UTEP Opens CUSA Action by Hosting LA Tech in the 93rd Homecoming Game Saturday Night

9/25/2025 10:40:00 AM

NOTES: UTEP | LA TECH | CUSA

EL PASO – UTEP opens its last season in Conference USA when the Miners host Louisiana Tech. Proud partner Bravo Cadillac/Bravo Auto is the game sponsor, as the Miners and Bulldogs will kick off the 93^rd Homecoming Game at 7 p.m. in Sun Bowl Stadium.

Tickets for Saturday's homecoming contest are available at www.utepminers.com/tickets, by calling (915) 747-UTEP, emailing tickets@utep.edu, or visiting the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office (500 W. University Ave., 79968.

Fans can listen to the contest on "The Home of UTEP Football" 600 ESPN El Paso with "The Voice of the UTEP Miners" Jon Teicher, returning for his 45th season calling the action for the Orange and Blue. Former UTEP football coach Aaron Price joins "Teich" in the booth, while Mando Medina will roam the sidelines. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with Andy Morgan (play-by-play), Ed Stansbury (analysis) and Paige Wood (sideline).

The Miners (1-3, 0-0 CUSA) and Bulldogs (3-1, 1-0 CUSA) are meeting for the 22^nd time in the series history. UTEP is looking for its first win over LA Tech since 2021, a 19-3 victory in the Sun Bowl.

The Miners are coming off a pair of losses, while the Bulldogs have won their last two contests.

UTEP is coming off a 31-25 setback against ULM on Sept. 20 in the Sun Bowl. The Warhawks jumped out to a 31-7 lead before the Miners erased the 24-point deficit to get within six points with six minutes left in the contest. Malachi Nelson, in his second start in the Sun Bowl, threw for a career-high 404 yards on 22-of-46 passing and three touchdowns. He, however, threw two interceptions on the last two possessions for UTEP. Nelson got the Miners on the board with a 73-yard touchdown pass to Trevon Tate to tie the game at seven apiece. After ULM's 24 unanswered points, El Paso native Carlos Arreola kicked a 27-yard field goal at the 5:39 mark to start the rally. Nelson then hooked up with an emerging redshirt freshman wide receiver, Wondame Davis Jr., on a pair of touchdowns. The first was a 44-yard strike early in the fourth quarter, followed by a Nelson to Hahsaun Wilson two-point conversion to make the count 31-18. The second scoring toss was from 20 yards out with six minutes left in the game. Davis Jr. finished career highs in receptions (six), yards (119) and long catch (44 yards) while his touchdowns were the first of his career. Tate added game highs in receptions (seven) and yards (133) while his 73-yarder was a collegiate career high. Nelson was the first Miner since 2009 to throw for at least 400+ yards.

The UTEP offense will face a stout LA Tech defense that ranks high in multiple categories. The Bulldogs rank no. 1 in FBS with three defensive touchdowns while ranking no. 1 in CUSA. LA Tech is sixth nationally in turnover margin average (1.8) and tied for second in FBS turnover margin (seven); the Bulldogs have forced eight turnovers while only giving up the ball once. LA Tech's total defense (364.8) and tackles for loss per game (7.3) are second in CUSA. The Bulldogs rank tied for first in CUSA and 41^st in FBS in sacks per game (2.5). LA Tech opened the season with a 24-0 win over Southeastern on Aug. 30 and followed that with a loss at no. 3 LSU, 23-7, on Sept. 6. Since then, the 'Dogs have won two straight, including a CUSA win over NM State, 49-14, on Sept. 13, and a victory over Southern Miss, 30-20, on Sept. 20. LA Tech is averaging 162.0 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth in CUSA. Running back Clay Thevenin (162 yards) and quarterback Blake Baker (145) lead the rushing attack. Head coach Sonny Cumbie has used multiple quarterbacks as Baker leads the way with 466 yards on 26-of-45 passing with two TDs in three games. Trey Kukuk has thrown for 220 yards (27-39) with two scores and an interception in three games played. Kolbe Fields is considered one of the top linebackers in the league, leading LA Tech with 27 tackles. His 9.5 tackles per game rank second in CUSA and are 19^th in FBS. Fields has added 2.0 sacks, 3.0 tackles for loss, and a 48-yard pick-six against Southern Miss.

UTEP (1-3, 0-0) vs. LA Tech (3-1, 1-0)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 27
Time: 7:00 p.m. MT
Location: El Paso, Texas
Venue: Sun Bowl Stadium (45,971)
X Updated: @UTEPFB

STREAM: ESPN+
PxP: Andy Morgan
Analyst: Ed Stansbury

Radio: 600 ESPN
PxP: Jon Teicher
Analyst: Aaron Price
Sideline: Mando Medina

WHERE TO WATCH & LISTEN
The Miners and Bulldogs will be streamed on ESPN+ with Andy Morgan and Ed Stansbury on the call. The action will be on 600 ESPN El Paso with "The Voice of the UTEP Miners" Jon Teicher, calling play-by-play in his 45th season. 'Teich', who called his 500^th game on Oct. 11, 2023, at FIU, is joined by former UTEP assistant coach Aaron Price in the booth, providing analysis. El Paso native and long-running member of the local media, Mando Medina, will be reporting from the sidelines. The contest can also be heard on the UTEP Miners app.

