Topic: Gazette: Marshall opponents: Texas El Paso

[ZackUSAF82]

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the 22nd in a series of previews on West Virginia and Marshall football opponents.

# Date with Marshall: Nov. 28, 3 p.m. EST

# Site: Sun Bowl Stadium (51,500, AstroPlay), El Paso, Texas

# Coach: Mike Price (sixth year, 30-30 at UTEP; 28th year, 159-152 overall)

Checking them out

When these teams first got together in 2005, Mike Price appeared to have his Miners on the verge of seizing the first title in the reorganized Conference USA. But the Miners inexplicably collapsed in the final two weeks that year and have gone 5-7, 4-8 and 5-7 since. But with Trevor Vittatoe at quarterback, this program is poised for a rebound in the Arenaball-style West Division.

Vittatoe shook off a tough start last year to throw for 3,274 yards and a school-record 33 TDs with only nine interceptions. The receiving corps should be at its best since the days of Johnnie Lee Higgins, with Kris Adams (50-958, 14 TDs), Jeff Moturi (51-655, 9 TDs) and Tufick Shadrawy leading the way. Sophomores Vernon Frazier and Daniel Palmer lead a committee of running backs behind a line with four starters back.

Link: http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908050961