UTEP Miners 2016 NCAA Football Preview
UTEP MINERS
Conference USA
2015 Record – 5-7
ATS – 5-6-1
2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank
West Division #3
Conference #8
2015 Recap
We are never too hasty to place the blame on a disappointing season on injury – BUT – when UTEP lost RB Aaron Jones early last year it really set them back. They still managed to find five wins somehow even with mediocre QB play and a suspect defense. The Miners made a bowl game in 2014 and there is no reason why their expectations should be lower in 2016.
2016 Preview
OFFENSE
UTEP should be a lot more proficient at QB this season, whether it be Fresno St transfer Zach Greenlee at the controls, or sophomore Ryan Metz. MEGALOCKS C-USA QB INSIDERS have told us that HC Sean Kugler thinks very highly of the depth at QB and would not rule out two or even three guys seeing action this season. Whatever he decides, we can expect better performance this season.
JUGGERNAUT ALERT – The aforementioned RB Aaron Jones was a beast in 2014 rushing for 1,300 yards and 11 TDs while also catching 30 passes for another 293 yards and 3 TDs. Jones is healthy this season and we expect him to have an excellent campaign behind an offensive line that could be one of C-USA’s best groups.
The WR corps does not have an apparent star in the mix but they do have a lot of experience. TE Hayden Plinke was a weapon last season catching 37 passes for over 400 yards. We expect better production here due to improved QB play and the additional experience gained last season.
DEFENSE
New DC Tom Mason takes over the responsibility for the defense and switches the Miners to a 3-4 alignment. This will help maximize the talents of their two best defensive players, both linebackers, Alvin Jones and Nick Usher. UTEP has fielded a decent defense the past two seasons, especially by C-USA standards, and they should be better this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Miners’ special teams looks pretty good. PK Jay Mattox hit 15/19 FGs last season and Jaquan White was excellent returning punts in limited duty last year. The punting situation seems fine but they will need to find a new KR this year.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 8.5
MEGALOCKS says:
The schedule is very front-end loaded in terms of difficulty. They get Texas, Southern Miss and La Tech early on but then things get a lot easier. To be honest, barring significant injury trouble, we would be very surprised if the Miners did not achieve bowl eligbility.
Overall, we give the MINERS a 8.5 ATS Value Rating (Very Good) this season. The Miners should have a fine season ATS. We like the possibilities of this offense with a star RB and underrated QB in Zach Greenlee. Don’t tell anyone that he threw 6 TD passes vs Hawaii last year and another 3 vs Utah in limited duty. The defense will be improved under DC Tom Mason. Look for UTEP to be a money-maker in 2016.
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