Fake Punts, Fumbles and Foibles: A True Battle Along I-10 (With A Little Controversy Thrown In)

It wasn't pretty for either side. As a matter of fact, it was butt-ugly. But in the end a gutsy special teams call by UTEP assistant Jeff Banks proved to be the difference as the Miners defeated their I-10 rivals at NMSU, 16-10.

As all good rivalries should, though, this game had some controversy. Take a look at one of the replays we were able to get and you'll see a couple of things. After UTEP redshirt freshman quarterback Jay Hall fumbled the ball back to NMSU as the Miners were trying to run the clock out on their 16-10 lead, the Aggies fumbled the ball right back.

Or did they?

The replay shows a couple of things, neither of which are good news for NMSU and its fans. First, it appears Aggies quarterback Andrew Manley might have a bad knee injury. Though it appeared that he was hurt on the tackle from UTEP DE Greg Watkins, Manley actually appears to have hurt himself as he planted to throw.

The replay also shows that Manley looked to be down before letting go of the ball. The ruling on the field was not overturned after replay, though, and UTEP's second effort at running out the clock was successful.

But without a doubt, the biggest play of the game had already happened.

With the Miners trailing, 10-6, at the end of the third quarter, UTEP found itself faced with a 4-and-7 from its own 29 yard line. Without hesitation, special teams coordinator Jeff Banks told Price to run a fake punt the Miners had practiced over the last two weeks.

Without hesitation, Price -- searching desperately for a spark -- called the play.

The Miners snapped the ball directly to RB Joe Banyard, who rambled for 60 yards before being pushed out at the NMSU 11 yard line.

UTEP's battering ram, RB Leilyon Myers, ran the ball in a couple of plays later for the Miners' only touchdown of the game. But it was the game-winner.

The score accurately reflects the general lack of success of both offenses. UTEP's defense had a lot to do with the Aggies' problems moving the ball. The Miners' offense under Hall was hit and miss. Fortunately, it appears UTEP found a rushing attack to help out their new QB, who takes over while junior Nick Lamaison nurses a separated shoulder back to health.

The tough start hasn't dulled Hall's trademark sense of humor, though.

It keeps looking better and better for Andre Patterson's defense, though. Linebacker Jeremy Springer had nine tackles on the night to pace the Miners and talked about UTEP's success.

Finally, we hear from UTEP head coach Mike Price, who sounded grateful for the win. But he also knows some work needs to be done.

Comments

[Jefe]

Duke,
I noticed the NMSU football team is honoring your late father, John Keith. By wearing "JK" on their helmets.

What do you think about this gesture?

RIP, Ranger. I sure miss reading your work on the LC Bulletin!

[Duke Keith]

Jefe, thanks for the kind words about my Dad. I've stated before how thankful I am to the NMSU football office and coach DeWayne Walker for this gesture. Sure was wonderful to see all those helmets with their JK stickers last Saturday. Classy, classy move, though it really surprised me that Dad was so close to Coach Walker and his staff. (Sports editors don't usually make it to helmet sticker-level with teams. Dart boards, maybe, but not helmet stickers.)

[Universities in USA]

The fake punts played in this match are really nuisance. I do not like all this gestures at all.. Mind it team.