UTEP squeaks out win over Abilene Christian, 17-13; Miners improve to 2-1

EL PASO, Texas -- The UTEP Miners returned home Saturday for their third game of the season.

UTEP playing host to the Abilene Christian University Wildcats, an FCS school out of the Southland Conference.

UTEP was able to squeak out a victory over Abilene Christian, 10-7

For the third week in a row, the Miners faced a team with a 0-0 record.

The Miners defense came out strong in the first quarter of the game.

On the Wildcats first possession, the UTEP defense forced a fumble which was recovered by the Miners.

The UTEP offense had some trouble finding its footing early on.

Abilene Christian would score the first points of the game following a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Jermiah Dobbins.

Wildcats would go up 7-0 in the first quarter.

UTEP would finally get on the board in the second quarter courtesy of a 27-yard field goal by UTEP kicker Gavin Baechle, 7-3 Abilene Christian.

On the ensuing possession for the Wildcats, the UTEP defense would record their second fumble recovery of the game.

UTEP would take full advantage, marching down the field and cashing in on a 5-yard touchdown run by UTEP running back Josh Fields.

It would be UTEP's first lead of the game as both teams went into the half with the score 10-7.

In the 3rd quarter, the Wildcats would tie the game following a 29-yard field goal by kicker Blair Zepeda, 10-10.

The Miners would find the end zone again in the 4th quarter.

It would be another rushing touchdown courtesy of Ronald Awatt, a 4-yard run up the middle for the touchdown.

UTEP would go back on top, 17-10.

Abilene Christian would narrow UTEP's lead later in the quarter after Zepeda would connect on a 39-year field goal, 17-13 UTEP.

But that would be as close as the Wildcats would get.

UTEP improves to 2-1 on the season.

Miners will next hit road Saturday to take on Louisiana Monroe.