UTEP Miners

UTEP Notes | ODU Notes

UTEP Travels to Norfolk to Face ODU

UTEP (4-5, 2-3 Conference USA) will take on Old Dominion (4-5, 2-3 C-USA) in Norfolk, Va. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET in Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. The contest will be televised on Fox Sports Network. UTEP’s bowl hopes are still alive after a 24-21 victory over Rice on Nov. 6. The Miners’ road trip will mark their first-ever to the state of Virginia, while it’s a rare East Coast visit. UTEP and Old Dominion faced each other for the first time last season – a 42-35 Miner victory. UTEP is 0-19-1 all-time in the Eastern Time zone, including a 52-12 loss at FIU on Oct. 10. The Monarchs are 2-3 at home, while the Miners are 1-4 in road contests. 

The Series

UTEP was victorious in the lone previous matchup between the teams, 42-35 on Oct. 11, 2014 in the Sun Bowl.

The Last Meeting

UTEP piled up 334 yards on the ground to race past Old Dominion, 42-35, on Oct. 11, 2014 in the Sun Bowl. The Miners mowed down the Monarchs as three backs (Aaron Jones, Josh Bell, Nathan Jeffery) compiled 70 yards or more. Bell had a career day with 76 yards and three touchdowns on only 10 carries. Jones tallied 103 yards and Jeffery chipped in with 70. Autrey Golden, meanwhile, beat ODU multiple ways with two rushes for 51 yards and six receptions for a career-best 70 yards, while adding two kickoff returns for 48 yards. The Miners never trailed after taking a 21-7 lead at the break, but had to snuff out a second half rally by the Monarchs. Down 28-14, Old Dominion battled back to tie the game before UTEP scored a couple of late touchdowns. The Miners opened the game-winning drive at their own nine-yard line with 13:32 remaining. They were 4-for-4 in third down conversions during the drive, including a third-and-goal at the Monarch 10 when Jameill Showers threw a crossing pass to Golden for a TD. On the next series, Old Dominion running back Ray Lawry was stuffed for no gain on fourth and one at his own 34-yard line. UTEP took possession and took advantage of the short field. On second and eight, Showers found Golden for a 32-yard score and a 42-28 lead. Showers completed 17-of-26 passes for 152 yards. The teams combined for 843 yards (486 UTEP, 357 ODU).  

Connections 

Old Dominion Tight Ends/Assistant Offensive Line Coach Kyle Jolly played for the Pittsburgh Steelers where UTEP head coach Sean Kugler coached him for three seasons (2010-12). The Steelers signed Jolly, out of North Carolina, as a rookie free agent in 2010.

About Old Dominion 

The Monarchs are coming off a 36-31 victory at UTSA on Nov. 7 in the Alamodome. David Washington threw for 378 yards on 29-of-48 passing with a pair of scores to Jonathon Duhart, who caught eight passes for 160 yards. Zach Pascal added 10 catches for 146 yards, while Ray Lawry rushed for 103 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. Old Dominion ranks 10th in Conference USA, one ahead of UTEP, in scoring offense (21.3 ppg), while its scoring defense ranks ninth (35.4 ppg). The Monarchs rank ninth in both total offense (372.3 ypg) and total defense (433.4 ypg). Lawry leads C-USA in rushing yards (1,069) and yards per game (118.8). Lawry ranks fourth in conference in total touchdowns (11) and points per game (7.3). Lawry’s 10 rushing scores is second-most behind LA Tech’s Kenneth Dixon (17). Washington has thrown for 868 yards and six scores. Pascal ranks eighth in C-USA in receiving yards per game (68.1), while his 44 receptions are tied for 11th-most and yards (613) are 10th-most. Oshane Ximines leads the defense with 5.0 sacks. Ximines ranks tied for 18th in C-USA in tackles for loss (7.5). TJ Ricks ranks second in C-USA with 94 tackles, while leading the way with 10.4 tackles per game (first in the league). 

