UTEP never looked a chance in their 27-10 loss to New Mexico
EL PASO, Texas -- The Miners hopes of moving to 0.500 four games into the season diminished in their 27-10 loss to New Mexico - putting the overall success of this UTEP team this season in serious jeopardy.
The Miners had shown spurts of brilliance in their three previous games but struggled to put together consistent and dominant performances to start the season especially on the offensive side of the ball.
The Lobos matchup was a great opportunity to put all of that behind them and show that they were worthy of all the preseason hype, instead it was the opposite.
It started when quarterback Gavin Hardison threw a pick-six on their second offensive drive of the game. That marked one of his three interceptions on the night after not having one in the previous three games of the season.
On top of the interceptions, Hardison ended the night with a 44 percent completion rate for 299 yards, 3 sack and no touchdowns.
The Miners had a total of seven turnovers on the night, their most in a game since 2005.
A bright spot in the loss was the UTEP defense. They held New Mexico to 299 yards to UTEPs 353. Meanwhile Tyrice Knight and Kobe Hylton led the Miners with 14 and 10 tackles, respectively and Cal Wallerstedt had two sacks.
The Miners now prepare for a quick turn around as they host Boise State, a team who beat the Lobos just last week. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Sun Bowl.
