Inept UTEP steps up

First, let’s give a big hand to the University of Texas at El Can’t Defend against the Paso.

UTEP, a 77-35 loser to Tulsa, rejoined the Bottom Ten at No. 17 after an unexplained absence of several weeks.

(It may seem strange to read that the Bottom Ten is composed of 20 teams but, don’t forget, the Big Ten has 11 teams – or 10 if you don’t think Michigan qualifies as a team.)

Meanwhile, dozens of fans were looking forward to the Nov. 22 match between Nos. 1 Washington and Washington State for the Worm in the Apple Cup.

Debuting at No. 20 was USC after its disappointing performance against lowly Washington State.

Incredibly, the Trojans lost 30:16 to 29:44 in what broadcasters call the “all-important” time-of-possession category.

11. The SMUs (1-7); 12. North Carolina State (2-5); 13. Mississippi State (2-5); 14. Memphis (3-5); 15. Iowa State (2-5); 16. Clemson* (3-4); 17. UTEP (3-4); 18. Texas A&M (2-5); 19. Error 404 Not Found; 20. USC (5-1).

*Was ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press preseason poll.

Crummy game of the week: Memphis (3-5) versus Southern Ole Miss (2-5).

Rout of the week: Fresno State (4-2) over Utah State (1-6).