Last Week: Rice 21, UTEP 24 

Jay Mattox converted a 24-yard field goal with 48 seconds left, as UTEP kept its bowl hopes alive with a 24-21 win over Rice on Nov. 6 in the Sun Bowl. Jeremiah Laufasa rushed for 79 of his 92 yards in the second half, including 52 on the game-winning drive, as the Miners beat the Owls for the first time since 2010. After Nick Usher and Kelvin Fisher Jr. blocked Hayden Tobola’s 38-yard field goal attempt that could’ve put Rice into the lead, the Miners took possession with 8:13 remaining in the fourth quarter. They proceeded to milk 7:25 off the clock with a 16-play, 73-yard scoring drive.  Mack Leftwich handed the ball off to Laufasa 10 times on the series. At one point Laufasa got the call on seven straight plays, gaining 51 yards while picking up three first downs. Rice’s last-ditch comeback attempt was foiled as time expired when Fisher Jr. broke up Driphus Jackson’s pass to Zach Wright in the end zone. The Miners responded in the second half when leading rusher and special teams ace Laquintus Dowell left the game with an injury. The teams played to a 14-14 draw at halftime. Jaquan White had a big first half for the Miners, reeling in three catches for 75 yards and two scores. His 58-yard reception knotted the game at 7, and his two-yard catch right before the break deadlocked the contest at 14. White collected 90 yards on four catches. The Miners put together a nice drive to start the third quarter and took their first lead when Laufasa barreled up the middle for a two-yard touchdown. The drive consumed 75 yards on 13 plays over six minutes and 36 seconds. Rice knotted the score once again at the end of the third quarter when Jackson connected with Luke Turner for a 23-yard TD. The Miners gained 392 yards as Leftwich completed 18-of-36 passes for 231 yards.  They also rushed for 161 yards on 34 carries. Rice accumulated 326 yards led by Jackson, who completed 14-of-26 attempts for 230 yards, and Wright, who had 116 yards on six receptions. The 326 yards were a season-low by a UTEP opponent.  Standouts for the Miners on defense included Alvin Jones (11 tackles), Jimmy Musgrave (six tackles/one tackle for loss) and Roy Robertson-Harris (four tackles/one sack/1.5 tackles for loss).

Outgaining Its Opponent 

UTEP outgained Rice with its 392 total yards on 70 plays. It’s the third time that the Miners have outgained their opponent in 2015. UTEP (542 yards) outgained NM State by one yard, while tallying 408 yards to Florida Atlantic’s 365. UTEP outgained its opponent in five contests last season. 

Win the 4th Quarter

UTEP has outscored its opponents 65-59 during the fourth quarter in 2015. It’s the most points the Miners have scored in any quarter, while it’s the least points given up in any period. In its four wins this season, UTEP has outscored its opponents 47-14 during the fourth period. The Miners outscored NM State 28-14 in the fourth; including a 6-3 edge in overtime during a 50-47 win. During UTEP’s last three wins, the defense has pitched shutouts in the fourth quarter. UTEP defeated Incarnate Word 27-17 (10-0 in the fourth), Florida Atlantic 27-17 (6-0) and Rice 24-21 (3-0).  
 

Big-Time Scoring Drives During the 4th

UTEP has won four games thus far in 2015. But the victories haven’t come easy as the Miners have come up with big fourth quarter scoring drives. The Miners have eight scoring drives, including a punt return for a score, during those contests. Of the eight drives, four have resulted in touchdowns, while the other four have concluded with Jay Mattox field goals. 

First Down, Miners!

UTEP registered 19 first downs against Rice, the third-most for the Miners in 2015. The season high was 27 first downs at NM State, while the second-most was 20 against Florida Atlantic. The offense has converted 55 first downs during its last three games. In the previous three contests (vs. Incarnate Word, vs. UTSA, at FIU), the Miners only gained 43 first downs. 

Balance of First Downs

Of the 19 first downs tallied by UTEP against Rice, nine were gained from the ground, nine from the air and one on a penalty. It was the most balance thus far in 2015. Against Florida Atlantic, the Miners gained nine first downs on run plays, eight on pass plays and another three on penalties. 

Red Zone Offense

The UTEP offense was 3-for-3 in the red zone against Rice, as the Miners registered a two-yard touchdown pass, a two-yard rushing score and a 24-yard field goal. UTEP ranks fourth in Conference USA with its 85.7 conversion percent (18-of-21). UTEP is 9-for-9 on field goals, while scoring nine touchdowns (four rush, five pass) with one turnover. FIU leads the league with its 89.2 percent, while WKU is tops in C-USA with its 36 touchdowns. 

