UTEP and NMSU

Two things:

1) We know UTEP has trouble playing defense. Not many low-scoring games in Mike Price's tenue here. Braxton Amy is out for good, but UTEP still hadn't been much on defense with him in there for two games. One cannot tell how well New Mexico State plays the "D." Second-year Coach Dwayne Walker is just getting started, and is saying he was happy with the way the Aggies played defense in the first half against highly favored San Diego State. So, if the Aggies are getting better under Walker ... That's why I've concluded (previous blog) that if UTEP (1-1) can get past NMSU at home Saturday, it's not too long of a stretch to predict a 7-1 start this season. 2) Here's my take on Price closing practice one day during Miner-Aggie week: He's not doing anything different (secret). But with all the talk about "what's he doing," he gets the Aggies preparing for stuff he has no intention of running. Good mind-game job by Price.

Comments

[Dean Dunham]

If the Miners do not beat the Aggies, then Price should be fired on the spot!

[Stamford]

Honestly, the Aggies and Miners are very similar and evenly matched teams, with one exception: QB. The Aggies don't have anyone with the kind of experience that UTEP has with its starting quarterback.

[just a thought]

I think Price is preparing for "secret" stuff. We'll probably see a double reverse pass or a flea flicker this Saturday for sure. Besides, previous coaches have always been paranoid about Aggie spies at open practices.

How easy is it to send an Aggie assistant to watch and even secretly tape a Miner practice? Thirty-five minute drive up I-10 and a mini camera. Our Aggie gameplan could be up on YouTube before the players got home that night.

Conspiracy theories aside, closing practices sends a "let's focus" message to both coaches and players. We'll see if it sunk in on Saturday.

[RocketScientist]

The only thing worse in NCAA D1 football than NMSU, is UNM... If we can't beat these two teams, we have a serious serious problem. I really doubt we will lose these games actually... But, if last year was any reminder, anything is possible.

[Bill]

The only thing worse in NCAA D1 football than NMSU, is UNM... If we can't beat these two teams, we have a serious serious problem. I really doubt we will lose these games actually... But, if last year was any reminder, anything is possible.

Posted by: RocketScientist | September 16, 2010 at 03:12 PM

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Dude, The Miners lost two of the last three meetings to NMSU. Maybe there is a serious problem.

[John Franco]

UTEP should and probably will win this game. However, I don't see how anyone on this blog can say the Miners should be getting higher attendance numbers,when Price is getting a cut of the ticket sales. He has had four straight losing seasons, he cannot decide what kind of defensive scheme to run, and he is a horrible motivator in the locker room(heard this from an ex player)! Anyone that is supporting this coach is paying for his retirement, when he is doing nothing more than yanking your chains at his press conferences each week. This has become a joke!

[Monchis]

I'm willing to bet that the NMSU coach, Walker, will out coach UTEP's coach Price!
NMSU coach is hungrier and out to make a name for himself!
Coach Price, doesn't care, washed up, a has been, hoodwinking UTEP fans merely collecting a paycheck!
The results, quite ovbiously, are in NMSU's favor!
UTEP will not go 7-1, guaranteed!
Memphis always plays above their capabilities against UTEP! Memphis have much more to lose, by losing to UTEP, thus the extra effort to win!

[Aggietude]

28-20 NMSU

[just a thought]

NMSU 31
UTEP 37

[CLEOFITZWITZ]

UTEP wins 5-3 in a defensive struggle.