UTEP pulls upset over Boise State behind defense, run game

A must-win might be hyperbolic for a Week 3 non-conference tilt, but that wasn't too far off for a 1-3 UTEP program that already lost the Conference USA opener back in Week 0 in front of a sold out Sun Bowl. The Miners followed that up with a lackluster performance in a win over New Mexico State bled over into a disappointing loss at New Mexico in Week 2. The seven-win 2021 season looked like the exception, not the rule, for Dana Dimel's saud. 

Then Boise State came to town. The Broncos were 16.5-point favorites. They left El Paso with a 27-10 loss. UTEP did it the old-fashioned way. Bill Snyder would be proud of his pupil. UTEP held the ball for 40:35 of the game. The offense amassed 199 yards rushing and one touchdown on 53 attempts. The defense only allowed 58 yards in the first half. Boise State went on a 75-yard touchdown drive to start the second half, but the Miners stiffened for the rest of the game.