UTEP

The Game Breakdown for Texas Tech vs UTEP was done by Russ Morris and Ethan Nieporte

Texas Tech vs UTEP Breakdown

UTEP Miners: Conference USA (1-0)

This game is part one of two old Border Conference rivalry games the Red Raiders will play this year.

Arizona next week is part two

UTEP comes to the south plains trailing the all time series with the Red Raiders 4-14-1 (1939-2015)

This will be the 20th time both schools meet on the gridiron.

2006 and 2014 were the last time both schools had a competitive game in El Paso

Since 2017 the Miners have been considered one of the worst programs in all of college football

Since 2000 UTEP has appeared in 5 bowl games

That averages 4.2 wins per season since 2000

Week One Recap

UTEP comes into LBK off 36-34 win against Houston Baptist.

Already matched last season’s win total (1-11 last year)

The Miners got down early 17-0 but took the lead at half 20-17.

The second half would turn into a shootout and the Miners won by way a 38 yd FG with 8:26 in the 4th

UTEP QB Brandon Jones threw for 286 yds and 2TDs

RB Treyvon Hughes rushed for 144 yds and 2TDs

UTEP has big guys. O-Line is big in the middle, Treyvon will run down-hill, Brandon Jones is not a scrawny guy either.

Need to know

UTEP does things similar to Montana State

They like to spread the ball around and will look to run

Their offense goes through their O-Line, Brandon Jones, and Treyvon Hughes.

Hughes goes as the line goes

Two guys that standout on their defense are Jason VanHook, and Justin Roberts

VanHook is one of their starting OLBs that was all over the field last Saturday. His backside pursuit is impressive and will make some plays

Justin Roberts is one of their starting CBs that will look to make some plays. I like his man coverage. He plays it tight and it looks good.

Both of those guys are their leading tacklers and will make plays if the backside is not taken care of.

Texas Tech Red Raiders: Big 12 (1-0)

Texas Tech enters the final home portion of non-conference play 1-0 after taking care of business last week against Montana State.

The Red Raiders are 14-4-1 all-time against the Miners (1939-2015)

The last time this game was played at night, 2014, UTEP was able to make a game out of it, but Texas Tech would win 30-26 by way of a drive in the final 2:56 of the game.

Last week Texas Tech rushed for 255 total yards

That is the most rushing yards as a unit since 2000

Texas Tech (continued)

Texas Tech also ran 150 total plays on offense

That is the most plays ran in a game since the Tubberville era

What to watch for

Texas Tech looks to end the home portion of non-conference play 2-0

I understand that it’s Montana State, but I really liked what I saw from the offense and defense.

The players look better nutrition wise, look more in shape

The offense was crisp, smooth, ran better, no gimmicks, however, I am a fan of the Auburn end around. It works if ran correctly.

Wells looked like Coach Beard on the side lines.

Ripping into players and making them better

Accountability from everyone will go a long way.

The Tight Ends and the Slot Receivers have always had success here historically.

Jace Amaro, Wes Welker, Jakeem Grant, Danny Amendola, Eric Morris, and Nehemia Glover just to name a few

Those two positions are finally solidified with depth and guys that can play

The offense and special teams are on track for a record year

Austin Macnamara, Bowman, and the Running game

Game Preview

The game Saturday night against the Miners marks the 20th game in series history and only the third time since 2006 that the game kicks off at 7:00. Pride will be on the line since this is an old Border Conference Rivalry game. UTEP is in year two of a major rebuild and looks for a signature win. They always play us their best game because that is who they are. If the Red Raiders can enforce their dominance Saturday night, this game will get out of hand. This will be the fastest team UTEP will ever play and they haven’t seen anything like it, sorry Lane Kiffin.

I’m not calling this a cake-walk either because of the history of this series, but if things go the way I think then it will get ugly in a hurry.

Expect a W!!!

Wreck Em!!

On the Saddle Tramp side of things, we got two new guys from our informal rush! They are Joe "Biscuit" Manna and Daniel Descant. Congrats guys! We have a lot of new things coming soon and we are extremely excited about them so stay tuned!

Wreck'Em!