Strictly in terms of numbers on a scoreboard, UTEP's 38-28 victory over Rice didn't look like a result that could transform a program.
The Miners broke a three-game losing streak in a fashion that befits this breakthrough season. They beat a team that's going to finish with a losing record, someone they are better than, which is a growing number of teams.
The lesson that can change UTEP football going forward is that good things can happen when the Miners trust their offensive talent and let it rip.
Deep into the third quarter Saturday, the Miners had nine rushing yards and the offense was putting points on the board.