SERIES VS. LA Tech
LA Tech leads the all-time series 17-3-1. UTEP has lost its last three to LA Tech, recently falling in Ruston, 14-10, last season. The last time in the Sun Bowl, the Bulldogs came away with a 24-10 win in 2023. The Miners last beat the Bulldogs Oct. 16, 2021, by a score of 19-3, in the Sun Bowl. RB Deion Hankins scored two touchdowns on the ground, while a safety by DL Jalen Rudolph and a 41-yard field goal by K Gavin Baechle put the Bulldogs away, giving the Miners win no. 6 and bowl eligibility. LB Tyrice Knight, CB Torey Richardson and DB Tyson Wilson each picked off passes.

ABOUT LA TECH
The Bulldogs are coming off a 30-20 win against Southern Miss in Ruston on Sept. 20. LA Tech improved to 3-1 overall and is 1-0 in Conference USA play after dominating NM State, 49-14, on Sept. 13, in Ruston. LA Tech jumped out to a 24-0 lead against the Aggies following a Marlion Jackson 42-yard touchdown reception. The Bulldogs rushed for 353 yards on 65 carries (5.4 avg.) and ran for three scores. Blake Baker led the way with 103 yards on 15 attempts (6.9 avg.) and a TD. Against Southern Miss, after the score was tied at 10-10 late in the first quarter, the Bulldogs outscored the Golden Eagles 20-10, capped by a Dalton Davis 34-yard touchdown catch late in the ball game. The defense ranks first in FBS with three defensive touchdowns. The scoring defense (14.3) ranks no. 1 in CUSA and t-22^nd in FBS. The offense is averaging 27.5 points per game – no. 3 in CUSA. The Bulldogs rank second in CUSA and 25^th in FBS in TFL per game (7.3). The total defense (364.8 yards per game) ranks second in CUSA. The 'Dogs opened the new campaign with a 24-0 win over Southeastern on Aug. 30, followed by a loss at no. 3 LSU, 23-7, on Sept. 6.

IN HOMECOMING GAMES
UTEP is 41-50-1 all-time in homecoming games. UTEP won last year's 92^nd homecoming contest, beating Kennesaw State, 43-35 in double overtime on Nov. 9. UTEP is 3-7 in its last 10 homecoming games. The Miners beat NM State 8-0 in the very first homecoming game in 1929.

BLUE BLAZIN' IN THE SUN BOWL
In its last three games played in the Sun Bowl dating back to last season, UTEP is averaging 36.7 points per game and 455.7 yards of total offense.

CAREER NIGHT FOR MALACHI
QB Malachi Nelson threw for a career-high 404 yards against ULM. Nelson completed 22 passes on a career-most 46 attempts to go along with a trio of touchdown passes. His 404-yard effort is the 13^th-best performance in program history.

FIRST TIME IN 16 YEARS
Malachi Nelson became the first UTEP QB to pass for at least 400 yards since Trevor Vittaoe did so vs. Marshall (517 yards) on Nov. 28, 2009.

400+YARD PASSING CLUB
Malachi Nelson was the seventh UTEP quarterback to throw for at least 400 yards passing after throwing for 404 against ULM. Bill Craigo, Brooks Dawson, Sammy Garza, Jordan Palmer, Billy Stevens and Trevor Vittatoe all threw for at least 400 yards in one game.

SLINGIN' THE ROCK
Malachi Nelson has two 70+ yard passing scores this season. He leads Conference USA in most 70+ yard pass plays (two), 40+ yard pass plays (six) and 30+ yard pass plays (11). In FBS, Nelson ranks tied for first in 70+ yarders (two) and 30+ yarders (11).

NELSON'S NUMBERS IN THE SUN BOWL
In his first two starts in Sun Bowl Stadium, Malachi Nelson has thrown for 682 yards on 36-of-72 passing, two interceptions and seven touchdowns.

WHERE NELSON RANKS
Malachi Nelson ranks second in Conference USA and 16th in FBS with 1,069 yards. He's third in CUSA and 12th in FBS with 142 pass attempts and ranks 34th in FBS and second in CUSA in completions per game (20.5). He ranks second in CUSA and 24^th in FBS in passing yards per game (267.3). Nelson is tied for second in CUSA and tied for 57^th in FBS in points responsible for per game (12.5). Nelson ranks third in CUSA and 37^th in FBS in passing yards per completion (13.04).

