UTEP makes NMSU look like Oklahoma as Aggies snap series losing streak

Over the course of 34 losses through the last 52 games, UTEP has used the Battle of 1-10 as a morale booster for otherwise hard times.

With a 4-0 record versus NMSU under Sean Kugler -- and an active streak of eight straight wins going back to Mike Price’s Miners -- 22 percent of Kugler’s 18 wins at UTEP have come against the Aggies.

Now -- in their worst start since 2003 -- the Miners have lost dominance in a rivalry between two teams that perennially “suck”, according to both fan bases.

UTEP showcased its argument for being the worst coached team in college football, making NMSU look like Oklahoma at Aggie Memorial Stadium, as the Aggies faced little resistance on their way to a 41-14 battering and reclamation of the Silver Spade and Brass Spittoon -- the rivalry’s traveling trophies.

Larry Rose III was a dominant force in the Aggie backfield, rushing for 144 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, while Tyler Rogers (26-of-43 for 283 yards) threw two TDs.

It was another version of the same poorly managed football that has become UTEP’s identity -- characterized by a competitive 1st quarter and an excessive willingness to punt.

Alan Luna punted the ball eight times (now 30 punts for the season) on situations of 4th and 4, 5, 11, 13, 8, 5, 22, and 3, respectively. Only half of them were reasonable decisions.

After the teams took a 7-7 tie into the 2nd quarter, a 28-yard run by Larry Rose III put NMSU up 14-7 with 9:02 before halftime.

A pick-6 by Shamad Lomax then put the Aggies up 21-7 with 1:37 in the half, and Sean Kugler decided to start the second half with Mark Torrez inserted at quarterback for Ryan Metz.

“Just trying to get a spark,” Kugler said. “We had three interceptions that stalled drives. Nothing against Ryan at all, just trying to provide a spark for the team and we didn’t get that accomplished.”

The second half saw UTEP’s offense continue to falter as coach Kugler set the tone of giving up on 4th downs: NMSU kept scoring; UTEP kept punting.

The Aggies took a 34-7 lead into the 4th quarter before making it 41-7 with 11:35 to play -- catalyzed by a successful conversion on 4th and 10 while leading by 27.

Neither team scored for the next 9:44 as the Miners continued a performance with more punts (eight) than points (seven). As the clock read 1:51, Trace Mascorro crossed the goal line after scooping up a fumble to give the Miners their second touchdown, finalizing the score.

“Third downs and interceptions,” Kugler said. “They outcompeted us and outplayed us.”

And outcoached us.