EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – UTEP took the 101st Battle of I-10 in Scotty Walden’s first go at the rivalry, taking down NMSU 42-35. Miners bring the Silver Spade and the Mayors Cup back to El Paso for the first time since 2022.
“This is a program defining victory,” said Walden. “We want to make winning the Battle of I-10 something very important in our program.”
UTEP rallied from a 17-point deficit in the first quarter, collecting 28 points during the second half. The Aggies outplayed UTEP on offense while gaining majority of the possession time collecting nearly 550 yards during 40 minutes of play compared to the Miners’ near 300 in 20.
How was UTEP was able to come out on top with despite these stats? The answer is capitalizing on NMSU’s mistakes. The Miners collected one interception and two fumble recoveries, two of which resulted in scoop and scores by Bryton Thompson. Special teams also came up big late with a punt return by Kam Thomas for 93 yards, giving UTEP the 10-point lead and a huge momentum boost to start the last 15 minutes of the game.
“That’s 14 points right there and that doesn’t include the the sack at the beginning of the game,” said NMSU head coach Tony Sanchez. “That’s 21 points of complete mishaps in a game – a game where you literally just handed it away. It’s unbelievable. Losing the last game of the season hurts, then losing to a rival that’s double hurt.”
Miners lead the all-time series over the Aggies 59-39-2. Both teams closed out the 2024 season with a 3-9 record.
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