I’m getting some good vibes about the UTEP football team. An “insider” who has been highly critical of the Miners’ football program in the past, came rushing up to me
This fellow, whose name I can’t reveal but who has a direct pipeline to the Miners, declared that “The players love, absolutely love, coach (Sean) Kugler. It’s going to be a good season.”
He wouldn’t say anymore. He turned and scurried away.
I RUSHED to get my crystal ball out of its drawer and tell it what I had just heard. It was its usual obnoxious self.
“Vibes, jives!” it said. “You can’t go by vibes. You have to use some intellect.”
I laughed. “Intellect?” I said. “Last year you said the Miners would win nine games and they won only two.”
I hurt the crystal ball’s feelings. “There you go again,” it said. “You criticize me when I’m wrong and never compliment me when I’m right.”
It had such a pained look on its face I thought it was going to cry. I apologized. I must admit it’s been right a lot more often than wrong. Besides, its followers have been clamoring for its predictions and I needed them right away. The Miners open their season next Saturday.
THE CRYSTAL BALL straightened up after I apologized. It said, “Let’s see. The Miners have an experienced quarterback, a fleet of topnotch running backs, good tight ends. But the offense wasn’t the main problem in Kugler’s first year as head coach last season. It was the defense. It couldn’t stop a line of chorus girls from dancing through it.”
I interrupted, “Now don’t get sexist,” I said.
It replied, “Okay, okay, but the defense was just plain awful.
“However, Kugler is no dummy. He knows that was the problem and he should know how to fix it. He’s had plenty of experience as an assistant with high quality teams. And from what I hear, the defensive line will be bigger and stronger. Smarter, too, I hope.
“NOW ABOUT the opposition? Teams in Conference USA are no doubt getting fit for the upcoming season, too.
“But the conference shouldn’t be so tough as last year. Some teams have dropped out, new ones are in and only three coaches still in the conference (Bobby Wilder of Old Dominion, Bill Clark of UAB and Larry Coker of UT San Antonio) have impressive records. Others are either new, are under .500 or are barely over .500 in winning percentage.
“Kugler should fit in nicely.
“WE’LL KNOW the answer to the Miners’ hopes soon. Next Saturday, in fact, when the Miners play University of New Mexico at Albuquerque. It’s almost a must win game for the Miners if they’re to have a good season.
“They’ve got two almost-sure losses with Texas Tech at home on Sept. 6 and at Kansas State on Sept. 27 but have a chance in the remaining 10 games. Fortunately, they play only two of the three conference teams with top coaches — Old Dominion in the Miners’ Homecoming game on Oct. 11 and at UT San Antonio on Oct. 25. The Miners should be ‘up’ for Old Dominion at Homecoming and win that one.
“I say the Miners can win five games for sure and if they beat Old Dominion, and I think they will, they’ll wind up with six victories, maybe even seven.
“My prediction is UTEP will finish 6-6 for the regular season.”
I THANKED the orb, gave it a little pat on the back and put it gently back in its drawer.
And I’m glad it sort of agreed with my “vibes.” Heck, six wins will be a heck of an improvement