With a rocky start to the season the UTEP football team needs the “Luck of the Lord” to keep bowl hopes alive.
The season was off to a great start, UTEP running back Aaron Jones recorded a career high 249 rushing yards in the season opener against arch rival New Mexico State.
Then reality hit, the Miners lost the next five games, in the losses they might have lost some pride as well.
The Miners have been out scored 204 to 56 during their five game losing streak. The Miners honestly need a miracle from the Lord to turn this embarrassing season around.
With only one win on the season, the dedication of players and coaches comes into question. Even more there seems to be no unity with this Miners team. Some spectators may question the UTEP football program as a whole.
The problem is a lack of unity between the offense and defense. The Miners are not a team, but rather a collection of offensive and defensive players. Having that separation leads to lack of trust among players.
A change in scheme needs to be made to regain hope. Let’s be honest, the Miners have a predictable playbook— running Aaron Jones like a sheep dog, only to be swarmed by the opposing defense.
Its safe to say that the only guaranteed win for the Miners in each season is against the New Mexico State Aggies because both teams are on an equal playing field.
In the midst of another unsuccessful season, the Miners have lost their fans. Not even the nasty light beers from the concession stands can help numb the pain.
Do we as spectators blame the coaching staff? Yes, the athletes do not looked prepared in timely manner. Do we blame the athletes? Maybe, the passion and drive are there but the lack of execution is inexcusable.
The Miners should not have a record as bad as they do playing in Conference USA. There is little to no competition but some how the Miners are ranked near the bottom in conference play. According to USA Today, C-USA as a conference is ranked no. 9 out of 10 in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), only beating out the Sun Belt Conference.
With only six games remaining, it is apparent that the Miners need the luck of the Lord, on their side for the remainder of the season in order to qualify for a bowl game. Literally no one has had an answer for the rough start for the Miners. So with a “wing and a prayer” from the UTEP fans, maybe just maybe the Miners can turn the season around.