There's no dismissing UTEP's 19-3 victory over Louisiana Tech.
The first five victories of the year showed an improving, defense-oriented group that figured out how to beat poor teams. That's always a big first step, but the Miners didn't have to look hard to play the lack-of-respect card.
Not many 5-1 teams are touchdown underdogs at home against someone with a losing record, but that was the situation Saturday and it seemed fair.
Louisiana Tech put up 34 points in a 1-point, last play loss to Mississippi State. The Bulldogs hung 27 on ranked North Carolina State and their final drive reached the Wolfpack 22-yard line.