SB Nation - Jeff Moturi

UTEP Game Preview

dimecoverage — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:37:39 -0000

Thanks to Bret Bloomquist, sports writer for the El Paso Times and UT grad, for the preview of the Miners.

Last year the Miners offensive line averaged 406.5 yards and 32.9 points per game. Do you expect the same type of output from the four returning starters? Discuss the line personnel. Who will replace center Robby Felix, who left for the NFL?

UTEP is experienced all through their two-deep on the line. They were mauled by Kansas but excellent in the other two games. They are certainly good for Conference USA, though I imagine Texas will see better on a regular basis in the Big 12 South. Center is the only position they had to replace last year and the new guy is Tanner Cullumber, who did start the final two games last year after Felix had his stroke. The guards are Cameron Raschke and Rod Huntley, the tackles Will Osolinsky and Mike Aguayo. Most of the backups started at one time or another last season when they had injuries.

Trevor Vittatoe has achieved outstanding numbers as a freshman and as a sophomore - 6,375 yards passing, 58 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. What are his strengths as the team leader? Where does Vittatoe need to improve?

He is exceptionally calm and takes great care of the ball. He held it a little long against Kansas, probably because he wasn't used to seeing receivers so well-covered. He also needs a bit more touch, particularly on short passes. But he has an NFL body and arm and consistently makes good decisions. He's a good guy to have in a close, late game because of his poise.

Jeff Moturi and Kris Adams are Vittatoe's main receiving weapons. What makes those two so effective? Who are the other receivers?

Adams is tall and Moturi is fast. Moturi's also a good route runner. When they get open -- and it's hard to double both of them -- Vittatoe is good at spotting them. Adams might have a shot at the next level, though he needs to put on weight. Evan Davis and Tufick Shadrawy are the next two guys. Like most Price receivers, they have good size.

In 2008, it seemed as if the Miners used a committee approach to the running game. Is there a go-to back/s this year?

Donald Buckram has suddenly emerged this year after they assumed it would be by committee again. They will use three tailbacks but Buckram is now a clear No. 1. This will be my story for Wednesday's paper. He ran better against New Mexico State than he has in his career here.

What are the overall strengths of the offensive unit? What are the overall weaknesses?

Strengths are the line, quarterback and receiver. That line, though, looked a lot better against MAC and WAC competition than it did against a Big 12 team. UTEP hasn't shown much explosiveness yet this year, which is supposed to be a team strength and probably will be down the road. The offense will be one of the best in Conference USA but they may not be big enough up front to handle Texas.

UTEP has a veteran group of defensive linemen heading into the 2009 season, a unit that produced 23 sacks last year. Who are the personnel on the line?

It's a revolving door, though Aaron King is off to a good start at end after getting a late start last year (wasn't even on campus until the second week of the season). An inability to find good linemen is part of the reason they went to a 3-3-5. Steve Riddick is having a good year at noseguard and Robert Soleyjacks is the other end. They will rotate in three groups. They are undersized but do have some quickness.

(Music NSFW)

Linebackers Adam Vincent and Nu'uese Punimata were solid performers last year. Who will replace those two this year? Who is the projected starter on the right side?

Anthony Morrow is the right side starter. The middle linebacker, Jeremy Springer, was a quarterback until this spring and hasn't played defense since seventh grade. That he is now starting in his first season on defense says something about both him in a positive way and the quality at linebacker in a negative way. But he has played well and should get better. His twin brother is the staring middle linebacker at Kansas. Royzell Smith started last year as a freshman and is the other starter. Linebacker and defensive line are the biggest questions on the team but they have been pretty solid this year.

Kansas running back Toben Opurum, front left, collides with UTEP defender Clarence Ward (1) during the third quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

UTEP coach Jim Clark was disappointed with the safety play last season. Has there been improvement in the first three games of this season? There is an experienced cornerback rotation this year. Have they lived up to the preseason expectations?

Massive, massive improvement, which will be my Friday story. That unit had two interceptions last week. Braxton Amy, one of UTEP's best players, missed last season to injury but is now back and as good as ever. Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith is the national co-leader in tackles. Clarence Ward (there are three safeties in the 3-3-5) had an interception last week. All the backups are new from last year and all are playing well. The cornerbacks are also much improved. Cornelius Brown and Melvin Stephenson are having good years. The secondary as a whole is vastly, vastly better than last year.

What are the overall strengths of the defensive unit? What are the overall weaknesses?

