Steele scores 3 touchdowns, Memphis runs over UTEP 35-20

Steele carries Memphis past UTEP 35-20

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Curtis Steele ran for two touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass, and Memphis beat Texas-El Paso 35-20 on Saturday night.

Steele had 240 yards on 39 carries, and scored on runs of 20 and 9 yards in the fourth quarter to help the Tigers (2-4, 1-2 Conference USA) pull away. Steele also caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Will Hudgens in the first half.

Hudgens went 19-for-33 for 216 yards and three first-half touchdowns. He passed 22 yards to Marcus Rucker and 6 yards to Duke Calhoun for scores.

For UTEP (2-4, 1-1), Trevor Vittatoe went 21-for-40 for 319 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted two times. Vittatoe pulled UTEP to within 21-13 with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Moturi with less than two minutes to go in the first half. He also hit Kris Adams on a 21-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.