LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) Jordan Palmer threw for three touchdowns and ran for another - all by halftime - as Texas-El Paso beat rival New Mexico State 34-17 on Saturday night in the opener for both schools.
Palmer completed 15 of 26 passes for 187 yards, then rested in the fourth quarter with several other UTEP starters.
The Miners spoiled the debut of New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme and his "Air Raid" offense, which produced 330 total yards but struggled until the fourth quarter in front of a sellout crowd of 30,434 fans.
UTEP led 7-0 after five minutes, when Palmer threw to Chris Francies for a 19-yard TD play. Palmer struck again with 6:26 remaining in the first period, finding Jamar Hunt for a 6-yard TD pass.
It was 21-0 in the opening minute of the second quarter after Palmer's 1-yard TD run. His third TD pass went to Tyler Ebell for a 28-0 lead with 13:51 before halftime. Ebell ran for 63 yards and caught three passes for 46 yards for UTEP after transferring from UCLA.
Reagan Schneider's 42-yard field goal completed UTEP's first-half scoring.
UTEP's defense force three interceptions and logged eight sacks, with linebacker Thomas Howard getting an interception, a sack and recovering a fumble.
NMSU didn't reach the end zone until 5:19 remained, when Royal Gill threw a 36-yard TD pass to wide-open Derek Dubois to pull the Aggies to 31-10. Gill added another TD pass in the final minute, to Paul Dombrowski.
