The UTEP Miners suffered a disappointing overtime loss to Southern Utah, with missed opportunities and critical errors leading to a 27-24 finale. In a Saturday night showdown that saw the Miners start strong only to falter late in the game, the cutting edge they seemed to possess in the first half dulled by the time they reached overtime, according to El Paso Times.
The game was a rollercoaster, with UTEP holding a lead of 17-6 before their play became mired with offensive misfiring and an inability to counter middle runs effectively, this performance eventually culminated in a 27-24 defeat dashing the spirits of the Miners faithful who watched as twice in the dying seconds of regulation and then again in overtime penalties against Southern Utah extended UTEP's lifeline before it eventually snapped, as reported by both UTEP Athletics and KTSM. The Miners forayed into the spotlight with an impressive 75-yard drive, capped by a Jevon Jackson five-yard touchdown reception but their ascendancy was short-lived as SUU countered soon after with a touchdown of their own.
Danny King's 33-yard field goal provided the Thunderbirds with the slim margin needed for overtime victory, while UTEP kicker Giancarlo Flabiano missed a tying field goal attempt in the added frame for the Miners. After an offsides penalty provided another chance, the endeavor ended in heartbreak for UTEP as the subsequent 32-yard attempt by Flabiano drifted wide, sealing Southern Utah’s triumph in the extra period.
UTEP quarterback Skyler Locklear delivered an admirable performance, completing 22-of-29 passes for 295 yards, inclusive of a passing touchdown, rushing touchdown, and even a receiving touchdown which drew the game level leading into overtime. UTEP running back Jevon Jackson compiled 80 rushing yards on top of his receiving touchdown whereas the defensive effort was highlighted by Kory Chapman’s 13 tackles, 2.5 for loss, though it was not enough to substantiate a win for the Miners, their gutsy last-minute regulation play to tie the game eventually fruitless in the grand scheme of the extended contest.
