EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Only 42 miles separate the University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University, two programs that have collided 101 times over the last century. <\/p>\n
With UTEP preparing for its move to the Mountain West, the future of this rivalry is uncertain. But that uncertainty only pours more gasoline on a matchup already built on bad blood.<\/p>\n
“I am not a fan of the Aggies,” UTEP linebacker Jayden Wilson said. <\/p>\n
“This is not a rivalry where you put a label on it,” UTEP backup quarterback Cade McConnell said. “This is a true rivalry between two schools very close in proximity to each other that this city cares a lot about and that I care a lot about.”<\/p>\n
Last season, the Miners took down the Aggies 42-35 in Las Cruces.<\/p>\n
“It’s personal, especially how we lost last year,” NMSU defensive back Naeten Mitchell said. “Nobody is happy about that. I’ve been here for three years, so I know how personal it gets for the fans as well. They get into it as much as we do.”<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Two buzzer-beaters save UTEP basketball against D3 St. Thomas <\/a><\/p>\n UTEP and NMSU gear up for the 102nd Battle of I-10<\/p>\n The two teams’ seasons almost mirror each other. At 3-7 and 2-8, both have suffered painful, down-to-the-wire losses. However, Saturday offers a chance to not only grab bragging rights \u2014 but to end a tough year on a high note.<\/p>\n “We have to play with a whole lot of pride and grit,” NMSU Tony Sanchez said. “If we can do that, we have an opportunity to go into the offseason with some momentum and send the seniors out the right way.” <\/p>\n Turnovers have been the Achilles heel for both sides this season. As the Miners are set to face an Aggie defense that ranks sixth in the country in forced turnovers (22 total), UTEP head coach Scotty Walden said the turnover battle could decide this game.<\/p>\n “They are really good at taking the ball away,” Walden said. “It’s even more important in this game that we have great eyes at quarterback and great protection up front.” <\/p>\n Since taking over at quarterback, Skyler Locklear’s legs have ignited the Miner offense. He has run for seven touchdowns in his five starts. Slowing down Locklear and his scrambling will be priority number one for the Aggie defense.<\/p>\n “We are feeling confident,” Mitchell said. “We know they have a fast quarterback and we have to eliminate him. We know they have a lot of different things they can do and we are prepared for anything. We just have to go in there with our head on straight.” <\/p>\n Kickoff on Saturday of the 102nd Battle of I-10 is set for 1 p.m. at the Sun Bowl.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Social media post falsely claims cartel funding for UTEP athletics<\/a><\/p>\n