Strengths are the backs, particularly safety and an increased familiarity with their second-year system. It can be a confusing system for offenses because it's such an uncommon defense. The front six are undersized and there are no real NFL prospects on it. The defense is much better than when it ranked 115th nationally last year but still has a ways to go.

What are the key match ups for this game?

Obviously UTEP doesn't match up on paper on the two lines. For them to have any chance Aaron King will have to have a huge game against much more touted offensive tackles. I'm interested to see if Brown and/or Stephenson can cover Jordan Shipley. That should give a feel for just how improved they are.

What else should we know about the Miners?

UTEP hasn't give up a first-quarter touchdown this year and also shut out Texas in the first quarter last season. They have been terrible in second quarters this year. They rank 117th nationally in both penalties and penalty yardage per game, but on the plus side they are tied for 12th in turnover margin.

Kansas Football Press Conference 9.8.09

Denverjhawk — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:33:35 -0000

Week one is in the books and it's time to turn the page. Coach Mangino give his final thoughts on the positives of Northern Colorado as well as some areas for improvement. Coach also looks ahead to Saturday's opponent in UTEP.

From the player side we get to hear from regulars in Darrell Stuckey and Todd Reesing. One of the impressive performers from week one in Chris Harris. Freshman contributor Bradley McDougald and Justin Springer who returns to Texas and will see a familiar face in a UTEP uniform.

At the beginning of the presser the players of the week are released and Tom Mabry a freshman offensive tackle was awarded scout team player of the week honors which is certainly a positive sign in terms of the continued development of depth on the offensive line.

Players of the Northern Colorado Game (voted by KU coaching staff):

Offensive Player of the Game: Jake Sharp

Defensive Player of the Game: Chris Harris

Special Teams Player of the Game: Jacob Branstetter

Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week: Chea Peterman

Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week: Tom Mabry

Head Coach Mark Mangino

Opening statement on this week's game vs. UTEP:

"We are preparing now to play UTEP. UTEP just lost a very tough ball game to Buffalo. As we prepare for UTEP, we understand they have a lot of talented players. They are very well coached by Mike Price, who is very well respected in the coaching profession."

On the offense of UTEP:

"Their quarterback, Trevor Vittatoe, is very productive. He throws the ball well and is an all-around good athlete. They have a bunch of receivers who run very well and can catch the football. They have a young man named James Thomas, who they kind of use as an all-purpose player. You can see him lined up at quarterback, running back; he is very speedy and very talented. Donald Buckram rushed for a little better than 100 yards last week. They have a very good offensive line. I am very impressed with their offensive line. They are physical, athletic and very talented."

On the defense of UTEP:

"On the defensive side of the ball, they have several good athletes. Their defensive ends are quick guys, athletic and play very well. Their linebackers are pretty decent and one of them is Justin Springer's twin brother. They moved him from quarterback to linebacker and you can tell he is still learning, but he is just like Justin in that he plays hard, he makes plays and he is a good football player."

On UTEP's special teams:

"Their punter really booms the ball well, a guy by the name of Greg Hiett. He really gives them an added dimension on special teams."

On road game so early in the season:

"This is an early road game for us, so it is a good challenge. We will find out a lot about ourselves. I think we are well prepared to play on the road and our players are looking forward to it. Our players are looking forward to getting on the road, because as you know, if we want to have success in the conference, we have to be able to win on the road."

On the UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe:

"He has a little bit of a low delivery, but he gets the ball there. I can't say mechanically he reminds me of anyone in our league, but he sure can compete with quarterbacks in our league."

On UTEP vs. Buffalo game:

"Buffalo is a very sound, fundamental football team. They do not make many mistakes on either side of the ball. They pay attention to detail. That is two years in a row now Buffalo has beat UTEP; last year in Buffalo and then this year in El Paso. UTEP got off to a slow start and then things started to click for them in the second half. They had an opportunity to win the game, and then they made some mental mistakes, so for me, the game was sort of a toss-up."

On progression of KU defensive end Jake Laptad:

"He is a serious student of the game. He puts a lot into what he does. He is big in the weight room. He works hard on his fundamental drills on his on time, as well as what we do together. He is really getting better and he is a lot of fun to coach because he is in to and it is real important to him."

On correcting and improving on pass interference calls:

"We have to look at them from a technical standpoint on why they happen. Then we break it down and our coaches sit with the players and go over it. Then we work on it on the practice field - what fundamentally broke down to create those situations. They are not accidents, they don't just happen; there is a reason why. It is usually a lack of being sound fundamentally - doing what you are supposed to being doing in those situations against those routes."

