The UTEP Miners Defense scored two touchdowns and forced three turnovers in a 41-35 win against the Charlotte 49ers Saturday night at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
The win was the first ever for the Miners in the Eastern time zone. It was also the team’s first ever win in the state of North Carolina.
The game that featured both team going on scoring streaks, after Charlotte wet up 7-0, UTEP scored 24 unanswered points and had a 27-10 lead at the half.
In the third quarter, Charlotte scored 14 unanswered points to close to within 6 but then the Miners would score another 17 unanswered points to give them a 41-21 lead but then the 49ers would score 14 points to make the game close yet again but the Miner defense sealed the game with a interception by Ilijah Johnson.
The defense touchdowns by the Miners were scored by Tyrice Knight and by Jadrian Taylor who returned the fumble 100yds.
For the Miner offense, Gavin Hardison threw for three touchdowns and 173 yards. Try Smith had two of the TD receptions with 106 yds and Trent Thompson scored the other receiving TD. Deon Hankins lead the Miners in rushing with 113 yards.
With the win the Miners have won two games in a row and are now 3-3 in the season and 1-1 in C-USA. They will next travel to take on Louisiana Tech on Saturday with kickoff at 5pm.