One-on-one with UTEP’s Scotty Walden; Miners face New Mexico in first Mountain West matchup this Saturday
El Paso (KVIA) -- A new era of the UTEP New Mexico rivalry begins Saturday as the Miners and the Lobos meet for their first Mountain West Conference matchup.
UTEP enters the game 1-3 after closing non-conference play with a 33-7 loss to Oregon State. New Mexico is 3-1 and coming off of a 42-18 win over New Mexico State.
The game also marks UTEP's first Mountain West game since joining the conference this year. The programs have not met since 2022, when New Mexico won 27-10. The Lobos lead the all-time series 43-33-3.
The Miners have shown flashes offensively, particularly through quarterback EJ Colson Jr. and a rushing attack led by Tavorus Jones.
Jones entered the Oregon State game averaging 5.4 yards per carry and had a 104-yard performance against Texas Southern earlier this season. Backup quarterback Raymond More III has also provided a spark on the ground. This included a 79-yard touchdown run against Texas Southern. Colson has also connected with playmakers including Carver Cheeks who has two touchdown receptions this season.
The Miners had trouble with converting third downs, going 3-for-13 against Oregon State.
Defensively, UTEP has shown an ability to create turnovers. They forced takeaways against both Michigan and Oregon State but the Miners defense will have to slow down a New Mexico offense that has scored at least 38 points in three of their four games.
New Mexico has been one of the more disruptive teams defensively early in the season.
They have recorded multiple takeaways in each of their first four games including three against New Mexico State last week. The Lobos turned two of the turnovers into touchdowns during a 21-point third quarter.
New Mexico has also allowed 20 points or fewer in eight consecutive games dating back to last season according to the program.
For UTEP, protecting the football and finding more consistency on third down will be important against a New Mexico defense that has consistently created turnovers. The Miners will also need to establish the run and keep the Lobos from putting the game entirely on Colson's arm.
Scotty Walden believes this schedule has prepared them for the start of conference play.
Head coach for UNM, Jason Eck, said "UTEP has had a tough schedule. I'm glad we didn’t have that schedule. I think a lot of teams in our league would be 1-3 if they had their schedule."
For New Mexico, continuing the explosive plays and maintaining defensive pressure will be the key.
The two teams will meet October 1st with a 2p.m. kickoff at University Field Stadium in Albuquerque for the Mountain West opener for both programs.
