Six running backs teamed to gain 140 yards on the ground in UTEP's second full scrimmage of the spring on Friday in the Sun Bowl.

Junior Johan Givens ran for 34 yards on 11 carries and sophomore transfer Omololu Ogunlana added 30 yards on seven attempts to lead the Miner rushing attack.

Redshirt freshman Tony Gonzalez rushed four times for 25 yards and sophomore Jon Lane had seven carries for 21 yards. Junior Marcus Thomas chipped in with 17 yards on eight attempts, and sophomore Brandon Jackson added five rushes for 13 yards.

The Miners threw only 33 passes in the 100-plus play scrimmage, as improved blocking appeared to be a point of emphasis.

"We've had two really good, solid scrimmages," UTEP coach Mike Price said. "We'll have a game-like scrimmage on Thursday night. I feel a lot better about this team today than I did two weeks ago."

UTEP's annual orange and blue game is slated for Thursday (April 13) at 7 p.m. in the Sun Bowl. Admission is free as the Miners will wrap up 2006 spring drills.

The Miners will also practice on Monday and Tuesday afternoon.

Senior Jordan Palmer completed seven of 14 passes for 46 yards, connecting with senior Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jr. for a six-yard touchdown -- one of three scored by the UTEP offense on the day. Lane also reached the end zone on a one-yard run, and redshirt freshman Dustin Bell scored on a 10-yard pass from freshman Oswald Carlton.

Senior Reagan Schneider nailed three field goals, two from 37 yards and another from 53 yards. Senior Ryan Hotchkiss had a pair of 50-plus yard punts.

Bell was the leading receiver with five catches for 67 yards, and also had a long punt return.

Junior quarterback Lorne Sam completed four of seven pass attempts for 66 yards.

Defensive standouts for the Miners included senior end Joe Ward, who registered six tackles and three sacks. Senior linebacker Jeremy Jones had seven stops, while senior end Reggie Miles and sophomore corner Fred Patton contributed five tackles each. Redshirt freshman tackle Chris Moore also wreaked havoc, posting four takedowns and a sack.