SMU @ UTEP

Scouting Report for SMU Mustangs(1-3) vs. UTEP Miners (1-4)
October 6, 2012-Sun Bowl El Paso, TX

SMU: The Mustangs have had a miserable time in their last 4 games. While SMU did get a win against SFA, the offense has been dreadful. It especially showed last week when they lost the Iron Skillet against TCU (24-16).

Garrett Gilbert who only threw 4 interceptions in the first 3 games, threw 5 of them to 4 different TCU defenders. The receivers had some difficulty catching the ball. Zach Line managed only 44 yards on the ground, but did score the Ponies first points in the second quarter. Margus Hunt was hard to contain most of the game. It was in the second half that Hunt got to Pachall and helped stage a near second half comeback.

UTEP: The Miners are a 1-4 team this season, but nobody would know it. They made things tough on Oklahoma for 3 quarters (10-7), but lost when Oklahoma scored 14 points in the final period. And then the Miners were able to draw within 4 against Wisconsin with 7:59 remaining in the game. But the Badgers scored 2 touchdowns in 15 seconds to put the game out of reach (37-26). They could've comeback against ECU, but the deficit was too much to overcome (28-18).

Nick Lamaison threw 3 picks after a 2 yard touchdown pass to Jordan Leslie in the first quarter. Michael Edwards led all receivers with 130 yards on 6 catches. Nathan Jefferey did well on the ground rushing for 137 yards on 27 carries game. The trio of DB's Darren Woodard, Shane Huhn and Wesley Miller each had a pick against Pirates QB Shane Carden. Autrey Golden had a 96 YD return for a touchdown.

What to watch for: Gilbert has 9 INT's and only 4 TD's this season. The reasons have been many. Whether it has been accuracy or receivers not making catches their supposed to, the Mustangs should be giving the ball to Line more often. Especially with their issues on the offensive line. Plus it will sustain more drives if they don't heavily rely on Gilbert's arm.

Conclusion: UTEP coach Mike Price is known for being one of the first coaches to utilize the spread offense. While the Miners have had their struggles late in ball games, they are due for a win. Which means for the Mustangs that Hunt will need to get pressure on Lamaison most of the time on defense. That should open up things for Kenneth Acker and the rest of the Pony secondary. However if Gilbert continues to struggle, the game will rest solely on the defense. Which would be a no win situation for SMU.

Prediction: UTEP by 10.

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