The Miners traveled almost 2,000 miles to kick off Conference-USA play vs last year’s champions Liberty Flames.
On the road at Lynchburg, Virginia, the UTEP Miners fell to the Flames by a score of 28-10.
However, the Miners’ performance isn’t necessarily told through the scoreboard this week.
Liberty had the first possession of the game, but their high-powered offense was shut down by UTEP’s defense, as the Miners forced the Flames into a three and out.
UTEP’s offense, once again led by sophomore quarterback Skylar Locklear, drove 37 yards down the field, but their potent attack was stopped by the Flames in the red zone.
The Miners opted for a 25-yard field goal off the leg of sophomore Buzz Flabiano– who had a nice bounce back game making two of his three total kicks.
Liberty would respond to the UTEP field goal with a 10-play drive which culminated in senior running back Billy Lucas punching in a touchdown from 12 yards out.
Near the end of the first, Locklear would experience the typical growing pains of transitioning from FCS to FBS football, throwing two total interceptions. Liberty would take advantage and would strengthen their lead 14-3 early in the 2nd quarter.
Despite some initial mistakes, Coach Scotty Walden didn’t lose his group’s focus, as the Miners would record two sacks and give up zero points for the rest of the half.
After the third quarter began with both UTEP and Liberty recording fumbles, the Miners were able to find their footing.
Locklear would connect with sophomore and fellow Austin Peay transfer Kenny Odom from 60 yards deep. Odom would find the end zone to knock down Liberty’s lead by only four.
The third quarter was stagnant offensively, as both defenses would be relentless in avoiding an offensive ambush.
But late in the third, the Flames broke through with a sustained drive that was capped off through the ground by Lucas.
UTEP would stay in the game until the Flames extended their lead by three possessions late in the fourth.
The biggest takeaways for UTEP were first, the lack of penalties, an aspect which Coach Walden made sure to correct in this past week’s practice.
Second, the strong defensive outing. The Miners held the Flames’ offense to a standstill for most of the game, the Flames just pulled away late.
In the case of Locklear, his two interceptions came in the first quarter alone. After that, Locklear played a perfect game with no more turnovers.
The reality is the Miners need more time to further develop their new style.
They have a week before going on the road once again to face Mountain West opponent Colorado State on Sept. 21.
The game can be viewed on TruTV or listened to on 95.5 KROD.
Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a staff reporter and can be reached at [email protected]
