EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — UTEP football (1-4, 0-1 CUSA) dropped its third straight game after it suffered a 30-11 loss to Louisiana Tech (4-1, 2-0 CUSA) in a Conference USA game at the Sun Bowl on Saturday night.
UTEP’s offensive struggles continued to plague them — and may have hit a new low.
UTEP turned the ball over five times, including four interceptions thrown by redshirt sophomore quarterback Malachi Nelson. Last season’s starting quarterback, Skyler Locklear, also threw an interception, which was returned for a touchdown. In total, Louisiana Tech scored two pick-sixes in the game.
Nelson completed just 17 of 37 passes for 71 yards, with no touchdowns and four interceptions. He now has nine interceptions on the season.
UTEP passed for 145 yards and rushed for 126 yards. Ashten Emory led the way with 50 yards on 11 carries.
As a team, UTEP managed 145 passing yards and 126 rushing yards. Running back Ashten Emory led the ground game with 50 yards on 11 carries.
Despite the offensive setbacks, UTEP’s defense remained a bright spot. The Miners recorded five sacks and forced four turnovers — three fumbles and one interception — helping to keep the game within reach for much of the night.
Louisiana Tech totaled 232 yards of offense, with 137 yards through the air and 95 yards on the ground — modest numbers that were helped significantly by their defensive scoring and UTEP’s turnovers.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st Quarter
- Louisiana Tech — 6:14 | Touchdown: Marques Singleton Jr. 5-yard pass from Blake Baker (PAT good)
Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 4:24 | Score: 7–0
3rd Quarter
- Louisiana Tech — 5:47 | Field Goal: Drew Henderson 37 yards
Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:49 | Score: 10–0
4th Quarter
- UTEP — 14:55 | Field Goal: Tanner Cragun 38 yards
Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 5:52 | Score: 10–3 - Louisiana Tech — 10:22 | Touchdown (Defense): Jakari Foster 67-yard interception return (PAT good)
Score: 17–3 - Louisiana Tech — 4:58 | Touchdown: Clay Thevenin 4-yard rush (PAT good)
Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 3:26 | Score: 24–3 - UTEP — 3:34 | Touchdown: Wondame Davis Jr. 35-yard pass from Skyler Locklear (2-pt conversion GOOD – Josh Schuchts reception)
Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:24 | Score: 24–11 - Louisiana Tech — 1:44 | Touchdown (Defense): Alonzo Jackson Jr. 23-yard interception return (2-pt conversion FAILED) Final Score: 30–11
LOOKING AHEAD
UTEP falls to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in CUSA play. Up next, UTEP will gear up for its first midweek game of the year. Miners will take on Liberty at the Sun Bowl on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
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