UTEP @ San Diego State

CUSA-fans.com has a new staff of team correspondents this fall to help bring you, the fan, more detailed Conference USA football coverage. Today, our UTEP Correspondent Carlos Silva Jr. gives you a preview of the UTEP’s visit to San Diego State scheduled for August 31st.

UTEP looking at a Special Season

EL PASO, TX – The UTEP players, the coaches and even the fans have the bitter taste in their mouth from experiencing three straight losses to end last season.

Jeremy Jones wants to use that losing streak as motivation to prove that it was something that will never happen again, and his attitude is radiated throughout the Miner locker room.

"We can play with any team in the nation" said Jones in an El Paso Times news article.

Play they can, in fact the Miners tied for 21st in the nation in points per game, and ranked in the top 20 in passing yards per game. But the Miners will have to replicate these kinds of numbers when they play against the San Diego State Aztecs on Thursday night.

The Aztecs, who start the season fresh with new head coach Chuck Long, want to improve on last years (5-7) record. The first thing the Aztecs must do is improve their 56th nationally ranked offense. Averaging 27 points a game for most teams would be great but when you go against the Miners, who average 34 points a game, the Aztecs will need to make changes in their offense to counter the pass heavy offense. Chuck Long realizes this and knows his team will have to work hard.

"I think (SDSU football) is a diamond in the rough, but we’re going to have to roll up our sleeves to get it there" Long said at his Dec. 17th press conference. "If you're willing to put in the work 100 percent effort, (our coaches) will take you the rest of the way, that was my promise to them."

Can Chuck Long and his staff bring an early season win? Let’s check out how the two teams match up.

UTEP @ SDSU Game Info

Date: Thursday, August 31st, 2006 @ 5:30 p.m.

Location: Qualcomm Stadium (70,561), San Diego, CA

Television: CSTV, (College Sports Television)

Last Season: UTEP (8-4 overall, 5-3 CUSA), SDSU (5-7 overall, 4-4 MWC)

Current Team Records: UTEP - (0-0 Overall), SDSU - (0-0 Overall)

All-Time Series Record: SDSU leads 18-3, started in 1974.

Injury/Personnel Report

UTEP:
RB: Marcus Thomas – sore hamstring (Day-to-day)
DB: Braxton Amy – Pulled hamstring (Will be available for SDSU game)
DB: Tim McCullouch – sprained neck (Day-today)
OL: Jake Belshe - diagnosed with a brain lesion (Season ending)
OL: James Riley - sprained ankle (Day-to-day)
OL: Tim Ford – Unknown
TE:Casey Mauch/LB:Emeri Spence – Will not play (Undisclosed reasons)

San Diego State:
OL: Mike Kravetz -  pulled rib cage muscle (Did not practice)
RB: Brandon Bornes – stinger (Held out of practice)
S: Reggie Grigsby – rehabbing after a broken bone (Probable for SDSU game)

UTEP/San Diego State General Overview

UTEP will have their work cut out for themselves traveling to Qualcomm stadium. The Aztecs have the all-time record of (18-3) and home crowd which they plan to use to their advantage. The Aztecs are also riding a new positive outlook with new head coach Chuck Long, and want to start their new coach off with a W.

Let’s now take a look at how things breakdown unit by unit as they will match-up on the field.

UTEP Offense vs. San Diego State Defense

Advantage: San Diego State

Chuck Long will definitely have his work cut out for him when he watches tape of the Miners spread offense, and must create schemes to prevent the big plays. Normally UTEP would have the advantage in this subject but the Miners are on the road, with an inexperienced offensive line protecting their senior quarterback.

This is music to the Aztecs ears because they are looking to improve on their 58 sacks, 8.5 provided by defensive lineman Antwain Applewhite, last season. The Miners may start with a few runs and two tight end sets to see if Palmer will be protected. The Miner coaching staff would like to prevent any early season injuries this year, and keeping Palmer upright will ensure the Miners have a successful game.

