Through 1 Quarter
The UTEP Miners were expected to take an ‘L’ in this one, but so far it isn’t playing out to script. They are in control with a 14 to nothing lead over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. UTEP has been riding high on the performance of RB Deion Hankins, who has punched in two rushing touchdowns.
Hankins has led the way so far for the Miners, as he has punched in two rushing touchdowns. Hankins’ performance is making up for a slower game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles last week.
With three sacks, the UTEP defense has been a true menace for Louisiana Tech’s offensive line. We’ll see how many sacks UTEP can scare up the rest of the game.
Who’s Playing
Louisiana Tech @ UTEP
Current Records: Louisiana Tech 2-3; UTEP 5-1
What to Know
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are 6-0 against the UTEP Miners since November of 2015, and they’ll have a chance to extend that success on Saturday. Louisiana Tech’s week off comes to an end as they meet up with UTEP at 9 p.m. ET at Sun Bowl. The Miners should still be riding high after a win, while the Bulldogs will be looking to regain their footing.
Louisiana Tech came within a touchdown against the NC State Wolfpack two weeks ago, but they wound up with a 34-27 loss. Louisiana Tech’s loss came about despite a quality game from QB Austin Kendall, who passed for three TDs and 341 yards on 43 attempts in addition to picking up 71 yards on the ground.
Meanwhile, UTEP beat the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 26-13 last week. UTEP’s RB Ronald Awatt did his thing and rushed for one TD and 154 yards on 17 carries.
The Miners’ defense was a presence as well, as it got past Southern Miss’ offensive line to sack the quarterback five times for a total loss of 34 yards. Leading the way was DE Jadrian Taylor and his two sacks. Those were the first sacks for Taylor this year.
The Bulldogs are the favorite in this one, with an expected 6.5-point margin of victory. Those who got lucky with them against the spread two weeks ago might want to hold off on placing bets this time since the squad has yet to string together back-to-back wins against the spread.
Louisiana Tech is now 2-3 while UTEP sits at 5-1. Two stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Louisiana Tech is stumbling into the contest with the 186th most thrown interceptions in the nation, having thrown five on the season. The Miners have experienced some struggles of their own as they are 221st worst in the nation in thrown interceptions, having thrown seven on the season. It’s possible one of these Achilles’ heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
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
- Ticket Cost: $40.00
Odds
The Bulldogs are a solid 6.5-point favorite against the Miners, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Bulldogs as a 7.5-point favorite.
Over/Under: -113
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Series History
Louisiana Tech have won all of the games they’ve played against UTEP in the last seven years.
- Oct 10, 2020 – Louisiana Tech 21 vs. UTEP 17
- Oct 26, 2019 – Louisiana Tech 42 vs. UTEP 21
- Oct 20, 2018 – Louisiana Tech 31 vs. UTEP 24
- Nov 18, 2017 – Louisiana Tech 42 vs. UTEP 21
- Oct 01, 2016 – Louisiana Tech 28 vs. UTEP 7
- Nov 21, 2015 – Louisiana Tech 17 vs. UTEP 15
