UTEP football to host Army this weekend at home
EL PASO, Texas – UTEP will play host to Army West Point in the first meeting between the programs on Sept. 17. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. in the Sun Bowl. The Miners (1-1) are coming off a 41-7 loss at no. 11 Texas on Sept. 10. Aaron Jones rushed for 123 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown in the loss. Jones’s 372 yards rushing (186.0 ypg) are ranked second in the nation after week two. The Black Knights (2-0) won against Conference USA program Rice, 31-14, on Sept. 10.
GAME ELEMENTS FOR UTEP-ARMY
Fort Bliss plays such a vital role in the El Paso community and is a tremendous partner to the city and UTEP. UTEP is proud to celebrate “One City. One Team” with a salute to the nation’s military at this historic game. Fans can explore Army static displays all around the stadium during the pregame festivities, including an M1 Abrams Tank, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Patriot Missile Launcher, M1117 Armored Security Vehicle and M1135 NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle. All fans will receive either a red, white or blue rally towel that will produce a spectacular patriotic “stripe out” of the stadium. Commemorative military ID tags will also be given to the first 20,000 fans. Fans will want to be in their seats early to witness the field-sized American flag for the National Anthem and an Apache Helicopter flyover with a Parachute Jump Team delivering the game ball. The unified coin toss will include representatives from Fort Bliss, El Paso, UTEP and West Point. A Fort Bliss soldier who won in competition at the Warrior Games will carry the “Miner Pick” and lead the Miners from the tunnel onto the field. The game itself will feature special military video tributes and a combined halftime performance by the UTEP and Fort Bliss (1AD) band along with the USO Show Troop. There will be a military enlistment ceremony at halftime as well, and the Fort Bliss Soldier of the Year will be honored. After the game, fans can come onto the field and enjoy a breathtaking firework display.
ABOUT ARMY WEST POINT
After a disappointing 2-10 record in 2015, the Black Knights are 2-0 to start a season for the first time since 1996 after their 31-14 win against Rice. Army opened the 2016 campaign with a 28-13 victory at Temple on Sept. 2. Army has won two games in a row for the first time since the 2010 season. The Black Knights, who run a wishbone offense, have rushed for 677 yards on 136 carries (5.0 avg.) and eight scores. FB Andy Davidson leads the team with 228 yards on 45 attempts (5.1 avg.) and five touchdowns, while QB Ahmad Bradshaw has gained 121 yards and a score. Bradshaw is also 4-for-9 with 66 yards under center, while Edgar Poe leads the team in receptions (three) and receiving yards (57). Defensively, the Black Knights have picked off four passes – by four different players (Marcus Hyatt, Jeremy Timpf, Mike Reynolds and Kenneth Brinson). Timpf leads the team with 14 tackles, while Brinson and Alex Aukerman have tallied a pair of sacks apiece. The defense has held back-to-back opponents to under 100 yards rushing for the first time since 2010 against Rutgers and Tulane.
Connections
Fourteen players on the Army West Point roster are from the state of Texas. Two are from Austin, two from Dallas, one from Frisco, one from Garland, two from Houston, one from Humble, one from Liberty Hill, one from Lucas, one from McAllen, one from Tyler and one from Universal City.