On the rehabilitation of KU linebacker Justin Springer:

"Being injured is a lonely world. You are not practicing with your teammates and you want to be out there, but you are not. And as much as the coaches and players embrace you and want you to feel a part of it, because you are not participating, it is lonely. But he has had good rehab. He has come back slowly and he has had a few roadblocks, but he is coming around now and we are easing him in to it, but he will be full speed before you know it."

On UTEP's wide receiver Jeff Moturi:

"Moturi is a solid, dependable guy. He reminds me a lot of our Tertavian Ingram. David Beaty knows him because he coached him in high school for a while. But he is a quality player, a really good football player."

Junior Cornerback Chris Harris

On what he has to improve:

"(I need to work on) tackling better and reading my reads a little bit faster so that I can make better plays. I left a lot of plays out there that I should have made."

On the defensive performance against Northern Colorado:

"We still have a lot of improvement to make on tackling and fundamentals and just reading stuff better. The biggest improvements always come from game one to game two. We are hungry right now and we are just ready to improve."

On what makes it difficult to win on the road:

"We have been practicing at our home stadium for so long that we just get used to that environment. Going on the road, we are going to see the character and makeup of this team. It is a pretty hard step to go on the road, so we will see the makeup of this team."

Freshman Wide Receiver Bradley McDougald

On what the offense can do to improve:

"We all have our different areas. Each position has different areas they want to work on. For wide receivers it is probably holding onto our blocks and looking the ball all the way in. (Against Northern Colorado) we had a couple of drops and a couple of miscues when we were running different plays and blocking schemes that we can correct. That is probably going to be the main focal point this week."

On UTEP's game against Buffalo:

"Coaches have been telling us a lot that they are a great team and we can't use that game to hold against them. Buffalo just got them, so we have to still prepare like it is a whole new game on Saturday."

On facing a hostile environment:

"I haven't thought too much in depth about it. I know I have my team at my back and my coaches at my back. As long as I can distract the crowd as much as possible and just play football and worry about what is happening on the field, that will help me a lot."

Senior Quarterback Todd Reesing

On the game against Northern Colorado:

"I thought guys were ready mentally and I think we showed up focused and ready to play. I think we executed very well on offense and defense. I don't think we had a lot of mistakes out there, so I am very pleased with the first game."

On his initial impression of UTEP's secondary:

"They are athletic. They have guys that can make plays and they are talented. They have athletic guys all over their defense. It is definitely going to be a challenge for us. We have to get ready and prepared, especially knowing that they are probably going to score some points with the reputation their offense has. It will be a good challenge for us."

On taking the team's momentum on the road to UTEP:

"We definitely want to build upon what we did this last week. It was definitely a good start for us. But, obviously, going on the road, it is a whole new environment. We have guys that are young that are going to have to learn to play on the road and deal with the hostile environment. Any time you play on the road, it is tough - it doesn't matter if it is conference or non-conference. It is going to be a big game for them and it is a big game for us. We are going to have to have even more focus this week in practice and get ready and prepared the best we can. We want to start our first road game on the right foot."

On the Texas heat:

"I don't think it should be a problem. We have been working hard the last eight months conditioning. We worked out all summer in the heat and had two-a-days. I think the guys are in good enough shape and everyone is well-conditioned enough, any heat should not be a problem. We had a little heat this past Saturday, and everyone was all right. I don't see that being a problem for us at all."

Junior Linebacker Justin Springer

On the importance of getting a win on the road:

"It is very, very important, especially UTEP. It is going to be a crazy atmosphere over there with the Sun Bowl and it is going to be fun, but it is very important for our team and I think we are going to do that."

On cheering for his brother (Jeremy, a starting linebacker at UTEP) and UTEP:

"Big time. Last week I was watching that game and I was really disappointed they lost. But of course this game I'm not."

On talking to his brother after the first weekend:

"I just told him a couple of things he needed to work on like staying lower and wrapping up. Sometimes he didn't wrap up and he missed like three tackles and should have had 13 tackles, but he missed three."

On knowing UTEP better than anybody on the team:

"I know a lot of their players. I know their quarterback personally, I know their linemen. I know everybody on that team. They are going to be a lot better than they played against Buffalo. I promise that. They are really good offensively. They have very fast receivers, a very good quarterback and they are confident, real confident that they can beat us and we have got to play hard."

Senior Safety Darrell Stuckey

On Chris Harris:

"He is getting more comfortable. Whether it is playing nickel, corner or safety or whatever position we need him at. He is pretty athletic and he has got a lot of confidence and we help him a lot and support him. He is just a player who will go out there and do whatever it takes to help his team and I think that is what motivates him the most."

