First UTEP avoided embarrassment in a 24-14 season-opening victory against Stephen F. Austin, then in the process may have identified some reasons they could end up being a decent team.
After digging an early 14-3 hole against the Football Championship Subdivision Lumberjacks, the Miners didn't give up a point in the final 42 minutes while forcing two turnovers and slamming the door shut for the win.
Quarterback Gavin Hardison made good use of his primary targets Jacob Cowing and Justin Garrett and tailback Deion Hankins, a Parkland alum, flashed some moments of brilliance that made him one of the great tailbacks in El Paso high school history.