In terms of jersey numbers and nameplates, the football team UTEP will put on the field Aug. 26 at Jacksonville State will look much like the team it put out last November against UTSA. It will look similar to the Miners that took the field last August in the opener against North Texas.
That team ended up 5-7, missing a bowl on the final play of the regular season.
More:Here's what UTEP players and coaches had to say after the first workouts
For that to change, for UTEP to make the leap forward, there is one obvious place to start.