On seeing improvement from game one to game two:

"There is always so much more improvement from game one to game two because the fact it is game one you get all those different doubts out about playing at the level, especially when you have got a lot of young players. Whether it is offense or defense, they get a lot of those nerves out."

On UTEP's offense:

"They are pretty talented. They have a pretty balanced offense in passing and running the ball too. It is one of those things where we are going to have to read our keys and stick to the fundamentals and read our assignments and carry them out."

Opponent Profile: UTEP

Peter Bean — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:52:34 -0000

Irony: When everything in your life is going well you have no free time; conversely, when you're in a horrible rut you've got all the time in the world. Which is why we all look forward to that one time in life when the curse is broken... retirement.

Better late than never: A few words on UTEP.

2007 Season Cap

2007 Record: 4-8 (2-6 - Conference USA)
2007 Home Record: 3-3
2007 vs Winning: 2-5
2007 vs. Ranked: 0-1
2007 Bowl: N/A
Last year vs TX: N/A
All-Time vs. TX: 0-2

2007 Key Stats

OFFENSE
Yards/Play, Offense: 5.9 (#23, nationally)
Scoring Offense/Game: 33.6 (26)
Rush Yards/Att: 4.26 (45)
Pass Yards/Att: 7.5 (27)
3rd Downs Conv-Att: 70-174-40.2% (53)
Red Zone Scores-Chances: 38/44 (31 TD / 7 FG)
Turnovers lost: 20 (22)

DEFENSE
Yards/Play Defense: 6.2 (105)
Scoring Defense/Game 37.1 (113)
Rush Yards/Att: 4.84 (99)
Pass Yards/Att: 7.7 (97)
3rd Downs Conv-Att: 91-186-48.9% (114)
Red Zone Scores-Chances: 55-66 (42 TD / 13 FG)
Turnovers gained: 29 (20)
Turnover margin: +18 (3)

SPECIAL TEAMS
Yards/Punt Return, FAU: 13.6 (14)
Yards/Punt Return, Opponent: 7.9 (47)
Yards/Kickoff Return, FAU: 20.4 (82)
Yards/Kickoff Return, Opponent: 21.9 (73)
FG Att-Made: 17-20

Personnel

Returning Starters: 12 (5 offense, 7 defense)
Best Player, Offense: Trevor Vittatoe, QB (224-407-55%, 3101 yards, 25-7 TD-INT as rFR)
Best Wide Receiver: Jeff Moturi (65 rec, 891 yards, 13.7 avg, 13 TD)
Best Running Back: Terrell Jackson (Injured in last year's opener; PrepStar All-American in HS went to Oregon before transfer)
Best Player, Defense: Adam Vincent, LB (75 tackles in '07)
Best D-Lineman: Andre Jones?
Best Linebacker: Vincent
Best DB: Cornelius Brown (46 tackles, 4 INT, 9 PBU)
Sleeper: Vernon Frazier, RB (Those who watch UTEP closely sense a breakout if opportunity is given)

2008 To Date

8/28 L 17-42 at Buffao
Box Score
Recap

PB Commentary & Prediction

Heading into this season, quarterback Trevor Vittatoe's memorable redshirt freshman season was enough to regard UTEP's offense as 'respectable,' though the situation looked bleak again on defense. Now, after the Miners' humiliating season-opening loss to Buffalo in which the offense scored just 17 points and Vittatoe threw 3 interceptions, what little hope existed UTEP might hang with the Longhorns in some kind of wild, West Texas night game shootout seems especially fantastical.

To be fair, the Bulls have played increasingly better football under rising star Turner Gill, but the Miners were so thoroughly dominated on the stat sheet there's simply no imaginable scenario in which they can compete with Texas even for a half. Consider:

Buffalo finished with 263 yards rushing on 5.3 yards per attempt
Bulls quarterback Drew Willy completed 10 of his 16 passes for 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, picking up 13.8 yards per attempt, double last season's average of 6.8.
UTEP tailback Terrell Jackson was limited to 67 yards rushing on 18 carries (3.7 ypc), which looks good next to the 13 yards on 6 carries by other UTEP rushers. And that doesn't count Vittatoe's 13 yards lost on 2 sacks.

On and on we could go, but there's no point: If this is UTEP's Super Bowl, Saturday night is going to resemble Pasadena '93.

PB'S PREDICTION: TEXAS 51 UTEP 6

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