Although the Miners have a spread offense, fans should look for Marcus Thomas to run more than usual. The Doak Walker nominee wants to prove he can carry his team to the C-USA Championship, and will have to take the weight off Palmer if the Miners want to win. Don’t forget about Johnnie Lee Higgins, who plans on breaking Lee Mays school record of 28 TDs, and with his lightning quick speed can change the momentum of any series. All of these pieces add to a high powered UTEP offense.

If the Aztecs can pressure Jordan Palmer consistently throughout the ballgame, Aztec fans can expect a low scoring game favoring the run.

San Diego Offense vs. UTEP Defense

Advantage: UTEP

San Diego State returns five starters on offense, the most important being running back Lynell Hamilton. The 6 foot, 225 pound junior will enjoy the balanced running attack that coach Long will instill. Gaining 819 yards last season in only 11 games, Hamilton knows he can run, but will he have blockers?

The offensive line will be the biggest question mark for the Aztec offense. If the line can create holes for Hamilton to run through, then you can expect the Aztec offense to click on all cylinders.

The Miners defense will have a much different look than the last meeting. Speed and athleticism are the points of emphasis when Mike Price recruits and it will show in the game. Defensive leaders LB Troy Collavo, DE Alex Obomese and LB Jeremy Jones must stop the run. They cannot allow Lynell Hamilton to run rampant, or they can expect a long day.

The main weakness of the Miner defense is their defensive backs. The unit as a whole can cover most receivers but the mistakes in coverage, and slow recovery speed equate to big plays being made on them. If the defensive backs can improve on this aspect then you can expect a low scoring affair.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Advantage: UTEP

Kicking

Both teams possess exceptional placekickers that are returning. The Miners are fortunate to return Lou Groza Award semifinalist, senior Reagan Schneider. He made 16 of 19 field goals; seven over 40 yards, and never missed an extra-point attempt as a junior.

San Diego State junior Garret Palmer was just as accurate in his sophomore season. He completed 15 of 17 field goal attempts and missed one extra point attempt out of 37.

Punting

UTEP’s punting game will also see a familiar face in Ryan Hotchkiss. The 6-2, 160 pounds averaged 39 yards per punt, and set a school record for fewest punts in a 12 game schedule. This is a testament to the Miners potent offense.

San Diego State returns junior Michael Hughes who averaged 45 yards per punt last season. He is also the backup place kicker, and provides a huge boost for field position.

Returners

The speedy Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr., who was rated 43rd nationally in punt returns (9.4 avg.) and tied for 60th in kickoff returns (22.4 avg.) last season, will continue his returning duties his senior year. Josh Ferguson is the other option because of his quickness, and agility.

Justin Amaral is the odds on favorite to return for the Aztecs with his 15 yards per kickoff return average. The Aztecs will have to look for his partner because star returner Michael Franklin exhausted his eligibility.

Intangibles

Advantage: EVEN

Having a 8-30-2 record in road season openers is not good, but the Miners look to change that negative mindset. With senior quarterback Jordan Palmer at the helm, the team is looking for another magical season, but it will come with its bumps in the road. The Miners cannot look ahead to Texas Tech.

Don’t count out the Aztec faithful. The twelfth man on the field will definitely give the Aztecs the boost they need to overcome their inexperience. Coach Chuck Long will need his talented team to play their best to come out with the win.

Carlos’ Prediction

UTEP: 35
SDSU: 31

Jordan Palmer will prove he is ready to play on Sundays, and will throw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. Marcus Thomas will show why he is the best back in C-USA and gain his 100 yards. The Miner defense will look strong, and force one turnover.

San Diego State will keep the game close with their unknown factor of new head coach Chuck Long, and their highly effective running game. Chuck Long won a National Championship with Oklahoma, and intends to make Mike Price work hard for this win.

Turnovers will be the difference make in this game. Both offensive lines are porous and inexperienced in their own ways; so expect a sack filled game.