Raul Martinez: One More Chance For UTEP’s D?

Changes or status quo for Miner football coaching staff?

Look, I’m an El Pasoan and I know how UTEP Miner fans feel.

I’m pretty sick to my stomach. This football season has been heartbreaking. When the Minerslost to their rival NMSU, I really thought it was going to be a long season. Then, they won three straight after that and went 2 and 0 in Conference USA.

When UTEP beat Tulsa and had won their fourth game of the year, I was already getting ready to buy a plane ticket. I think everyone thought it was a lock the Miners were going to a bowl game this season.

Then came the East Carolina match. Talk about devastating. That one changed the complexion of the season. UTEP had that one in the bag. But a mental lapse with seconds to go cost them a chance to go bowling.

Houston, Rice, Tulane and now Southern Miss all beat UTEP and that was that. The Miners were no longer bowl eligible.

I personally don’t think anyone should be fired. I know people are calling for defensive coordinator Tim Hundley’s head, but I feel he should get another chance.

We saw what this offense is capable of and the future is very bright with quarterback Trevor Vittatoe, wide receivers Jeff Moturi and Fred Rouse and of course that young offensive line.

If they could get the D turned around, then we can start talking Conference USA Championship. But the defense needs a ton of work and I am willing to give Hundley one more year. That’s it! If that defense remains in the bottom tier of of college football next season, then Coach Mike Price really needs to make a move.

I have respect for Hundley. Two years ago he was supposed to go to Michigan State but decided to stay.Just like Price did with the offense, they need to go out and recruit some defensive weapons.

I am very scared now that Quintin Demps and Jeremy Jones will be gone. Who will step up? Who do they have? Maybe the younger guys can come in and open some eyes, but I haven’t really seen anyone capable of that.

I think one thing is for sure. UTEP still has a long way to go if they ever want to be like Boise State, Hawaii, Utah or TCU. Those schools are mid-majors and they are usually brought up in BCS conversations.

The Miners are ranked 117 out of 119 in total defense. That’s just flat out bad. Let’s hope Hundley can change that. If not, then Price needs to make some major moves.

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