UTEP tops Louisiana Tech 19-3 to become bowl eligible
EL PASO, Texas — The UTEP Miners on Saturday night got their sixth win of the season, 19-3 over Louisiana Tech, to clinch bowl eligibility for the first time since 2014.
UTEP got off to a quick start with two touchdowns on their first two possessions in the first quarter. The Miners added a safety in the second quarter (UTEP has now scored safeties in back-to-back games) and their defense held Louisiana Tech to just a field goal for a 16-3 lead at halftime.
The Miners' defense also added three interceptions, including a pick from Tyson Wilson in the 4th quarter to thwart a potential Bulldogs' scoring drive.
Deion Hankins scored the game's lone touchdowns, with a 16-yard plunge up the middle on the game's opening drive.
After Justin Garrett returned an ensuing Louisiana Tech past midfield, Hankins added another from 4 yards out to put the Miners up 14-0.
The only scoring from either team in the second half came with a UTEP field goal in the third quarter for a 19-3 victory.
The Sun Bowl stadium crowd of 18,468 was the largest of the season for the now 6-1 (3-0 in Conference USA) Miners, off to their best conference start since 2008.
UTEP is off next weekend before a road clash at Florida Atlantic on Oct. 30, followed by a home game with UT-San Antonio on Nov. 6.
UTEP and UTSA currently are tied for the Conference USA West lead at 3-0 in the division standings, with the Nov. 6 winner earning the driver's seat to the C-USA Title.
It’s a celebration!!! pic.twitter.com/ivRFTYUkxX
— UTEP Football (@UTEPFB) October 17, 2021
