This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Albuquerque • The UTEP-Utah State matchup is unique in that it is the only bowl game that features two head coaches who are coaching at their alma mater.

Both UTEP coach Sean Kugler (1989) and USU's Matt Wells (1996) also participated in bowl games during their playing careers. Kugler was on the offensive line at the 1988 Independence Bowl and Wells was a redshirt freshman at the 1993 Las Vegas Bowl.

Kugler said a chance to coach his alma mater was something he couldn't pass up. He coached the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line from 2010-12 before he was hired by UTEP.

"El Paso has always been special to me," he said. "The opportunity to turn this program around was a big draw for me and to lead my alma mater means a lot."

Wells echoed Kugler's thoughts.

"It's special," he said. "But all these things here at the bowl game can be distractions. This game is about the players and trying to get them 10 wins."

Rumbling down the field

Wells conjured up an old Tom Cruise movie when describing UTEP returner Autrey Golden, who has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns this season and has six in his career.

"It's kind of like 'Days of Thunder,' Wells said. "When the car's coming through and it's all smoky and you can't see what's on the other side. You're rushing what's in your ears and your headset, that's what he does. He has courage and he hits that sucker. You spit him out, and he has some juice to make you pay on the other side, who we have to do a good job of bottling him up."

Honor time

USU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kevin McGiven has been named the Quarterbacks Coach of the Year by Footballscoop.com.

Past winners Josh Heupel, Tom Rossley, Philip Montgomery, Mark Helfrich and Randy Sanders voted on the honor.

McGiven was recognized for his efforts in helping the Aggies to win despite losing three quarterbacks to injury.

McGiven is completing his second year with the Aggies after serving as the offensive coordinator at Montana State.

Sound bites

Utah State offensive lineman Kevin Whimpey had the best comment at the bowl press conference when he was asked what his individual goals are for Saturday. Whimpey quipped that he 'wanted to score a touchdown.'

Bowl fun

The Aggies have stayed busy participating in bowl activities when they aren't preparing for Saturday's game. On Thursday several players and coaches visited the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital and Thursday night's activities included a bowl version of Family Feud.

The Aggie offense beat the UTEP coaching staff to clinch the win for USU.

"We've had a lot of fun here," said USU linebacker Zach Vigil. "Coach said it best, we try to keep our minds locked down when we are getting ready for the game, and enjoy ourselves during the other times."