Third-Down Conversions

UTEP converted 7-of-15 third down attempts against Rice – tied for second-most in 2015. This came after converting a season-high 52.9 percent of its third-down attempts at Southern Miss on Oct. 31, while its nine third downs tied a season high. The Miners converted 9-of-18 against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24. The nine third downs were the second-most during the Sean Kugler era. UTEP registered 10 against Old Dominion on Oct. 11, 2014, while the highest conversion percentage was 70 against NM State on Sept. 13, 2014. UTEP ranks fifth in Conference USA with its 41.1 percent (60-of-146). Rice ranks first (51.1 percent), while converting a league-high 70 third downs. 

Penalties on Both Sides of the Ball

UTEP has done an exceptional job in the penalties department. The Miners are tied for second with Charlotte in Conference USA in total penalties (48) and penalties per game (5.3), while ranking third in penalty yards per game (46.7). UTEP ranks 31st nationally in penalties per game. On the other side of the ball, UTEP ranks second in opponent penalty yards per game (58.2). 

Mack Playing Solid Under Center

QB Mack Leftwich produced another solid outing against Rice, as he threw for 231 yards (second-most in his career) on 18-of-36 passing and a pair of scores.  Leftwich returned to the starting lineup against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24, as he set career-highs in yards (271), completions (20), attempts (39) and touchdown passes (three). Leftwich also connected on a career-long 76-yard touchdown throw to Tyler Batson. On the season, Leftwich has thrown for 1,035 yards on 84-of-154 passing, six scores and only one interception. Leftwich ranks first in Conference USA with only one interception in 154 attemtps, and ninth in C-USA in passing yards.

Passing Yards During the Kugler Era

Ryan Metz’s 275 yards against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26 were the second-most passing, while Mack Leftwich’s 271 yards against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24 were the third-most during the Sean Kugler era. Jameill Showers threw for 365 yards at Colorado State on Sept. 28, 2013. Of the 34 games with Kugler at the helm of the program, UTEP quarterbacks have hit 200 or more passing yards 10 times, including five this season after Leftwich’s 231 yards against Rice. Metz threw for 218 yards at NM State and 216 against UTSA. 

More on the Quarterbacks

UTEP quarterbacks Mack Leftwich (six), Ryan Metz (six) and Kavika Johnson (one) have combined for 13 touchdown passes in 2015, surpassing last season’s total of 12. The Miners combined for 14 touchdowns in 2013 where three quarterbacks tallied at least one passing score (Jameill Showers – 11; Leftwich – 2; Blaire Sullivan – 1). 

Jaquan’s Big Season

WR Jaquan White registered career-highs in receiving yards (90) and touchdown receptions (two) on four catches against Rice. White also hauled in a season-long 58-yard touchdown reception against the Owls, while both scores were recorded during the first half. White leads the Miners in receiving yards (386), touchdown receptions (five) and receiving yards per game (42.9). White also leads the squad with six total touchdowns, which includes his 64-yard punt return for a score at NM State. White registered a career-high seven receptions for 73 yards and a score against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26. White ranks second on the team with 36 points. White’s receiving scores are the most since WR Jordan Leslie’s seven scores in 2013. Thirteen of White’s catches have gone for first downs, while eight have come on third down plays and another on fourth down. 

Batson’s Big Game

WR Tyler Batson played the biggest game of his UTEP career against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24. 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 versus Rice on Oct. 10). Batson currently ranks third on the team in receiving yards (357) on 18 receptions (19.8 y/catch). Batson’s 76-yard score was the longest reception by a Miner in 2015. 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 established a career high in receptions (three) for 41 yards at Southern Miss. 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 eight passes for 208 yards (26.0 avg.) and a pair of scores this season. His breakout game came at rival NM State where he caught two passes for 58 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown catch. Freytag established a career-high in yards (81) and long reception (58 yards) against FIU, including a 23-yard touchdown grab. 

More on UTEP’s WRs 

Overall, the UTEP wide receivers have caught on as the season has progressed. Entering 2015, Autrey Golden returned the most experience, as he led the team in catches (31) in 2014. Prior to the 2015 campaign, Tyler Batson, Jaquan White and Cole Freytag had combined for six catches for 117 yards and one score. This season, the trio has combined for 58 catches for 951 yards and nine scores. Golden has tallied 161 yards receiving on 18 receptions and two touchdowns. 

