College Football: Barnes leads UTEP defense

BOISE, Idaho - Texas-El Paso junior defensive back Dennis Barnes recorded seven tackles and a forced fumble Friday in the Miners' 54-13 loss to Boise State.

Barnes (Jefferson City High School) has been busy in the UTEP secondary during the team's first three games this season.

In the Miners' 38-28 win Sept. 4 against Bethune-Cookman, Barnes was second on the team with five tackles and also snagged an interception, returning it 27 yards to set up a UTEP fourth-quarter touchdown.

In UTEP's season opener, a 30-3 win Aug. 28 at New Mexico State, Barnes had a pair of tackles.

Through three games, Barnes is tied for third on the Miners with 14 tackles, which includes 10 solo stops. He has also been a factor in the team's kickoff return, as he has returned three kicks for a total of 50 yards.

UTEP (2-1) is off this upcoming weekend and will host New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 25.