After falling to the Sam Houston Bearkats last Thursday, UTEP continues its weekday primetime slate for the second week in a row.
The Miners made the trip out to Bowling Green, Kentucky to take on Western Kentucky, a game under the lights which ultimately ended in a 44-17 loss for the Miners.
Junior Cade McConnell once again got the nod to start under center for the Miners.
Both teams punted on their first drives of the game. But on the Hilltoppers’ second possession, sophomore quarterback Caden Veltkamp connected with senior wide receiver Dalvin Smith from 30 yards out to punch in Western Kentucky’s first touchdown of the game.
UTEP would respond quickly. In only two plays McConnell aired it out deep to sophomore and Austin Peay transfer, Kenny Odom. Odom was then off to the races, reaching the end zone from 76 yards out. The reception marked Odom’s fourth touchdown this season, and only catch of the game.
Veltkamp had the Hilltoppers inside the red zone, but when throwing out of the pocket, the sophomore’s pass would be intercepted by junior Lantz Russell. The pick was both UTEP’s only favorable turnover of the night, and Russel’s first career interception.
On the drive immediately following the Hilltopper turnover, the Miners would give possession right back, as McConnell would be picked off by junior Demarko Williams.
But the interception would be the least of UTEP’s concerns.
When heading back to the sideline McConnell’s wrist appeared to be taped up, as the quarterback had trouble gripping the ball.
“He tried to fight through it, and he was honest about it,” said Head Coach Scotty Walden post-game.
In one play, graduate student Michael Mathison would find the end zone from 12 yards out, giving the lead to Western Kentucky.
Sophomore quarterback Skylar Locklear checked into the game to replace the injured McConnell.
The Miners struggled on offense at the end of the first half, while the Hilltoppers put up 20 unanswered before heading to the locker room.
When marching back onto the gridiron for the second half, the hype of the Walden era was on full display.
Kicking off for the Miners was four-star Texas Christian University (TCU) transfer Corey Wren who received the kick and ran it back 100 yards to get UTEP on the board to cut the Western Kentucky lead.
Wren’s kick return touchdown marked the seniors first touchdown of the season, and the Miner’s kickoff return for a score since Oct. 10, 2020.
After UTEP’s kick-off touchdown, Western Kentucky would take full control of the game, extending their lead with two second half touchdowns.
Overall, the Miners relied on the ground game. In total UTEP had 41 carries, the majority of which were handed off to freshman Ezell Jolly. Jolly rushed for a career high 119 yards.
“Our freshman class is super talented,” said Walden post-game. “We have to get these guys in position to make plays. That class is special, and they want to win.”
In the case of the quarterback, McConnell completed three out of seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, and a pick before heading to the sideline.
Locklear threw for 82 yards on 17 passing attempts, no touchdowns or interceptions were recorded.
The Miners now move to 0-6 in the season, and 0-3 in conference play.
They await Florida International University (2-4, C-USA 1-1) this Wednesday at the Sun Bowl.
The game will be at 7:00 p.m. MT and can be watched on the CBS Sports Network or listened to on 95.5 KLAQ.
Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a staff reporter for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
