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The Lowdown 2006 Schedule Coach: Mike Price (3rd season, 16-8) 2005 record: 8-4 (Beat Toledo in GMAC Bowl) C-USA finish: 5-3 (2nd West) 2005 I-A offensive rankings: Rushing: 87th (122.2 ypg) Passing: 9th (300.6 ypg) 2005 I-A defensive rankings: Rushing: 72nd (160.7 ypg) Passing: 51st (212.8 ypg) Date Opponent Aug. 31 at San Diego State Sept. 9 Texas Tech Sept. 23 at New Mexico Sept. 30 New Mexico State Oct. 7 SMU Oct. 14 Tulane Oct. 21 at Houston Oct. 27 at Tulsa Nov. 4 Rice Nov. 10 at UAB Nov. 18 at Marshall Nov. 25 Memphis Depth Chart: Offense 7 returning starters in red Ps. No. Player Yr. No. Player Yr. WR 10 Chris Marrow Sr. 11 Dustin Bell Fr. WR 4 Joe West Jr. 12 Chris Day So. WR 21 Johnnie Lee Higgins Jr. 1 Daniel Robinson Sr. LT 75 Oniel Cousins Jr. 77 Tim Ford Jr. LG 61 Andy Smith Sr. 64 Colby Meek Fr. C 62 Robby Felix So. 76 Jake Belshe Sr. RG 73 James Riley Jr. 76 Jake Belshe Sr. RT 57 Tyler Ribitzki So. 58 Humberto Padilla Sr. TE 37 Jake Sears Jr. 87 Jamar Hunt So. QB 5 Jordan Palmer Sr. 7 Brandis Dew Fr. TB 8 Marcus Thomas Jr. 35 Johan Givens Jr. Depth Chart: Defense 10 returning starters in red Ps. No. Player Yr. No. Player Yr. DE 47 Alex Obomese Sr. 41 Reggie Miles Jr. Sr. DT 56 Justin Hanel Sr. 91 James Olalekan So. DT 63 Zach West Sr. 90 Ricky Van Sr. DE 94 Joe Ward Sr. 96 Justin Watson Sr. SLB 4 Jason McQuay Sr. 34 Emeri Spence Jr. MLB 44 Troy Collavo Sr. 4 Jason McQuay Sr. WLB 6 Jeremy Jones Sr. 17 Brian Wilkins Fr. CB 1 Nate Draughon Sr. 5 Bryant Tisdale Sr. CB 2 Josh Ferguson Jr. 3 Tim McCullouch Sr. SS 25 Joe Fleskoski Sr. 15 Phillip Moss Sr. FS 9 Quintin Demps Jr. 14 Braxton Amy Fr. Special Teams Ps. No. Player Yr. Ps. No. Player Yr. K 49 Reagan Schneider Sr. P 7 Ryan Hotchkiss Sr. KR 21 Johnnie Lee Higgins Sr. PR 21 Johnnie Lee Higgins Sr.

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On the surface, it would appear back-to-back 8-4 seasons would be just what the doctor ordered for UTEP coach Mike Price's re-entry into college football life. And while 2004 was a breakout year for the Miners and earned Price National Coach of the Year consideration, the '05 campaign ended as a disappointment. UTEP, 8-1 going into the 10th game of the season, dropped its final three games by a combined score of 120-63. The team limped to the end of the season and finished with a poor showing against Toledo in the GMAC Bowl.

The battle cry heading into the 2006 season? "I want to get back to basics," Price says. "That's a little unusual when you have this many (29) seniors. But I didn't like the way we finished (last) season. We need to learn how to finish strong. I think there was a little complacency. As hard as you guard against that, it's still something that happens to people."

OFFENSE

Senior quarterback Jordan Palmer, who appeared to be coming into his own midway through the season, inexplicably regressed down the stretch. He finished with 19 interceptions, which tied for the most in the nation. Eight of those picks came in the final three games, and he tossed four in a loss at SMU. However, he played much of the season with a separated non-throwing shoulder. Also, injuries took away his playmakers, forcing Palmer to take issues into his own hands.

Highly touted redshirt freshman Brandis Dew is ready to play behind Palmer, and junior Lorne Sam, a transfer from Florida State, is expected to add a new wrinkle to this UTEP offense: running ability.

The Miners boast star potential in Marcus Thomas at the No. 1 running back spot. The former Parade All-American came into his own in '05, leading the Miners with 791 rushing yards on 149 carries and five touchdowns. Who will play behind Thomas will be determined during training camp.

The Miners return a second team all-conference receiver in speedy senior Johnnie Lee Higgins Jr., as well as dependable senior Chris Marrow, solid junior Joe West, improved senior Daniel Robinson, and good-looking newcomer Dustin Bell.

The offensive line is young, deep and big for the first time in years. Returning starters include center Robby Felix, right guard James Riley and right tackle Tyler Ribitzki.

DEFENSE

Nine of 11 defensive linemen on the GMAC Bowl team are back, including Alex Obomese (left end), Joe Ward (right end), Zach West (right tackle) and Justin Hanel (left tackle).

Linebacker is another unit that returns almost all of its strength, especially at the starting spots. Weak-side backer Jeremy Jones recorded a team-high 130 tackles last season, averaging 10.8 per game. Troy Collavo, the middle linebacker, was second with 112 tackles and had a team-high 14.5 tackles for a loss. Collavo sat out the spring while recovering from shoulder surgery. The only spot up for grabs is the strong-side linebacker position left vacant by Thomas Howard.

Safety looks solid, with senior Joe Fleskoski (strong safety) and junior Quintin Demps (free safety) returning. They tied for the team lead with three interceptions apiece last year. Senior Nate Draughon and junior Josh Ferguson are expected to start at right and left cornerback, respectively.

SPECIALISTS

Senior kicker Reagan Schneider is expected to be among the best in the country this season. He ranks first in school history in extra points (103), second in scoring for a kicker (205) and fifth in field goals (34). He has missed only one of 104 extra point attempts.

FINAL ANALYSIS

The Miners' offense must limit its turnovers in 2006. If Palmer, the main culprit, corrects his mistakes, he could direct the Miners to a special season and improve his NFL stock.

Even with a reduction in turnovers, the Miners have to overcome considerable losses. Honorable mention All-C-USA running back Tyler Ebell is gone, as is the steadiest receiver on the team, Chris Francies.

Still, there is more than enough talent to win. The depth is better, and the team is now heavy with "Price players." It should make for an interesting third year in El Paso for Price. Anything less than a run at the C-USA West Division crown would be considered a disappointment.