In the ultimate "grading on a curve" game, UTEP football coach Dana Dimel wanted to see progress from his football team Saturday in Knoxville, Tenn., and a defense that played with pride and passion gave him plenty of it despite a 24-0 loss to the Volunteers.
But there is not a curve large enough for the Miner offense to hide behind.
In the program's 15th consecutive loss, the offense didn't score and didn't come particularly close.
Playing without tackle Jerrod Brooks, the third projected starter on the offensive line to miss this game, the Miners moved to Tennessee's 46 on their first drive.