The UTEP Miners and FIU Panthers meet Wednesday in week 7 college football action at Riccardo Silva Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

UTEP Miners Betting Preview 

The UTEP Miners look to snap a rough 4-game losing streak. UTEP has lost each of its last 6 road games. Gavin Hardison is completing 56.6 percent of his passes for 947 yards, 5 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Kelly Akharaiyi and Jeremiah Ballard have combined for 536 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Tyrin Smith has 19 receptions. The UTEP Miners ground game is averaging 158.5 yards per contest, and Deion Hankins leads the way with 380 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, UTEP is allowing 28.2 points and 385.2 yards per game. Tyrice Knight leads the UTEP Miners with 76 tackles, Maurice Westmoreland has 2 sacks and Trez Moore has 1 interception.

UTEP Miners Team Facts

• UTEP has lost each of its last nine matches as an away underdog when playing with a rest advantage.
• UTEP has covered the spread in seven of its last eight October road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• UTEP has lost the first half in three of its last four road games against conference opponents.
• Five of UTEP’s last six road games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

FIU Panthers Betting Preview 

The FIU Panthers need a win here to get above a .500 record. FIU has lost 5 of its last 8 home games. Keyone Jenkins is completing 59.2 percent of his passes for 1,258 yards, 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Kris Mitchell and Dean Patterson have combined for 805 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Jalen Bracey has 13 receptions. The FIU Panthers ground game is averaging 107.5 yards per contest, and Shomari Lawrence leads the way with 323 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, FIU is allowing 27 points and 446.3 yards per game. Donovan Manuel leads the FIU Panthers with 63 tackles, Alex Nobles has 3.5 sacks and CJ Christian has 3 interceptions.

Florida International Panthers Team Facts

• Florida International has lost each of its last seven games against conference opponents.
• Florida International has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• Florida International has lost the first half in 10 of its last 11 home games against conference opponents.
• Six of Florida International’s last eight October games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Randy’s Pick

I’m not running to the window to back either of these slumping teams, but I’d have to lean toward FIU if forced to pick. FIU is at home, where it’s had its best success this season, and UTEP hasn’t won on the road since October 1 of last year. The UTEP Miners are also 130th in scoring offense and 119th in rush defense, two things unlikely to change on the road. This is a must win game if FIU is going to make a push toward a bowl appearance. We’re not being asked to lay anything crazy. Give me FIU and the small chalk.