A History Renewed

What was rumored to be the cougs opponent now is finally official. On December 18th with ESPN coverage the jerseys in blue will square off against the UTEP Miners in the fifth annual New Mexico Bowl. The miners who will represent Conference USA come into the matchup owning a similar 6-6 record but have lost five of its last games with a overall strength of schedule rated 127th national ranking. It is the first post season activity for UTEP since the 2005 GMAC bowl. The cougs are 28-7-1 all time and have won 25 of the previous 27 meetings with UTEP in a history renewed.

Among the previous meetings was a matchup back in 1980 which showcased the cougs offense in a major way dropping 83 on the miners. Yes 83 (final was 83-7). However, in 1985 the defending national champions came into the game ranked #7 but were monumentally upset by the miners who finished that season 1-10. The last pairing off of these two teams was in 1998 with the jerseys in blue victorious in El Paso 31-14. Good chance UTEP might have its fair share of fans present as its only a four hour drive from El Paso.

The strength of UTEP's offense is centered around three individuals. Senior quarterback Trevor Vittatoe averaged 257.7 passing yards last season and has thrown this year for over 2511 yards with 19 TDs and 10 INTs. He's a four year starter with a decent QB rating of 121.59. Trevor might not be a dual threat but definately doesn't mind taking off on a scramble making UTEP as one of the better teams in the nation at third down conversions. Vittatoe's favorite reliable target is Kris Adams from Fort Worth who's nicknames include "Ace" and "The Future". The senior business major has stretched the field this season for 917 yards and 11 TDs. In the backfield is Joe Banyard who has rushed for 612 yards and 8 TDs.