson’s 2,757 yards. Golden is the all-time leader with 2,788 yards after returning one kickoff for 30 yards against Florida Atlantic. On the season, Golden is averaging 21.4 yards on 21 kickoff returns with a season-long of 31 yards.

Slash
Autrey Golden can find the end zone in multiple ways, as he scored his 12th career touchdown on Sept. 26 versus Incarnate Word. Golden hauled in a 10-yard touchdown reception, making it his third overall touchdown on the season and fourth career receiving score. His first touchdown in 2015 came on a reverse play to the left side that went 10 yards into the end zone during the season opener at Arkansas. It was his first rushing score since Nov. 16, 2013 versus FIU. Golden has six kickoff returns for touchdowns, four receiving and two rushing scores.

Much Improved Punt Return Game
Jaquan White took a punt 64 yards to pay dirt during the fourth quarter on Sept. 26 against Incarnate Word. It was UTEP’s first traditional punt return for a score since Johnnie Lee Higgins Jr. returned one 88 yards on Oct. 14, 2006. White’s 64-yard return is the longest in Conference USA so far. White is averaging 15.5 yards on eight returns (124 yards). The last Miner to average double-digits in return average was Marlon McClure (13.1) in 2010. White and LA Tech’s Paul Turner have the only two punt returns for touchdowns in C-USA. UTEP is one of 41 schools to return at least one punt for a score. Texas A&M, Norte Dame, Georgia, Maryland, Utah and Illinois lead the way with two returns for touchdowns apiece. As a team, the Miners rank second in C-USA in punt return average (11.5). LA Tech leads the way at 11.8 yards per return.

Special Jay
Junior K Jay Mattox connected on a career-long 50-yard field goal against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26. Mattox’s field goal make is currently tied for the second longest in Conference USA behind UTSA’s Daniel Portillo’s 51-yard make. LA Tech’s Jonathon Barnes connected on a 50-yard field goal on Oct. 3. Mattox is 9-for-11 on field goal conversions and is ranked seventh for kickers in conference, averaging 6.1 points per game. Mattox leads the Miners with 43 points and is 16-for-16 in extra points. Mattox has made a dramatic improvement on his field goal kicking, connecting on 81.5 percent (22-of-27) since the start of the 2014 season after only 46.7 percent (7-of-15) in 2013.

Auto-Mattox
Junior K Jay Mattox has connected on 54 consecutive extra points since missing one against Texas Tech on Sept. 6, 2014. And dating back to the WKU game on Nov. 8, 2014, Mattox had made 13 consecutive field goals before missing one on Oct. 3 versus UTSA. Jose Martinez connected on 15 in a row during the 2008 season, the previous longest streak by a Miner.

Mattox’s Career Rankings
Jay Mattox has also connected on 91-of-92 extra points and 29-of-42 field goals during his career at UTEP. Mattox currently ranks sixth in program history with 178 kicking points and is 12 points from surrpassing Hugo Castellanos’s 189 points. Reagan Schneider is the career leader for kickers with 287 points. Mattox’s 91 PATs rank fourth in program history behind Ricky Bishop’s 96. Schneider has 137 PATs, ranking first all-time in program history.   

Kickoff Coverage Rankings
UTEP ranks fourth in Conference USA in kickoff coverage (40.5 net avg.). Florida Atlantic ranks first with its 41.8 net average. The Miners are averaging 64.9 yards per kickoff. UTEP has 19 touchbacks (third-most in C-USA). Marshall leads with 29 touchbacks, while Florida Atlantic has recorded 23.

Opponent Penalties
UTEP opponents average 69.3 penalty yards per game, ranking first in Conference USA and tied for 16th nationally. Opponents have been penalized 43 times, which is tied for eighth-most in C-USA. UTEP opponents have piled up 485 penalty yards, ranking second-most in C-USA. LA Tech leads the league in opponent penalties (55). Tulsa leads the nation with 97.7 opponent penalty yards per contest and opponent penalties (67).  

UTEP’s New Punter
El Paso native Alan Luna is averaging 45.1 yards per punt, ranking third in Conference USA in 2015. Luna had a long of 60 yards during the second quarter at Arkansas in the season opener. Luna has booted 38 punts for 1,715 yards, including eight inside the 20-yard line. Florida Atlantic’s Dalton Schomp leads the league with 49.3 yards per punt, while Marshall’s Tyler Williams has 22 punts inside the 20-yard line .

