The long-awaited first win of the Scotty Walden era at UTEP is on hold for at least one more week, as the Miners dropped their home opener Saturday night at the Sun Bowl in front of 41,609 people.

FCS foe Southern Utah scored a 27-24 overtime upset in the Sun City, as UTEP kicker Buzz Flabiano missed a game-tying 32-yard field goal attempt that would have pushed the game to a second OT. It was the second misfire of the game for Flabiano, who also hooked a 26-yard attempt in the fourth quarter.

UTEP started the contest strong, as quarterback Skyler Locklear orchestrated consecutive first-quarter touchdown drives on the Miners' first two possessions of the contest. Locklear hit Jevon Jackson with a 5-yard touchdown pass on the game's opening drive, then capped UTEP's second scoring march with a 5-yard TD run. The Miners led 17-6 at the half, but their offense went dormant after the intermission as Southern Utah clawed back into the game. The Thunderbirds took a fourth-quarter lead on a 46-yard touchdown run by running back Targhee Lambson, who finished the night with 183 yards and two scores on 20 carries.

UTEP needed some late-game theatrics to force overtime, as Locklear led a nine-play, 77-yard drive that culminated in a creative game-tying touchdown. With mere seconds on the clock, Walden dialed up the "Philly Special," which called for wide receiver Jaden Smith to take the ball on a reverse and throw to Locklear. The play worked to perfection, and Smith found Locklear for a 4-yard TD with two seconds remaining in regulation. Flabiano's extra point tied the game at 24.

SUU kicker Daniel King gave the Thunderbirds the lead in overtime with a 33-yard field goal, and UTEP went three-and-out on its ensuing possession. Flabiano then yanked a 38-yard attempt wide left, but an offsides penalty on the kick gave the Miners a new set of downs and an opportunity to win the game. Alas, they couldn't move the sticks, and Flabiano's redemption kick from 32 yards sailed wide left as well.

“I want to thank UTEP and our administration for putting on an amazing effort with the Miner Walk, the Mineshaft – it was an unbelievable atmosphere tonight,” Walden said after the game. “But we didn’t uphold our end of the bargain. I’m very disappointed that we didn’t get it done and I apologize to our fans, our donors and alumni. We must do better. We’re going to keep believing and fighting to get our program better every single day.”

Despite the loss, Locklear played strong ball for the Miners, completing 22 of 29 passes for 295 yards and a touchdown. He added 15 carries for 47 yards and a score, in addition to his 4-yard touchdown catch. Jevon Jackson led UTEP's ground attack with 80 rushing yards on 20 carries. Kam Thomas reeled in five passes for 99 yards, while Kenny Odom tallied 97 yards on five receptions of his own. Senior defensive back Kory Chapman spearheaded the defensive effort with 13 tackles (2.5 for loss).

UTEP (0-2) travels to Liberty next Saturday to open up Conference USA play. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.