Monday Lunch With Kugler

Sean Kugler kept it short, but broke some pleasing news in his weekly addressing of the media.

Once again I bring you some highlights that stood out to me....

***Kugler took responsibility for not having the team prepared for LA Tech.

***Noted that the five turnovers led to 42 points, and those five turnovers would have not beat the East Side Little Miners. lol

***Also noted the sacks and negative plays the offense let up, and the 5 out of 17 mark on third downs as things UTEP can not afford to have on offense.

***Was pleased with the defense on limiting Kenneth Dixon to under his per carry average, but noted way too many explosive runs were let up by assignment errors.

***Noted no sacks and only  three quarterback hits were negatives he also brings up from the defense.

***Called D'Carlos Renfro's interception an "outstanding play".

***Defense lost their eyes and assignments on the screens, and the QB zone read.

***Missed tackles on punt returns were noted as negatives from the special teams unit.

***Poor communication from the returners on kickoff return between Damian Payne and Autrey Golden are things that UTEP must clean up.

***"Not a phase on that field where we did well"

***Kugler was extremely surprised of the result after what he thought was a solid, energy filled week of practice.

***Said the team has to get better in facing adversity, team isn't doing a good job of responding when they are down.

***Team has to put the LA Tech game behind but learn from it, Kugler will implement some changes in the way they practice.

***Kugler also notes some schematic changes and personnel changes, didn't flat out admit but basically said UTEP can't be repetitive on offense.

***Schematic changes involve getting play makers in better position to make plays in the passing game.

***Visibly upset at himself for lack of preparation he noted and took responsibility for to start off his comments, and is not down on the team.

***Talked very high of ODU's quarterback Taylor Heinicke, said they use four receiver sets with two physical receivers, and two smaller, speedy receivers

***ODU has allowed 17 sacks this season, and are the least penalized team in the conference.

***Kugler said ODU also has a very productive linebacking crew.

***ODU also has forced 11 turnovers, 34 tackles for loss along with 11 sacks on defense.

***Notes the Miners have to protect Jameill Showers better this week for any success against ODU when they pass.

***Kugler said ODU also has some productive and capable kick returners.

***Said this part of the season is a lesson of bouncing back, and how the team responds to this is how they will be judged.

***Passing game has to be improved from all aspects from blocking, to route running, and making the right read from Showers.

***All turnovers in the passing game not all on the quarterback.

***Expect slight personnel changes in the passing game which should be figured out by the week of practice.

***Secondary has gave up too many chunk plays, and its on the whole group not just one particular player. '

***D'Carlos Renfro and Ishmael Harrison will be out with injuries.

***Personnel changes Kuger talks about will probably be finalized later in the week, guys will have to perform in practice this week.

***UTEP will bring out a throwback logo on their helmets this week.

***Told Aaron Jones he has to take care of the ball better after his fumble on the screen play, and used every negative play to use as a teaching tool.

***Kugler said this week will bring out the characters of his senior leadership, and expects guys to respond.