Plinke Pounding Defenders

TE Hayden Plinke registered a career-high nine receptions for 85 yards against Rice, including opening the contest with a pair of 17-yard catches. Plinke has used his 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame to run over defensive players, while gaining big yards after contact. Plinke gained a career-high 87 yards on four receptions at Texas Tech earlier this season. Against Incarnate Word, Plinke hauled in four passes for 80 yards, including a career-long 57-yard grab. On one of his catches against Incarnate Word, Plinke grinded out nine yards after breaking away from the initial tackler and being brought down by literally six defenders. 

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 first on the team in receptions (33) and second in receiving yards (373). Plinke’s yards and receptions are the most by a UTEP tight end during the Sean Kugler era. Eric Tomlinson gained 304 yards on 30 catches in 2013. This is the second consecutive year that UTEP has had a tight end named to the Midseason John Mackey Watch List (Tomlinson in 2014). Plinke is one of seven Conference USA tight ends that were named to the list. Plinke’s 33 receptions are fourth-best amongst C-USA tight ends, while his 373 yards are ranked fifth-best among league tight ends. Plinke’s 11.3 yards per catch rates third-best. 

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. The 6-foot-9, 285-pound athlete 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. 

Running Game Coming to Life

After posting a combined 135 yards rushing against Incarnate Word and UTSA, UTEP has reeled off four consecutive 100-plus yard games, including 161 against Rice. The Miners’ performance against the Owls marked their most rushing yards since gaining 269 at NM State on Sept. 19. UTEP has also tallied at least one rushing score in back-to-back games (at Southern Miss, vs. Rice) after rushing for zero scores the previous four contests.

Jeremiah’s Career Night

RB Jeremiah Laufasa gained a career-high 92 yards on 15 carries, including a two-yard touchdown score against Rice. Laufasa’s 92 yards were the most by a UTEP running back since Aaron Jones’ season-ending injury on Sept. 12 at Texas Tech. Laufasa’s score was also his first since running for one against Texas Tech on Sept. 6, 2014. Laufasa also gained 79 of his 92 during the second half, including a long run of 19 yards against Rice. 

Jeremiah Emerging 

RB Jeremiah Laufasa is UTEP’s leading rusher with his 295 yards. Laufasa’s 71 yards against Florida Atlantic helped surge the offense to victory. Laufasa is also a solid pass catcher, as he set career highs in receptions (three), receiving yards (54) and long reception (39 yards) at Southern Miss on Oct. 31. Laufasa leads all UTEP running backs in receptions (12) and receiving yards (112). 

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.

Starting on Both Sides of the Ball

RB Laquintus Dowell made a start at the running back position against Rice, while making two starts at the strong safety position in back-to-back games at Arkansas and at Texas Tech earlier this season. Dowell is one of four FBS players to start on both sides of the ball in 2015. Illinois’ V’Angelo Bentley, Utah’s Cory Butler-Byrd and USC’s Adoreé Jackson each made starts at the defensive back and wide receiver positions at some point during the season. Unfortunately, Dowell sustained a season-ending injury against Rice. 

Protecting the Field General

The UTEP offensive line hasn’t allowed any sacks in back to back games (at Southern Miss, vs. Rice), and has surrendered only eight sacks in nine games thus far in 2015. UTEP is ranked first in Conference USA and seventh nationally in fewest sacks allowed. 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 22 games. WKU (10) and Middle Tennessee (12) rank second and third in C-USA in sacks allowed, while on a national scale Air Force is the lone program to allow zero sacks in 2015. 

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). 

Time Bandits

UTEP won the time of possession against Rice, 33:24 to 26:36. UTEP currently leads Conference USA and ranks fifth nationally with its 33:27 time of possession. Stanford leads the nation at 35:17. 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 20 of the last 22 games dating back to the 2014 season. Overall during Kugler’s three seasons at the helm, the Miners have won time of possession in 27 of 34 games. 

Usher’s Defensive Prowess 

DL Nick Usher has been a defensive stalwart in 2015. Usher ranks third on the team with 41 tackles, matching his total from 2014. Usher ranks second on the squad in sacks (3.5), tackles for loss (9.0) and quarterback hurries (four) – all career highs in single season for the junior defensive end. Usher has also chipped in with a forced fumble and his first-collegiate fumble recovery. Usher ranks tied for 10th in Conference USA in tackles for loss. 

Usher Block Party

DL Nick Usher came up with a huge block on a field goal attempt against Rice. With the score tied 21-21, Usher blocked the Owls’ field goal attempt, giving the Miners the ball back with 8:13 remaining in the contest. The clutch play helped surge the Miners to a 24-21 victory. 

