Three things learned at UTEP's Tuesday football practice
Bret BloomquistAs UTEP gears up for Rice on Saturday looking to snap its three-game losing streak, here are three things learned at Tuesday's practice.
Confidence does wonders
Somewhat overshadowed in UTEP's last-second 20-17 loss to North Texas was that kicker Gavin Baechle came through in the biggest moment of his career.
UTEP got in position because Baechle drilled a 37-yarder with 55 seconds remaining to tie the score at 17. He had been in something of a slump as late as last week against UTSA, but he began to pull out of it in that game with a career-long 50-yarder on the last play of the first half.
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The kick against North Texas "definitely boosted the confidence a lot," Baechle said. "Every single kick is big, obviously, I'm hoping to make them all, but especially one that big a week after making a career long, I came through and executed."
Off to a good start this week
Coach Dana Dimel said having a good week of practices is essential after a loss and particularly for a team on a three-game losing streak.
His sense so far is that the team is dialed in.
"Our team better respond and get on a better track," he said. "A lot goes into our practices because you're not going to win unless you prepare. (Tuesday) was a good start, they were locked in. Our guys like to practice, we just have to practice with an even higher intensity, a higher edge and get better as the week goes on."
Miners healthier
UTEP's banged up secondary is getting better.
Cornerback Josh Caldwell, who missed most of the last three quarters against North Texas after rolling his ankle, was limited in Tuesday's workout but looked like someone preparing to play Saturday against Rice. He spent the practice with the cornerbacks and not the strength and conditioning staff. Dimel said he will definitely play.
Safety Dy'Vonne Inyang is questionable, which is big progress after missing the last three games. He is working through a hip injury and had an MRI Tuesday afternoon. Pending the results of that, Dimel said whether he plays will be up to Inyang, who has repeatedly expressed a desire to return.
Tuesday also marked the first time in more than a month tailbacks Ronald Awatt and Deion Hankins were in blue jerseys instead of the red "no-hit" jerseys for players with minor injuries who are cleared to practice. They have both been a full go in games for the last month.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at 915-546-6359; bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on Twitter.