Skyler Locklear led the UTEP Miners to a 35-17 victory over the Sam Houston Bearkats on Wednesday night, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another pair. Locklear completed 21 of 26 passes for 236 yards, though he did have one interception. He also contributed on the ground with 13 carries for 48 yards.
In a pivotal moment early in the fourth quarter, Elijah Baldwin blocked a 23-yard field goal attempt, preserving UTEP’s slim 21-17 advantage. Locklear then orchestrated an impressive eight-play, 91-yard drive that culminated in a short pass to Kenny Odom. Odom broke through multiple tackles to secure a 20-yard touchdown, extending the Miners’ lead to 28-17 with just over seven minutes to play.
Following a turnover on downs by Sam Houston, Ashten Emory added the final touches to the scoreline with a strong 34-yard touchdown run, pushing UTEP ahead 35-17 with 5:54 remaining. Emory finished the game with 96 rushing yards and a touchdown. For UTEP (2-5, 1-2 Conference USA), Wondame Davis Jr. caught three passes for 79 yards, while Odom added 67 yards and a touchdown reception.
Sam Houston, which fell to 0-7 for the second time in three seasons, had three quarterbacks combine for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Hunter Watson led the Bearkats with 161 passing yards and one touchdown, while Landan Brown contributed 110 rushing yards to the effort.
