The UTEP Miners did not need any excuses this time... nor, last week for that matter. UTEP after going nine games without a win; has won two straight games... and the one last Saturday was on the road... and a thriller.

The Miners had a lot going against them... confidence issues?... being on the road... a Southern Mississippi running back that could not be stopped... and the Miners could have said "Hey, we already won one... the monkey's off our back" and they could have folded under pressure.

They had a chance to throw in the towel late in the game. But, Coach Mike Price has this team believing in themselves and the talent level and execution is starting to elevate the team to the next level.

UTEP was leading 27-24 and driving down the field. Trying to put the game away the Miners were going for a TD or at least a first-down. But, at the Golden Eagles one and one-half yard line Terrell Jackson was tripped up and even a valiant effort of twisting in air could not get the necessary yardage. However, the ball was spotted at the 1-yard line and that would have been a first down. But, the review showed that the spot was too generous and the ball was moved back.

No problem. The Miners were moving the ball and all they needed was about a half-yard for a 1st down. On 4th and one, the Miners were stopped by a tough Southern Mississippi defensive goal line stand and the Miners had to give up their chance at putting the game away.

Enter doubt and old bad memories, stage left? Could the Miners stay focused and positive? Time would tell. Initially, didn't look like the Miners were going to shake off that loss of an opportunity. Instead of getting tough on defense, it looked more like a repeat of the Buffalo game where after a Vittatoe interception; the Miner defense couldn't stop the Bulls from driving down the field and scoring.

The Golden Eagles took over at the 2-yard line and with five minutes left began what could have been a game winning drive.

The Miners could not stop Southern Mississippi's running game and with time running out the Miners' defense stood tall and made one of the biggest stops of their careers. The Golden Eagles had to settle for a tie and kicked the game tying field goal. The score was 27-27.

Now, in overtime, the Miners had to play to win and not to "not lose".

The Miners scored first in overtime but the Golden Eagles scored a TD to even the score at 34-34.

Southern Mississippi then tried to score a TD but Josh Ferguson broke up a pass in the end zone and the Golden Eagles had to settle for a field goal and the slim lead of 37-34.

The Miners now had to step up big. But, the Golden Eagles defense was going to step up big too. But, the Miners, helped by a huge pass interference penalty coming on the same third down play that Miner QB Trevor Vittatoe was sacked for a big loss and possibly the end of a chance of winning in double overtime, got another shot after penalty and a 1st down. The Miners were able to score a TD for the 40-37 win.

Prepared by WestsideReader staff.

(Photos: Brax - Valley Publishing Company)

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