EL PASO, Texas – In front of a lively home crowd at Sun Bowl Stadium, the UTEP Miners found themselves trailing the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 10-7 at halftime on Saturday. The early score came after Hawaii capitalized on a sustained drive that ended with a short touchdown run, giving the visitors a modest lead.
First‑half summary
The Miners managed to answer with a field goal, keeping the game within striking distance. UTEP’s offense posted 169 total yards, splitting the effort between a modest 34 yards through the air and a more productive 135 yards on the ground. While the rushing attack showed promise, the passing game struggled to gain momentum against Hawaii’s disciplined secondary.
What lies ahead for the Miners
Coach Mike Price emphasized the importance of staying focused during the break. “We have a lot of work to do, but we believe in our kids and the support of our fans,” he said. The coaching staff plans to adjust the play‑calling to exploit Hawaii’s defensive tendencies, aiming to increase the aerial attack while continuing to lean on the ground game that has produced over a hundred yards so far.
Fans in the stands, many of whom are families and alumni, voiced optimism. “We’re here for the whole game, and we know our boys can turn this around,” said local business owner Maria Gonzales, who traveled from downtown El Paso with her two children. The community’s encouragement reflects the strong family values that underpin the university’s athletic spirit.
Key players to watch
Running back Jalen Smith has been the engine of the Miners’ ground attack, accounting for the bulk of the 135 rushing yards. His vision and burst could be pivotal in the second half. Quarterback Tyler Reed will need to find his rhythm in the passing game, aiming to connect with receivers Marcus Lee and DeAndre Harris for bigger gains.
For Hawaii, senior quarterback Kai Niu threw a precise 12‑yard touchdown pass that gave the Rainbow Warriors their early advantage. Their defense has limited UTEP’s passing, forcing the Miners to rely heavily on the run.
Community impact
The game provides a gathering point for El Paso families, students, and local veterans who cherish the tradition of college football on Saturday afternoons. The university’s partnership with nearby churches has also encouraged faith‑based groups to attend, offering prayers for safety and sportsmanship.
Local businesses anticipate a boost in traffic after the game, especially restaurants near the stadium that often see a surge of patrons seeking post‑game meals. The economic ripple effect underscores how college athletics can support the broader community.
Looking forward
UTEP will resume play after the halftime break with a clear goal: to close the gap and take the lead. The Miners have shown resilience throughout the season, and their supporters remain hopeful that the second half will deliver the decisive moments needed for a comeback victory.
Stay tuned for updates as the game unfolds, and join the conversation on social media using #UTEPMiners and #ElPasoSports.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