NELSON'S FIRST 4 STARTS UNDER CENTER
Malachi Nelson has put up big numbers in his first four starts as a Miner. Nelson has thrown for 1,069 yards on 82-of-142 passing with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. Other notable UTEP quarterbacks' first four starts include: Billy Stevens (1965), 78-of-158 for 1,425 yards, 10 TDs, eight interceptions; Brooks Dawson(1967), 62-of-126, 1,147 yards, 17 TD, 5 INT; Pat Hegarty (1987), 74-of-134 for 935 yards, 6 TD, 7 INT; Jordan Palmer (2003), 62-of-116, 723 yards, 4 TD, 9 INT; Trevor Vittatoe (2007), 43-of-90, 721 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT; Nick Lamaison (2011), 64-of-108, 891 yards, 7 TD, 5 INT;  Jameill Showers (2013), 76-of-115, 856 yards, 7 TD, 1 INT; Gavin Hardison, (2020) 57-of-105, 850 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.

UTEP PASS OFFENSE
The UTEP "Blue Blaze" passing offense (269.3 yards per game) ranks second in Conference USA and 34^th in FBS.

DAVIS JR. CUSA FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
WR Wondame Davis Jr. produced breakout numbers against ULM in the Sun Bowl. He was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Week on Sept. 22. Davis Jr. scored his first collegiate touchdown – a 44-yard reception – during the fourth quarter. He added another – a 20-yard catch – with six minutes left in the final frame. Davis Jr. set career bests in receptions (six), receiving yards (119) and long reception (44). His efforts helped the Miners rally from a 31-10 deficit as his second TD helped UTEP get within six points with six minutes remaining. He entered the game with one career catch for seven yards (at no. 10 Tennessee in 2024).

TATE'S GOLDEN GAME
WR Trevon Tate, in his first career start at UTEP, hauled in six receptions for 126 yards, including a collegiate career-long  73-yard touchdown catch against ULM. It was Tate's first 100-yard game as a Miner and first since playing at Clarion College in 2024. While at Clarion, Tate eclipsed 100 yards in seven games last season.

A PAIR GOING OVER THE CENTURY MARK AGAIN
For the second time this season, the Miners had two receivers hit 100 yards. WR Trevon Tate hauled in six passes for 126 yards, while WR Wondame Davis Jr. also had six catches for 119 yards. The first pair to do it this season were WR Kenny Odom (124 yards) and WR Toric Goins Jr. (105 yards) against UT Martin on Sept. 13.

TACKLING TANK
LB Micah Davey leads Conference USA in total tackles (39) and tackles per game (9.8). Davey totaled eight more tackles against ULM. Davey's 17 solo tackles lead the defense. For his college career, Davey has amassed 350 tackles in 32 games (10.9 per game).

CAMPBELL'S IMPACT
CB Neil Campbell led the Miners with a UTEP career-high 11 tackles against ULM. He tied his collegiate career high of 11 tackles while at Indiana Wesleyan in 2022. Campbell is tied for the team lead and leads all UTEP defensive backs with two pass breakups.

LEADING CORNER
Neil Campbell ranks second on the team and t-12^th in Conference USA with 25 total tackles. Campbell leads all CUSA cornerbacks in tackles (25) and tackles per game (6.3).

EAZY-E
Bandit Udoka Ezeani leads the Miners and ranks second with 6.5 tackles for loss (32 yards). His 1.6 TFL per game ranks third in CUSA. Overall, Ezeani has 20 tackles (12 solo), 2.0 sacks (19 yards), a breakup and a pair of quarterback hurries.

GET LOWE
S Kode Lowe was credited with a UTEP career-most eight stops (two solo) against ULM. Lowe's collegiate career best is 12 tackles while at West Florida in 2024. Lowe recorded three stops at no. 7 Texas and has totaled 12 tackles so far.

TACKLING MACHINE
S Solo Barnes matched his career best in tackles with eight, equaling his effort at No. 7 Texas. Barnes also notched a season-high eight tackles while at Fayetteville State in 2024. Barnes ranks third on the team with 24 tackles.

STOUD DEFENSE
The "Orange Swarm" defense leads Conference USA and is ranked tied for ninth in FBS in third-down conversion percentage defense. The Miners are allowing only 23.6 percent (13-55) in the first four games. UTEP gave up only 2-of-10 against ULM, 5-of-16 at no. 7 Texas, 4-of-15 at Utah State, and 4-of-17 in its victory over UT Martin.

TACKLING BEHIND THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
UTEP ranks first in Conference USA and is tied for 10^th in FBS in tackles for loss per game (8.5). The Miners are tied for fifth in FBS with 34 total TFL. Indiana leads the nation in TFL (43) and TFL/game (10.8).

SACK ATTACK
UTEP ranks tied for first in Conference USA and t-40^th in FBS in sacks per game (2.5). The Miners have totaled 10 sacks in their first four games.

STINGY D
UTEP ranks third in Conference USA, yielding 367.5 yards per game. Liberty is first (362.5) and LA Tech is second (364.8).

UP NEXT
UTEP will host Liberty to open Conference USA Midweek Madness on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. in the Sun Bowl. The Miners and Flames will be televised on CBSSN, and heard on "The Home of UTEP Football" 600 ESPN El Paso and the UTEP Miners app.

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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