UTEP revived a late-season tradition of carrying seniors off the field at the end of practice, and Tuesday that was linebacker Nick Usher and offensive tackle John De La Rosa.
After the tough loss to Florida Atlantic, coach Sean Kugler appreciated his team's attitude as it began preparations for Rice.
"That was a very discouraging game, it takes a lot out of you, but the kids came out and worked hard," he said. "It was a good practice."
Dashone Smith, who missed most of the FAU game with a leg injury, and Gino Bresolin, who has an injured back, were held out of practice but both are on track to play against Rice.