Coach Kugler reflects on thrilling 5OT victory

UTEP Head Football Coach Sean Kugler is addressing the media the Monday after the Miners beat UTSA in a game decided in a fifth overtime period.

“It was a very energizing win for our team, a much needed win where we’re at in our season,” Kugler said. “I know out players and coaches made a commitment for the second half of the season to start it with a clean slate and treat this thing as a new season.

The Miners were a 14 point underdog heading into the game against the Roadrunners.

Ryan Metz hooked up with Warren Redix on a six-yard touchdown pass in the fifth overtime as UTEP defeated UTSA 52-49 on Saturday night in the Alamodome.

UTSA (3-4, 2-2 Conference USA) opened the contest by jumping out to a 14-0 lead over UTEP (2-5, 1-3 C-USA).

But it was the play of Quarterback Ryan Metz who led the Miners to a thrilling victory. Coach Sean Kugler said he was extremely impressed with the Sophomore’s play.

“I thought Ryan Metz was outstanding,” Kugler said. “Metz had his second opportunity to start this year and he played outstanding in both games. He was 65 percent completion percentage – 15-fo-23 with 211 yards and three touchdowns – but more importantly, he took care of the football and he had no interceptions.

But the win couldn’t have happened without star tailback Aaron Jones who totaled 3 touchdowns on the evening.

” Jones had an outstanding game, 113 yards rushing, averaged 5.4 yards per carry and one touchdown run,” Kugler said. “He also did great things in the passing game. Jones had four receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his catches on those rail routes were outstanding.

The Miners halted a five-game losing streak after the exciting finish.

This five-overtime game was the first ever in C-USA history.