Box Score EL PASO, Texas – A 21-point third quarter by UTEP broke open a close game as the TSU football team fell 51-10 at the Sun Bowl on Saturday night.
After a TSU punt on its opening drive, UTEP needed only one play to score as EJ Colson found a wide open receiver for an 83-yard strike at the 12:42 mark. Despite the early setback, TSU would respond with a 12-play, 75-drive which was culminated by Athean Renfro's 16-yard touchdown run. Miguel Arana III's PAT was good as the score was tied at 7-all.
TSU forced a UTEP punt and the offense would respond once again to open the second quarter as Arana III nailed a 43-yard field goal for a 10-7 lead. TSU would force another punt but the UTEP defense made a play as they recorded an interception at the TSU 37. The Miners took advantage and scored in five plays to move ahead 14-10.
TSU was forced to punt again and the Miners executed a pair of third down conversions on its latest drive with the latter a 13-yard touchdown pass which upped the deficit to 21-10 entering halftime.
For the second straight weekend, the third quarter was TSU's Achilles heel as UTEP rolled off 21 points to seal the game. TSU struggled on both ends of the ball during the quarter as they punted three times while committing a fumble. Defensively, UTEP scored touchdowns on three of its four possessions.
TSU had a potential scoring opportunity late in the fourth quarter but the field goal bounced off the upright. UTEP added a late score as the running back broke free for a 79-yard run with 48 seconds remaining.
The Tigers finished with 208 total yards while UTEP amassed 491 yards.
TSU is off next weekend as they'll return to action at Alcorn State on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 3 p.m.