More on Blocked Kicks

UTEP has registered two blocked kicks in 2015, as Nik Needham and Nick Usher have each blocked a kick. It’s the most during the Sean Kugler era, as the Miners blocked one in 2014 and none in 2013. UTEP registered four blocked kicks in 2012, three in 2011 and two in 2010.  

Fisher’s Presence 

DB Kelvin Fisher Jr. registered a career high in pass breakups (two) against Rice, while helping to direct the young defensive backs on the team. Fisher Jr. has tallied 29 tackles, while ranking second on the team with four breakups. Fisher Jr. also recorded his first career interception at NM State on Sept. 19. 

Alvin’s Dynamic Season

LB Alvin Jones tied his career high with 11 tackles against Rice. Jones leads UTEP in tackles (67), solo stops (35), sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (11.0) in only his second season. Jones’s 7.4 tackles per game are ranked 13th-best in Conference USA, while his sacks are tied for fifth most and he ranks fourth in tackles for loss. Jones’ three-sack performance against UTSA is tied for second-most in a single game with three other C-USA defenders. Jones tallied a career-high 5.0 tackles for loss at NM State on Sept. 19. His 5.0 tackles for loss were also second-most during a single contest in C-USA. 

More on Jones’s Sacks

Alvin Jones has 7.0 sacks in his career as a Miner, needing 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. 

More on Jones’ Tackles for Loss

Alvin Jones has also amassed 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.

‘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 (46) after his six-tackle performance against Rice. He’s chipped in with a pass breakup, two quarterback hurries, 4.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2015. 

In the Nik of Time

Redshirt freshman DB Nik Needham registered his first career interception against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 24. 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 tied for sixth on the team with 30 tackles, while leading the team with five pass breakups. Needham’s chipped in with two tackles for loss, half a sack and a blocked kick. 

Opponent First Downs

UTEP ranks third in Conference USA in opponent first downs (182). Opponents are averaging 20.2 first downs, ranking fourth in C-USA. UTEP leads the league in fewest first downs allowed (66) on run plays and ranks fourth in fewest first downs allowed (15) via penalties. Southern Miss leads the league in fewest allowed (166) and fewest per game (18.4).  

Opponent Third Down Conversions

UTEP ranks fifth in Conference USA in opponent third down conversion percentage (39.5). The defense has allowed 45-of-114 conversions. The Miners lead C-USA and are ranked tied for 38th nationally, allowing only 45 third down conversions.  Marshall leads the way with a 33.1 conversion percentage. 

Improving Defense

The UTEP defense stepped up in a big way during its victory against Rice. The Miners allowed a season low in total yards (326) and rushing yards (96) against the Owls. Rice gained 16 first downs, the second-lowest total allowed by the UTEP defense in 2015. The Miners yielded 15 first downs twice this season – against Incarnate Word and Florida Atlantic. In five Conference USA games, UTEP ranks sixth in total defense (413.4 ypg), fifth in rushing defense (155.0 ypg) and sixth in pass defense (258.4 ypg). 

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. 

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 114 career returns, two 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 program’s all-time leader and NCAA active leader with 2,851 yards after returning two kickoffs for 25 yards against Rice. On the season, Golden is averaging 19.7 yards on 26 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. 

Special Jay

Junior K Jay Mattox connected on a 24-yard field goal with 48 seconds remaining against Rice, giving UTEP an eventual 24-21 win. It was the first game-winner of his career. Earlier this season, Mattox hit a career-long 50-yard field goal against Incarnate Word on Sept. 26. Mattox’s field goal make is currently tied for the third longest in Conference USA behind Charlotte’s Blake Brewer’s 56-yard kick and UTSA’s Daniel Portillo’s 51-yard make. LA Tech’s Jonathon Barnes connected on a 50-yard field goal. Mattox is 12-for-15 on field goal conversions and is ranked sixth for kickers in conference, averaging 6.2 points per game. Mattox leads the Miners with 56 points and is 20-for-20 in extra points. Mattox has made a dramatic improvement on his field goal kicking, connecting on 80.6 percent (25-of-31) 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 58 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 95-of-96 extra points and 32-of-46 field goals during his career at UTEP. Mattox currently ranks fifth in program history with 191 kicking points and is 10 points from surpassing Jose Martinez’s 200 points. Reagan Schneider is the career leader for kickers with 287 points. Mattox’s 95 PATs rank fourth in program history behind Ricky Bishop’s 96. Schneider has 137 PATs, ranking first all-time in program history.   

