UTEP Miners Football Tickets

Mike Price stepped into a great situation. Not only did he take over a team with 17 returning starters, but one that had caught some bad breaks the previous year including going -15 in turnovers. In 20041 called for them to be the WAC's surprise team, much like Tulsa had been the season before, and pegged them the 3rd most improved team in the country. While they opened 1 -2 they finished 7-1 moving as high as #23 in the polls. They accomplished this vs an easy schedule (#101). Despite having just 11 starters back last year, they were arguably the most talented team in the CUSA. There had been just three winning seasons here at UTEP since 1971 prior to Price's arrival. After opening 8-1 and moving to #24, UTEP appeared on their way to the CUSA Title. They amazingly needed just one win, but ended up dropping their last 2 vs teams with losing records (UAB & SMU). They were also embarrassed in the bowl finishing just 8-4. UTEP did set a school record with their 10th straight crowd of 40,000+ and Price earned a contract extension through 2010, It was their first back-to-back winning season since 1987-88 and amazingly they did not have a single 1st Tm CUSA player. Another amazing stat is that UTEP has not won a season finale since 1988 (0-17) and are now 0-4 in bowls since 1967. Last year's squad was beset by injuries and also was -10 in turnovers (see pg 312). UTEP played the 3rd easiest schedule in the country last year. They outgained CUSA foes by an average of 68.6 ypg (2nd best) and this year have 16 returning starters. QB Jordan Palmer should have a much more consistent senior season, much like his brother did at USC. With 7 starters back on offense they should top last year's 31.8 ppg. Defense has not been a strong point for the Miners as only once in the twelve years prior to Price's arrival did they allow less than 28.0 ppg. They allowed more than 35 ppg six times in the same time span. Under Price the team allowed 25.1 in 2004 and despite having just five starters back last year and being injury-plagued, 25.9 in 2005. This year the unit has nine returning starters and I will call for UTEP to allow their fewest ppg since 1991 (21.0). They have 29 seniors and the last time a Price squad had 29 seniors they went to the Rose Bowl at Washington St. UTEP has six tough road games this year.

UTEP Miners Football 2006 Schedule