Texas moves to Game 3 of the 2025 season 1-1, with the UTEP waiting for them on Saturday. The Miners are 1-1 on the season as well, with a loss to Utah State in Week 1, followed by a dominating win over UT Martin Saturday. UTEP comes into Austin with some very interesting talent, led by former No. 1 overall recruit, Malachi Nelson under center and head coach Scotty Walden.
UTEP Offense
The offense for the Miners is led by Malachi Nelson, an uber-talented thrower of the football that has a nomadic college football career. Coming out of high school, Nelson was a top QB in the country, and committed to play for Lincoln Riley at USC. After one season, he decided to hit the portal, and join the Boise State Broncos a year ago. He lost the starting job there to Maddux Madsen, and found his way to El Paso this offseason. He was able to win a heated QB battle with Skyler Locklear, and officially have the reins, and has started the season well. 456 passing yards, 5 TDs and an INT through two weeks.
At RB, it’s Hahsaun Wilson and Ashten Emory leading the way. Kam Thomas will play a role there as well, but UTEP has, outside of two explosives, been questionable at best for the Miners. The WR group is led by Kenny Odom, who has gone for over 90+ yards and a score in the first two games for UTEP. Freshman Toric Goins Jr. has made a strong early impression as well.
Advertisement
UTEP Defense
On defense, they are a swarming group. UTEP had 10 sacks in the first two games of the year, led by DT Ashaad Hall and LB Micah Davey. The Miners defense was able to totally stifle UT Martin’s run game to a halt, although they gave up over 230 yards passing to both Utah State and UT Martin. This included four plays of over 30 yards against Utah State. It is going to be an aggressive approach defensively, bringing DBs on blitzes, which should give openings in the pass game as well as test the OL.
Overall Thoughts
Texas over the next two games is about continuing to play cleaner and cleaner. That happened this past weekend against San Jose State, and the hope is that it can continue. It should, emphasis on should, be a game Texas can continue to improve and put up a lopsided score. There are little things, like penalties and Manning’s mechanics, you want to see improve, and the hope is it will and Texas can put up a 50-point performance.
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Talented QB, aggressive defense defines Longhorns next opponent UTEP
