The UTEP Miners wrapped up the 2009 season with a disappointing 4-8 record under seventh-year head coach Mike Price who has been unable to bring them team to over.500 during his tenure with an overall record of 34-38. This season 12 starters return, including seven on offense. Fans will once again be optimistic for the Miners to post their first winning season and a bowl appearance in five years.
Here's a closer look at the 2010 UTEP Miners to help make your College Football wagers winners.
Offense:
One thing is for sure; the Miners can put points on the board and will rely on that offensive prowess once again in 2010. But can they score enough? The team was able to average nearly 30 points per game yet still only managed just four wins last season.
The offensive charge will be led by four-year starting quarterback Trevor Vittatoe who returns to action after a disappointing season despite tossing for over 3,000 yards for the third consecutive season, and 17 TDs. There are still concerns looming over the 6-2, 220-pound senior whose inconsistency showed in 2009 as he throwing 13 interceptions after combining for only 16 in the two previous seasons.
After being suspended for the first six practices of spring, Vittatoe missed the end following minor shoulder surgery. UTEP needs to see the old Vittatoe from 2007 and 2008 rather than the one that hit all -time lows in 2009. Thomas is the only other QB on the roster with any experience and is not a starting option.
One of the bright spots in last season's abysmal 4-8 campaign was the immergence of 5-10, 195-pound senior RB Donald Buckram, who tallied a school record 594 yards and 18 touchdowns on 259 carries. He also contributed 30 catches for 453 yards and three scores. If he can find his way around tacklers again, he should increase those stats considering he will begin the 2010 season healthy after an injury plagued 2009.
The decline suffered by 6-3, 195-pound senior Kris Adams a year ago was in direct relation with that of the entire passing game and QB Trevor Vittatoe. Adams will be counted on to carry a big part of the work load and will be one of the team's main receivers. He accounted for 42 catches and 580 yards, but only two TDs. Junior Donovon Kemp is poised for a breakthrough year after showing big-play flashes a season ago and Evan Davis will be vying for a full time job as well.
The offensive line returns three senior starters in 6-8, 310-pound Alex Solot, 6-3, 320-pound senior Rod Huntley, and 6-4, 300-pound senior Tanner Cullumber.
Defense:
The Miners defense is now in the hands of former UNLV assistant Andre Patterson. It will be his job to turn around one of the worst defensive squads in the nation in 2009, giving up 447 yards and 33 points per game. The Miners lost three games where they gave up 52 points or more. The most noticeable change will be a shift to a 4-3 base that'll requires more depth and talent up front.
The front seven allowed over 200 rushing yards per game in 2009, and things may not get any better this season as the Miners have good potential on the outside, with defensive ends Bernard Obi and Robert Soleyjacks, but the inside tackles have very little experience between them and will likely struggle stopping the run.
The LB unit does return two starters starting with Jamie Irving and Isaiah Carter who will help bolster a corps of linebackers that's deeper than at any point in the last few seasons.
With only four starters back from a group that gave up at least 30 points eight times, safety Braxton Amy who had 52 tackles and five Interceptions, will be a busy man leading the rest of the unit that is mostly unproven
2010 Prediction: Fourth in the C-USA West: UTEP will need to Vittatoe to return to the form of his first two seasons while hoping the defense can plug the holes in their sinking vessel. The team will need to take advantage of an easy schedule in their first nine contests, aside from a trip to Houston in Week 2, building some early confidence and winning enough games to become bowl eligible. With so many questions, one can only safely predict a six win season for the Miners in 2010.
For a detailed look at the 2010 Conference USA Predictions check this out.
Also be sure stay up to date on all the college football odds right here this season. And check in often for college football picks to help make your betting experience a winner.
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