I had an opportunity to get with Alex Nicolas, senior editor of SB Nation’s Miner Rush. The UTEP football program has been dealing with the aftermath of a tough loss to Army last weekend and Alex was quite frank with his comments and opinions of the Miners’ chances against Southern Mississippi on Saturday.
Q1) One of UTEP's best defensive weapons seems to be freshman (rs) Gene Hopkins coming off the edge. Southern Miss has two new tackles who have played well but probably not seen anyone like Hopkins yet. What is Hopkins' health status and availability on Saturday after his ankle was injured against Army?