Is the UNT game must-win?

[SisyphusMiner]

Is this game must-win?  Why or why not?

I was tempted to say no, but thinking it over and looking at our schedule I really think it is.  If we lose this we really start out in a hole.  Would much prefer to have had NMSU for a season opener.

[kyyote]

No. But it is a launch pad win. UTEP is not even supposed to win. A loss in bad style would be devastating. But a close loss would show that we are, well, close. Naw, the win will give us the strength to withstand the slings and arrows we will likely suffer in Norman.

[Minermojo]

Definitely it is. Everyone who knows UTEP sports know how El Pasoans love their Miners but if they see that we'll be getting the same product as we're used to seeing it will turn off many of them. Slowly, slowly the fans will stop coming to the games. If they lose they'll probably be there but in much lesser number and it continues if they keep losing. If they win and especially if they win handily the fans will continue coming. It's all up to the coaches and the players if they want great attendance numbers. In other words the balls are in their courts.

Also, if we win the players will get a great morale booster and see and believe in themselves which is needed to a winning program. You don't build a great program on losing.

[orange-oink]

On his radio show last week, Steve K. said this game is an absolute financial must win for UTEP Athletics.  Lose at home in front of a sold out crowd and kiss millions of dollars in revenue good bye as the majority of those disappointed fans will abandon the sun bowl for another year given a likelihood of an 0-2 start after facing the sooners next week.  Win on Saturday any many happy fans will purchase tickets for games later this year.  SO WIN THIS GAME, DAMN IT!  NO FRIGGIN EXCUSES!

[ATL-Miner]

Yes it is! A momentum builder or breaker as far as fan support. The program desperately needs a big win for financial reasons too. Would have preferred an NMSU game first. Unfortunately we get an extremely tough conference opponent the first game. We'll have to play very well to win. I'm excited the fans are coming back, they just need a reason to come back again. Go Miners!

[Minermojo]

How many sell outs have we had in the past and now this sell out seems like it will be destroyed by rain and lightning. Man, is there a curse on the poor Miners? I was looking forward to seeing a packed stadium and I'll bet with this rain about half will not chance getting wet. That sucks and it sure makes me sad.