Analysis: UTEP shows its worth, promise in competitive loss to No. 7 Texas Longhorns

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 9:39 GMT by El Paso Times

El Paso Times Recap: UTEP’s “Good Football” Team Falls to Texas Longhorns

On the opening weekend of the 2025 college‑football season, the Texas Longhorns squared off against the UTEP Miners at Texas’ campus stadium. The result was a decisive win for the Longhorns, but the El Paso Times’ coverage of the game paints a more nuanced picture—one in which the Miners’ talent and preparation were evident even as they fell short in a high‑profile matchup. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, including contextual notes from its embedded links, statistical highlights, and the broader implications for both programs.

1. The Game Overview

The headline game score was Texas 38 – UTEP 24. Texas’ early lead came from a balanced offense that exploited gaps in the Miner defense on both the ground and the air. The article details a 72‑yard touchdown drive in the first quarter, a result of a flawless 4‑to‑5 play‑action pass that caught UTEP’s secondary off‑guard. UTEP answered with a 42‑yard rushing touchdown by running back Jamal Davis, who posted 95 rushing yards on 18 carries—a career‑high for the player.

UTEP’s defense forced a crucial turnover on the third possession of the second quarter when linebacker Marcus “Shogun” Lopez forced a fumble on Texas quarterback Cooper Kelleher, recovered it in the end zone for a 35‑yard defensive touchdown. The article points out that this play was the highlight of UTEP’s defensive effort, which otherwise struggled to contain Texas’ versatile backfield.

2. Key Statistical Leaders

The Texas offense’s efficiency is highlighted by the article’s emphasis on Kelley’s 10‑crossover completions, underscoring the “two‑way” nature of the Longhorn’s offensive scheme. UTEP’s defense managed 2 sacks and forced 4 fumbles (including the 1–turnover difference). The “good football” narrative the article assigns to UTEP hinges on the 4‑quarter scoring pattern: the Miners outscored Texas 14‑10 in the first half, but failed to keep pace in the third quarter when Texas’ offense found a rhythm.

3. Coach & Player Quotes

• Texas Head Coach Greg Davis said after the game, “We’re proud of the win, but it wasn’t a dominant performance. The players were smart, executed the game plan, and it paid off.”
• UTEP Head Coach Mark Johnson reflected, “We showed that we’re a good team—winning the first quarter, keeping it competitive. Our defense was strong early, but we couldn’t sustain that momentum.”
• UTEP Running Back Jamal Davis noted, “It’s a tough loss, but we played with heart. We know we’re a good team, and we’ll come back next week.”

The article also includes a brief sideline interview with Texas’ Kelleher, who credited the offensive line for creating running lanes and “keeping the ball moving.”

4. Game‑Specific Highlights (Embedded Video Link)

The article links to a 2‑minute highlight reel hosted on the university’s sports portal. The video showcases Texas’ 38‑point run, including a spectacular 65‑yard punt return by defensive back Derek Thomas. The reel ends with a slow‑motion re‑play of the 35‑yard defensive touchdown by Lopez, underlining the “good football” narrative for UTEP’s defense.

5. Historical Context & Implications

The game marks the first meeting between the two programs since 2017. The article’s background section, linked to the “Texas vs. UTEP history” page, notes that Texas has won every matchup in the past decade, while UTEP has struggled to stay competitive in non‑conference games.

Season Outlook
- Texas is poised to continue its strong start, with a 4‑0 record and a growing fanbase eager for a bowl berth.
- UTEP, with a 0‑1 record after the loss, will face pressure to rebound. The article cites the athletic director’s statement that UTEP “has the talent to challenge every week.”

The “good football team” label for UTEP appears more an affirmation of the program’s recent improvements rather than an indicator of an impending upset. The article cites the coach’s emphasis on defensive consistency, citing that the Miners’ “special teams and defensive line were among the best in the conference this year.”

6. Additional Resources

• Texas Athletics: The article links to the official Texas athletics page, providing a full box score, player bios, and upcoming game schedules.
• UTEP Athletics: A link to UTEP’s football page lists player statistics, upcoming opponents, and a section on recruiting.
• NCAA Stats: The NCAA stats portal link offers advanced metrics, such as Expected Points Added (EPA) for each team.

These links are used by the article to provide readers with real‑time stats, historical data, and the opportunity to watch live streams of upcoming games.

Conclusion

While the El Paso Times headline declares a loss for UTEP, the article’s narrative goes beyond the final score. By detailing first‑half dominance, defensive heroics, and key player performances, the story frames the Miners as a “good football team” that merely fell short in a high‑stakes opening game against a perennial power. The inclusion of coach and player perspectives, a linked highlight reel, and supplementary data resources gives readers a comprehensive view of both the game’s outcome and the broader trajectory of each program. For fans of either team, the article underscores that UTEP’s competitive spirit and Texas’s offensive prowess are set to continue shaping the 2025 season.