First-Time Appearances
With injuries plaguing UTEP, 27 players have seen action for the first time as Miners -- most notably, DB Kalon Beverly, DB Mookie Carlile, DB Adrian Hynson, QB Kavika Johnson, TE Cedrick Lang, DB Michael Lewis, DL Sky Logan, P Alan Luna, QB Ryan Metz, DB Nik Needham, TE Hayden Plinke and WR Warren Redix. UTEP is one of 20 programs to have 26 or more players see action for the first time. Kansas leads the nation with 37 first-time players, while TCU has 36 and Colorado has 34. Boston College, UCF, Georgia, Ole Miss, Tennessee, USC and UTSA have 33 each. Arkansas State (31), Rice (31), NC State (30), Eastern Michigan (29), Fresno State (29), Old Dominion (29), South Carolina (28), Wake Forest (28), Wyoming (28), Oregon State (27), Texas (27), and Kansas State (26) round out the list.

Depleted Roster
Injuries have piled up for UTEP, as 10 players are done in 2015 due to season-ending injuries. Those players are DB Jerrell Brown, DB Devin Cockrell, DL Luke Elsner, LB Stephen Forester, LB Matthew Heard, RB Aaron Jones, WR Terry Juniel, OL Christopher Misaalefua, DL Christian Richardson and DB Brendan Royal.  Nine others have missed contests due to injuries -- OL John De La Rosa, DB Kelvin Fisher Jr., DB Ishmael Harrison, FB Darrin Laufasa, QB Mack Leftwich, TE Sterling Napier, DB Traun Roberson, LB Devin Simmons and QB Garrett Simpson.  Six other players have either quit the team or been suspended.  

Home Cookin’
There are 20 El Paso products on the 2015 roster (three seniors, four juniors, six sophomores and seven freshmen), including nine on this week’s depth chart -- RG Derek Elmendorff (projected starter), WR Cole Freytag, LB Alvin Jones (projected starter), P Alan Luna (projected starter), QB Ryan Metz, WR Warren Redix, LG Josh Silvas, RG Erik Ramirez and DB Brandon Moss.

Head Coach Sean Kugler
Sean Kugler is in his third season as UTEP’s head coach, as he went from two wins in his first season to a winning campaign and a bowl bid during his second. He was a four-year letterwinner for the Miners (1985-88) and a three-year starter at right guard. Kugler returned to the Sun City as a UTEP assistant coach (1993-2000), working as a graduate assistant/defensive line coach in 1993, tight ends & assistant strength and conditioning coach in 1994 and offensive line coach from 1995-2000. He coached in the NFL with Detroit (2001-05), Buffalo (2007-09) and Pittsburgh (2010-12) and was also assistant head coach at Boise State in 2006 when the Broncos finished 13-0 and upset Oklahoma, 43-42, in the Fiesta Bowl.

Players Turned Coaches
Sean Kugler is the second UTEP head coach who played for the Miners at one time. The other is Walter Milner, a three-year letterman from 1931-33 who served as head coach in 1942. Kugler is one of 14 active Division I head coaches who played at the school where they are currently coaching.

School    Head coach    Years
Air Force     Troy Calhoun    1985-88
Boise State    Bryan Harsin    1995-99
Central Michigan    John Bonamego    1985-86
East Carolina    Ruffin McNeill    1976-80
Kent State    Paul Haynes    1987-91
Michigan    Jim Harbaugh    1983-86
Northwestern    Pat Fitzgerald    1993-96
Oklahoma State    Mike Gundy    1986-89
Stanford    David Shaw    1991-94
Texas Tech    Kliff Kingsbury    1999-02
Utah State    Matt Wells    1994-96
UTEP    Sean Kugler    1985-88
Virginia Tech    Frank Beamer    1966-68
Wisconsin    Paul Chryst    1986-88

Captains
The Miners’ captains for 2015 feature four seniors and one junior -- (offense) WR Autrey Golden and RB Aaron Jones, (defense) DL Roy Robertson-Harris and LB Jimmy Musgrave, and (special teams) DB Traun Roberson.

Up Next
UTEP will return to the Sun City to face instate rival Rice on Friday, Nov. 6. Kickoff is slated for 6:05 p.m. The two programs will play each other on a Friday night for the second consecutive season, as the Owls downed the Miners 31-13 in Houston on Nov. 21, 2014. UTEP’s last home game is on Nov. 21 against LA Tech.