Who’s Playing
New Mexico @ UTEP
Current Records: New Mexico 2-1; UTEP 2-1
What to Know
The UTEP Miners have had a week off and are no doubt ready to get back on the field. They will look to defend their home turf on Saturday against the New Mexico Lobos at 9 p.m. ET. Both of these teams will be looking for a pick-me-up after considerable defeats in their previous games.
It’s never fun to lose, and it’s even less fun to lose 54-13, which was the final score in UTEP’s tilt against the Boise State Broncos two weeks ago. UTEP was in a tough position by the half, with the score already sitting at 41-13. One thing working slightly against the Miners was the run-of-the-mill game of their most targeted running back, RB Ronald Awatt, who rushed for 44 yards on 15 carries.
Meanwhile, the day started off rough for New Mexico last week, and it ended that way, too. They suffered a grim 34 to nothing defeat to the Texas A&M Aggies. The last quarter was a mere formality since it was already 34 to nothing by the third quarter.
The losses bumped both teams down to an identical 2-1. Two numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: The Miners are stumbling into the matchup with the 168th most rushing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up five on the season. The Lobos have experienced some struggles of their own as they are 203rd worst in the nation in rushing touchdowns, with only one on the season. We’ll see if UTEP’s defense can keep New Mexico’s running backs out of the end zone.
How To Watch
- When: Saturday at 9 p.m. ET
- Where: Sun Bowl — El Paso, Texas
- TV: ESPN Plus
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds
The Miners are a slight 1.5-point favorite against the Lobos, according to the latest college football odds.
Over/Under: -112
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Series History
This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last six years.
