UTEP Miners

Hardison, Smith Earn Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Honorable Mentions

10/4/2022 2:05:00 PM

TYLER, Texas – UTEP signal caller Gavin Hardison and Conference USA's leading receiver Tyrin Smith were announced as Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award honorable mentions following week five on Tuesday.

Smith recorded his fourth career 100-yard effort, tallying 104 yards on four receptions and a pair of touchdowns (tied career best) during UTEP's 41-35 victory at Charlotte. It was Smith's second 100-yard game in the last two weeks after he gained a career-high 183 yards at New Mexico on Sept. 17. Against the 49ers, Smith caught all four passes thrown to him. Smith got the Miners on the board first after he ran 17 yards for a TD to tie the game late in the first quarter. He followed with a 58-yard scoring pass to make the count 31-21 at the 8:34 mark of the third quarter.

Smith ranks first in C-USA with 568 yards, while ranking sixth in yards per game (94.7 avg.). The 5-7 speedster also ranks tied seventh with 33 receptions and tied eighth with four touchdown receptions. Nationally, Smith ranks fourth in receiving yards and 21^st in receiving yards per game.

Hardison tied his career best with three touchdown passes against the 49ers. Hardison completed 10-of-14 passes for 173 yards with zero turnovers. Hardison added a career-high 50 yards rushing on five carries. His first TD went to Smith on a 17-yard score, while he found starting tight end Trent Thompson on a 26-yard touchdown that put UTEP up 17-7 late in the first half. Hardison completed his third score on a 58-yard toss to Smith.

The last two games, Hardison has completed 80 percent of his passes (20-25) for 296 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. He's added 70 yards rushing on 12 carries (5.8 avg.). Overall, Hardison has thrown for 1,285 yards (sixth in C-USA) and six touchdowns.

Following its win over the 49ers, UTEP will take the road to LA Tech on Oct. 8 in Ruston. The Miners and Bulldogs will kick off at 5 p.m. MT/6 CT at Joe Aillet Stadium.

For complete coverage of UTEP Football, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPFB (Twitter/Instagram/Facebook) or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

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