There aren’t many better views in college football than looking out at the Franklin Mountains from Dana Dimel’s office at the edge of the Sun Bowl in El Paso. But while looking out at the beautiful mountain range in the midst of a 20-game losing streak, the mountains must have made Dimel feel a little too much like Sisyphus trying to push a boulder up these mountains to win an elusive game.
First it was a seven-point loss to rival New Mexico State. Then it was a tight nine-point loss on the road at UTSA. Great defensive performances against North Texas, Louisiana Tech and UAB – three of the best teams in the conference last season – only made the feeling that much more desperate. But even after an 0-8 start, the focus and resolve remained strong.