UTEP hasn't been short on offensive production in recent years, but for the most part, the defense has been abysmal and has played a huge role in the Miners' 3-9 record in November games over the past three seasons.

"Spring ball is a lot tougher than last year," senior center Robby Felix said. "Going 4-8, you've got to make changes and this is a change. We're way more mentally tough than we were last year. Last year, late in games we'd give up. That's why we lost eight games."

The biggest change came when UTEP coach Mike Price finally pulled the plug on three of his four defensive coaches after a 4-8 season that closed with six straight losses.

Price hired New Mexico defensive coordinator Osia Lewis to run a 3-3-5 defense that returns eight starters. ...More