The UTEP football team's hope for better results this season, starting Saturday at New Mexico State, hinges around a better defensive line.
The perennial weakness for the Miners has become a strength, transformed by junior college transfers but led by one of their better high school recruits in years.
So much is staked on the defensive front, which will face a big test right away against the strength of New Mexico State's team, its offensive line and running game.
If this year is going to be different, as UTEP so firmly believes, it will start Saturday with the men in the defensive trenches.