Conference: C-USA
Coach Stats
Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
The UTEP defense was ranked as high as sixth nationally in total defense. It’s currently ranked outside the top 20 after ranking 46th last season and 95th in 2019. The Miners have tallied 21 sacks, the most since 2018 (20 total sacks). At Southern Miss, UTEP was credited with 14 tackles for loss, the most since 2004 (15 TFL). Against LA Tech, the Miners intercepted three passes – all in the fourth quarter – to help seal the victory, while it was the most in a single game since 2012. The Miners have also allowed less than 300 yards in six games this season, the most since 1966. UTEP tallied safeties in back-to-back games (at Southern Miss, vs. LA Tech) for the first time in school history. Peveto’s presence has been felt as the Miners have been flying the around the field, making plays.
Coach's Past Performance
Coach Peveto has accumulated more than 30 years of coaching experience after spending the previous seven seasons as an assistant in the Southeastern Conference, with stops at Texas A&M, Ole Miss, LSU and Kentucky. Most recently, Peveto served as the linebackers coach at Texas A&M from 2018-19. Overall, Peveto has 13 years of experience as an assistant coach in the SEC. While at LSU, Peveto helped lead a defense that was sixth nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 16.4 points per game. His LBs also contributed to LSU ranking 14th in total defense (323.0 ypg).
Team Record and Standings
UTEP is 6-3, its most wins since 2014 (7-6), and are currently in third place in the C-USA West Division. UTEP is bowl eligible for the first time since 2014 and only the sixth time since 2000.
Team/Unit Stats
UTEP ranks 21st nationally in total defense and first in Conference USA. The Miners rank second in C-USA in rush yards allowed (1,055) and second in pass yards allowed (1,866). UTEP ranks tied sixth in total sacks (21). The Miners rank first in C-USA and 10th nationally in third-down defense (30.9 percent). UTEP ranks second in C-USA and 24th nationally in first downs defense (160).
Individual Player Stats
LB Breon Hayward leads the defense with 70 tackles, while ranking tied seventh in Conference USA. He’s added 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three hurries, three breakups and a scoop-and-score. DE Praise Amaewhule leads UTEP with seven pass breakups and ranks tied fourth in C-USA. His 12.5 tackles for loss rank third, and his 5.5 sacks rank fifth in C-USA. DE Jadrian Taylor lead UTEP with 6.5 sacks and ranks second in C-USA.
