Getting close for field goals?

With a running game that doesn't look much better than last year's 122.3 yards a game, and no real power back — and the strong-legged kicker gone ...

How's UTEP going to fare, scoring-wise, this year?

Last year, any time the Miners got even near the opponent's 20 yard line, it was virtually an automatic three points if the offense didn't score a TD.

Jose Martinez was: 8 for 8 on 30- to 39-yard field goals and 6 for 7 on 40- to 49-yard field goals. That's a lot of points, and part of the reason was the Miners didn't have a runner who could barge for short yardage (it's gets tougher and tougher to pass the closer you get to the goal line — not as much room for receivers to work). Martiez is gone. Brand-new kicker Logan Barrett, off ankle surgery, is no Mr. Martinez, at least not yet. He's yet to kick for the Miners.

Does UTEP's point production go down this year because one can't expect anyone other than Martinez to go 14 of 15 from mid- to long-range?

Comments

[Devon]

Definitely not as productive in the field goal kicking department. But we have a more experienced offense this year so field goal kicking won't be as critical.

[CLEOFITZWITZ]

Agree with Devon. The offense will continue to score and do so with increased efficiency. Nobody complained about lack of points when Howard Jackson was running back. He was certainly no power back.

[John Franco]

I still doubt we are gonna have much of a defense this year, so lets hope we do get more offensive productivity, or Price can punch that one way ticket to wherever.

[MONCHIS]

With UTEP's prolific passing offense, there's really no need for a running game.
At least, not too critical to have a potent running offense! All UTEP needs is a half decent running back that can get you the two, three, or four yards when necessary!
However, what is needed is a decent defense that will be able to stop a good passing offense!

[just a thought]

Spent some time down on the new turf this week and it definitely has more bounce to it. Like I said they would, MP and the guys are furiously trying to "break it in" just 72 hours before game time.

Joe has a point about the loss of a great kicker. Scoring opportunities are precious even when it's only 3. When you don't have a kicker things get crazy -- just ask the Bengals and Ocho Cinco.

Spent some time at practice and the team seems awfully quiet. Does being boisterous have anything to do with W/L? They're either really focused or really nervous -- maybe a little bit of both which makes me wonder. Final predictions on UTEP and NMSU tomorrow...

[Andy Springer]

If Coach Price has to punch a ticket after the season, I hope Joe Franco is not on the hiring committee. He wouldn't know a football coach if he fell in a hole with one. Mie Price is a good football coach and deserves more respect than Joe Franco is willing to give. I hope Coach Price is with us for a long spell. The fans need to get behind the team and the Coaches. Poison pens don't win football games.

[John Franco]

If you consider a good coach someone who the media and public adores, because he says the right things in front of the camera, then Price is your guy, AS. I consider a good coach someone who can do better than 3 consecutive losing seasons, (2-6 conference record in 2007?!), and who can at least coach their team into the New Mexico Bowl!

[Oscar]

That's a good observation. But I really think that UTEP wont be kicking that many field goals this season. UTEP will score more points this year because they will have a better offense. Look for TV to be more mobile and have some positive rushing yards. I think the big question mark coming into the season is the middle linebacker position. We don't know how good will Justin Hickman be, and it looks that we really don't have much depth at that position.

[just a thought]

My guess is as good as yours...

UTEP 34
Buffalo 20

NMSU 38
Idaho 27

[joe]

this is off topic some, but has anyone else gotten a $10 ticket to the game that costs $18.65 after all the mark ups by ticketmaster and whoever else? just don't advertise tickets for 10 when you get stuck paying nearly double. it's not utep's fault, but geeze!!