Luna on Ray Guy Watch List

P/K Alan Luna was announced as a 2015 Ray Guy Award nominee on Oct. 30. The Ray Guy Award identifies the nation’s top collegiate punter. The list is made up of 79 finalists. The native of El Paso is currently ranked second in Conference USA and sixth nationally in punting average (45.6). Luna has kicked 46 punts for 2,096 yards, including 10 inside the 20-yard line and 18 punts of 50 or more yards (second most in C-USA). The sophomore recorded a season-high in punts (eight), yards (375) and average (46.9) at FIU on Oct. 10. Luna’s season long is 60 yards, a feat he has achieved in three separate games (at Arkansas, at Texas Tech and against Incarnate Word). Marshall’s Tyler Williams leads the conference in punts inside the 20-yard line (23) and punts of 50 or more yards (20).  

Punts Inside the 10-Yard Line

Alan Luna and Mack Leftwich have combined for 13 punts inside the 20-yard line. Luna has registered two inside the 20-yard line in a trio of games in 2015. Luna tallied two at Southern Miss, against UTSA and at NM State. But not only were all six inside the 20, they were downed inside the 10-yard line. All three of Leftwich’s punts have been downed inside the 10-yard line. 

Just Kicking It

Alan Luna, in his first season with the Miners, has done a solid job booting punts. If the sophomore transfer can maintain his average of 45.6 yards per punt, he could rank in the top 10 in program history in highest single-season punting average. Owen Price averaged 48.0 yards in 1940 (all-time best in school history). Ed Bunn (47.7 in 1992), Ian Campbell (46.1 in 2011), Price (45.3 in 1941) and Campbell (45.1 in 2010) round out the top five single-season averages. Price ranks no. 1 in career average (46.7), Bunn ranks second (44.5 avg.) and Campbell ranks third (44.4 avg.). 

Overall Punting 

UTEP ranks third in Conference USA in overall punting (37.5 avg.). Collectively, the Miners have booted 49 punts for 2,191 yards. Besides Alan Luna punting, QB Mack Leftwich has kicked three for 95 yards (31.7 avg.). Florida Atlantic leads the league with its 41.5 average. 

Kickoff Coverage Rankings

UTEP ranks third in Conference USA in kickoff coverage (40.4 net avg.). Marshall ranks first with its 41.7 net average. The Miners are averaging 64.9 yards per kickoff. UTEP has 27 touchbacks (second-most in C-USA). Marshall leads with 35 touchbacks. 

Depleted Roster

Injuries have piled up for UTEP, as 12 players are done in 2015 due to season-ending injuries. Those players are DB Jerrell Brown, DB Devin Cockrell, RB Laquintus Dowell, DL Luke Elsner, LB Stephen Forester, OL Derron Gatewood, LB Matthew Heard, RB Aaron Jones, WR Terry Juniel, OL Christopher Misaalefua, DL Christian Richardson and DB Brendan Royal.  12 others have missed contests due to injuries -- DB Kalon Beverly, OL John De La Rosa, OL Derek Elmendorff, DB Kelvin Fisher Jr., DB Ishmael Harrison, FB Darrin Laufasa, QB Mack Leftwich, TE Sterling Napier, DB Traun Roberson, LB Devin Simmons, QB Garrett Simpson OL Chris Thomas. Six other players have either quit the team or been suspended.  

First-Time Appearances

With injuries plaguing UTEP, 28 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 24 programs to have 28 or more players see action for the first time. Kansas leads the nation with 39 first-time players, while TCU has 37 and Colorado and Boston College has 35. UCF has 34. Georgia, Ole Miss, Tennessee, USC and UTSA have 33 each. Florida State (32), Old Dominion (32), Oregon State (32), Arkansas State (31), Rice (31), Eastern Michigan (30), NC State (30), Syracuse (30), Boise State (29), Fresno State (29), Texas (29), South Carolina (28), Wake Forest (28), and Wyoming (28) round out the list. 

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 Bowl for its final home contest, as it will play host to LA Tech on Nov. 21. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m. and will be televised nationally on Fox Sports Network. The Miners will also honor the 2015 senior class following the contest. The Miners fell 55-3 last season at LA Tech and 38-35 in 2013 in El Paso. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 8-2-1. UTEP’s last win over LA Tech came in 2004 - a 44-27 victory in Ruston.