UTEP is a legitimate threat to La. Tech for the last spot in C-USA. The school is definitely one that is on the way up with the football hiring and basketball.
Sure, Mike Price has baggage but recruits follow big names and one has already left UCLA for UTEP. Who has the bigger name Price or Bicknell.........no contest. Facilities will be factor as UTEP's facilities make Tech's look like a high class High school. UTEP also sold out a basketball game against La.Tech a school with a losing record. If you can sell that game out then you can sell out any game. Sold out games aid in netting t.v. deals. I can't remember the last football or basketball sell out at Tech. I did go to a baseball game in 99 against LSU that was sold out.
Don't sell UTEP short especially if they want to go.