UTEP falls to Michigan in first program meeting

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- UTEP jumped out to a 14-0 lead Saturday at No. 19 Michigan, but the Wolverines answered with 52 of the next 3 points to pull away from the Miners at Michigan Stadium.

UTEP struck first on its opening scoring drive.

EJ Colson Jr. connected with Carver Cheeks on a 45-yard touchdown pass to give the Miners a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Colson then found Lamar Sperling for an 18-yard touchdown in the second quarter, putting UTEP ahead 14-7.

Michigan responded with 10 straight points before halftime.

Savion Hiter scored on a 6-yard run to cut the deficit to 14-7, and Bryce Underwood connected with J.J. Buchanan for a 21-yard touchdown to tie the game.

Trey Butkowski's 48-yard field goal as time expired in the first half gave Michigan a 17-14 lead heading into the locker room.

The Wolverines took control in the third quarter.

Jordan Marshall scored on a 6-yard touchdown run before Hiter added his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon on an 8-yard run.

Underwood then found Andrew Marsh for a 34-yard touchdown, and Michigan's defense added another score when UTEP's Colson was intercepted by Jacob Lea'ea, who returned it for a touchdown.

Michigan outscored UTEP 28-0 in the third quarter.

UTEP added a 38-yard field goal from Carlos Arreola early in the fourth quarter, but Michigan answered with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Tommy Carr to Salesi Moa.

Underwood completed 19 of 25 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns, while Marsh finished with 10 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown. Hiter rushed for 62 yards and two touchdowns.

Colson finished 7-of-9 passing for 86 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Carver Cheeks led UTEP with 45 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Michigan finished with 432 total yards, compared with 149 for UTEP.

The loss drops UTEP to 1-2 on the season. Michigan improves to 3-0.

The Miners return home next week to continue their Mountain West schedule.

FINAL : Michigan 52 UTEP 17