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2009 UTEP Miners NCAA Football Predictions

Written July 15, 2009 by Jason Lowry

UTEP Miners 2009 Predictions The UTEP Miners had their struggles in 2008 finishing up the regular season at 5-7, but were respectable in Conference USA, as they finished up 4-4 in the West Division. This year the Miners are looking like a team that could compete for the conference title, as they have 55 lettermen returning, including 15 returning starters.

On offense the Miners bring back 8 starters, led by junior quarterback Trevor Vittatoe, who had an outstanding season throwing for 3,274 yards with 33 touchdowns to just 9 interceptions. Vittatoe’s numbers could be even better in 2009, as he has his two top targets back this season in junior Kris Adams and senior Jeff Moturi. Last year Adams and Moturi combined for 101 catches, 1,613 yards, and 23 touchdowns. The Miners also bring back senior starter Tufick Shadrawy in the passing game. The Miners did lose their top rusher from last season in Terrell Jackson, but have plenty of talent to pick up the slack. It looks as though sophomore Daniel Palmer is going to jump to the top of the depth chart, while junior Donald Buckram is once again the backup. The offensive line should be pretty solid this season, as they only new starter comes at center in junior Tanner Cullumber. The left side of the line should be as good as it gets with two of the best linemen in the conference in senior left tackle Mike Aguayo and senior left guard Cameron Raschke. This is a unit that scored nearly 37 points a game last season, and should easily repeat those numbers in 2009. If the running game can get it going, I think this will be one of the best offenses in Conference USA this season. Bet the Miners this season at Sportsbook.com.

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On defense the Miners have 6 starters back from last season, but it will seem more like 7 with the return of junior safety Braxton Amy, who led the Miners with 112 tackles in 2007. Playing alongside Braxton will be true freshman DeShawn Grayson, who the Miners feel like could be a really good player before he is done. The Miners return both starters at corner in seniors Cornelius Brown and Melvin Stephenson. At linebacker both senior Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith and junior Anthony Morrow are back, but they will have some inexperience at this position, as sophomore Justin Hickman and former safety Roddray Walker are expected to step into the starting lineup. Up front the Miners bring back junior defensive end Robert Soleyjacks and senior defensive tackle Steve Riddick, while senior end Aaron King moves from backup to starter this season. Overall this is not a very threatening unit, but could really get a boost if Braxton is able to come back at full strength. The defense really just needs to keep opposing teams from scoring at will, as they have a very good offense at their back. Bet Conference USA this season at Sportsbook.com.

My 2009 Prediction: Tie for 2nd in Conference USA West Divison. I think the Miners make a big jump this season, as they move from 4th in the West to 2nd, but the only reason I have them this high, is they have a very easy schedule compared to some of the other teams in this conference. The Miners get both Tulsa and Houston at home, and avoid playing Southern Miss and East Carolina out of the East Division.

For those of you looking for some help with your NCAA football predictions this season, be sure to check back for our expert college football picks and the latest NCAA football odds at Betfirms.

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