Week 4: New Mexico State at UTEP

Two fierce rivals desperately in need of some good news meet in El Paso.

New Mexico State had is season opener washed out by Hurricane Gustav and then got trounced at Nebraska. UTEP has been outscored 84-30 in its first two games, against Buffalo and Texas.

This could turn into a shootout with two renowned offensive minds matching wits in New Mexico State’s Hal Mumme and UTEP’s Mike Price. Mumme has some proven weapons at his disposal in quarterback Chase Holbrook and wideouts Chris Williams and A.J. Harris. Price also has some talent, with quarterback Trevor Vittatoe and running back Terrell Jackson, but the Miners offense hasn’t gotten rolling yet.

Notes:

UTEP leads the series 49-34-2, but New Mexico State won last year. Over the past two games, UTEP has outscored New Mexico State 68-67.

After a promising start, Mike Price has slipped to 25-25 in five years with the Miners.

New Mexico State will be the last team in the nation to play a home game Sept. 27 against New Mexico.

Key Player (Aggies) — Chase Holbrook, QB

Holbrook makes the Aggies go, and he couldn’t get anything started last week at Nebraska. He was 15-of-30 for 142 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He should fare much better against a soft UTEP defense.

Key Player (Miners) — Trevor Vittatoe, QB

Like Holbrook, Vittatoe is a proven performer who hasn’t gotten going yet this year. He is 45-of-83 for 466 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He had 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season.

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