It is so easy to be pessimistic when it comes to UTEP FB because, well there are too many reasons to list. But I hate being pessimistic before the first snap of the season. So, I'm going to find some reasons to be at least cautiously optimistic until we see how the season unfolds.
One reason for optimism is the o-line. We have a number of returning players that would have started last year but for injuries. Newcomers were thrown into the fire in this vital position last year and gained valuable experience. The odds that we see that many injuries again have to be low so I'm expecting a stronger, deeper 0-line which will improve the offense a good deal.
Secondly, the rb position should be strong with Wadley, Hughes and Hankins.
Thirdly, we have some speed and quickness at receiver, especially Foster, Wolf, Busey and Garrett.
Fourthly (not sure that's a word) the defense reportedly has good speed and good newcomers via the jc route and some young ones coming up. The d-line is expected to be better.
That's enough to make me optimistic until something god awful happens like losing to HBU. That would destroy the season and could be the end of the Dimel era. Phil Steele said in his mag that UTEP could actually be favored in 4 or 5 games this year. If the Miners actually win that many I would say that Dimel is well on his way to turning the program around.
