Fast start, same finish: UTEP offense sinks again at North Dakota State

UTEP football team fell 31-7 to North Dakota State on October 31, 2026, extending its winless streak to 1-7 after a sluggish offensive performance. The Miners built a 7-0 lead early in the game with a 57-yard touchdown run by quarterback Raymond Moore, who then did not return to the field for the first half. Despite the initial spark, UTEP’s offense managed only 52 yards in the next two and a half quarters, finishing with 238 total yards. The team recorded four sacks and allowed 40 sacks in eight games, struggling to protect its quarterbacks and develop passing routes.

The Miners’ defense held North Dakota State to a 10-7 halftime lead but ultimately could not overcome the offensive shortcomings. UTEP’s offense contributed to the Bison’s scoring, including a defensive touchdown on a scoop and score with 1:06 remaining. Quarterback EJ Colson completed 11 of 16 passes for 59 yards but threw two interceptions and left the game after sustaining an injury following the second pick. Raymond Moore returned briefly in the second half but did not significantly impact the offense. UTEP ran 51 plays compared to North Dakota State’s 69, with the Miners’ final possession occurring after Colson’s injury.

Early Momentum Fades

UTEP’s opening drive featured a trick play where Moore, after motioning away from center, took a shotgun snap and sprinted 57 yards for a touchdown. The Miners’ defense initially held strong, forcing an interception, but the offensive momentum stalled. Moore did not return to the field for the first half, and the offense failed to sustain any meaningful progress. By halftime, North Dakota State had taken a 10-7 lead, and UTEP’s struggles continued into the second half.

Next Game Set

UTEP will face Hawaii in a nationally televised game on Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. CT on FS1. The Miners’ upcoming matchup comes after their 31-7 loss to North Dakota State, which highlighted persistent offensive challenges. The team’s next opportunity will be in the Sun Bowl against Hawaii.