UTEP is still looking for its first Mountain West victory. The Miners enter Saturday's game against Hawaii at 1-7 overall and 0-4 in conference play. They are averaging 9.5 points per game in conference games.
UTEP head coach Scotty Walden said the team is closer than its record shows. He said the Miners have not been able to execute long enough to beat teams of that caliber. Walden said the offensive line must limit tackles for loss and sacks, and that the offense has been playing behind the sticks too often.
Hawaii, 2-6 overall, is led by conference passing leader Micah Alejado and runs an Air Raid offense. Walden said UTEP must mix up its looks and avoid giving Alejado easy throws. The teams have met 31 times, and Hawaii leads the series 18-13. It is the first game between the teams at the Sun Bowl since 2004.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The game will air on FS1.