EL PASO, Texas (AP) - When Mike Price arrived in this dusty corner of West Texas three years ago, UTEP fans were enamored.
They imagined the possibilities of a big-time coach reviving a long-dormant program. And Price delivered with back-to-back eight-win seasons and the first consecutive bowl games for the school in 50 years.
But the Miners finally hit a bump on the road to respectability, finishing last season with three dismal showings that culminated in a blowout loss to Toledo in the GMAC Bowl.
UTEP blew two chances to clinch a berth in the Conference USA championship game - against UAB and SMU, to boot. Price called the meltdown ``embarrassing.''
Starting quarterback Jordan Palmer's lackluster showing, including a season-high four interceptions against SMU, was a key factor.
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