In a match that was equally thrilling as it was heart-wrenching for UTEP fans, the Miners' vigorous comeback fell just short against the ULM Warhawks this Saturday past, with the final scoreboard reading 31-25 in favor of the visitors. Despite a disappointing first half, UTEP's quarterback Malachi Nelson, in a historic personal best, racked up over 400 yards passing, a first for the team's QBs in 16 years, according to UTEP Athletics.
The game, a veritable rollercoaster, saw the Miners trailing a significant 24-point deficit by the mid-third quarter but not without an impressive push in the final leg that witnessed them scoring back-to-back, thus shrinking the Warhawks' lead to a tenuous 31-25. Nelson's connection with redshirt freshman Wondame Davis Jr. for two touchdowns was particularly noticeable, with Davis Jr. clinching a personal career milestone by snagging 119 yards over six receptions in what could've otherwise been just another humdrum collegiate football game. UTEP's total offensive efforts amounted to 442 yards, yet ULM wasn't far behind with 399 yards, including an overwhelming 250 yards on the ground despite the Miners' fervent last-quarter rally.
"We talked all week about what we needed to do to win this game, and it was to stop the run and run the football. We failed to do both of those things," UTEP Head Coach Scotty Walden lamented, candidly critiquing his team's performance, as obtained by UTEP Athletics. He also commended the team's fight but noted the pitfalls of their first-half play that ultimately led to their loss.
Starting the game on a promising note, the Miners initially drove the ball deep into Warhawks' territory only to turn it over on downs, then ULM's Dorian Lewis broke free for a 72-yard dash setting up their first touchdown, setting the pace for the rest of the game; however, as the final whistle loomed, Nelson twice had the ball with the chance to orchestrate a win, albeit his efforts were marred by two interceptions that cemented ULM's victory, despite the Miners' defense delivering solid stops including a critical turnover on downs that gave UTEP a fleeting glimpse of hope.
