Sis, the defense has been beyond belief, but we have questioned the competition. When we beat Southern Miss, I started to believe that the team had caught something. But, LA Tech has not only beat us like a drum physically, and mentally, their coach is damned good too. And the defense dominated them. But, and I have come to believe it is a critical part of the formula the defense is allowed to play that way and sustain it because the offense keeps them fresh. FAU proved to me, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that UTEP's defense is better than legit. It is what the evidence shows that it is. Damned good! The offense answered the other question I had and it was could they pass if forced to. They can. They would much rather run it up your ass and will continue to try, but they can pass, too. If your defense is weak against the run, your team is going to have a long day against the Miners. If you try to stop that, we can throw the ball. Fifty percent?
Our offense is a no margin for error offense when it is at it's best. Our defense is a shut down defense that is human. San Antonio is flying high and they are obviously good. But, the haven't seen the rock walls of El Paso and they haven't played the defense of UTEP. I no longer have any qualms about saying that with a straight face. For reals. Ask FAU how easy it was to run against UTEP. Or pass! I have no doubt that UTEP can beat SA. Mistakes. And can they be taken advantage of. It isn't our style to take advantage of mistakes in ways other teams might. We just take away the other teams time on offense. It is like shortening their life.
As for UAB, I would have put them in the category of SM and LA Tech, bullies used to beating UTEP like a rented mule. Not this year. I don't know what the score will be, but I feel pretty good about UAB not having seen these Miners and these Miners are as serious as a heart attack. One game at a time. If the Miners knock off the runners, they will go into Birmingham sky high. Blazers won't know what hit them. We'll see.
I love your random thought. I read it quickly and thought, well....but then I thought about it and you are right about the Miners being able to beat some, and the progress is night has become day.
One more thing that I can't let go without saying. How about the the other rock wall the offensive linemen build around Hardison. Forty six attempts and he was sacked once. He put up 327 yards passing. And the line also allowed the running game to average three and a half yards per carry. The big guys have been doing blue collar work, week in and week out, but stealing the life of other teams doesn't get the glory. Wins do. And they know. The players know.