Sam Houston State Bearkats (4-1) vs. UTEP Miners (0-4)
October 3, 2024 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: UTEP Miners +10.5 / Sam Houston State Bearkats -10.5; Over/Under: +50.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Sam Houston Bearkats and UTEP Miners meet Thursday in week 6 college football action at the Sun Bowl. Here’s a UTEP vs Sam Houston State Prediction. This article will include a UTEP vs Sam Houston State Pick.
Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Preview
The Sam Houston Bearkats recently beat New Mexico State and Texas State, and they play Western Kentucky next. The Sam Houston Bearkats have lost 6 of their last 8 road games. Hunter Watson is completing 57.3 percent of his passes for 635 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Qua’Vez Humphreys and Ife Adeyi have combined for 389 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Simeon Evans has 10 receptions.
The Sam Houston Bearkats ground game is averaging 216 yards per contest, and Watson leads the way with 337 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Sam Houston is allowing 24.4 points and 341 yards per game. Caleb Waver leads the Sam Houston Bearkats with 35 tackles, Chris Murray has 2 sacks and Jaidan Scott has 1 interception.
UTEP Miners Betting Preview
The UTEP Miners recently lost to Liberty and Colorado State, and they play Western Kentucky next. The UTEP Miners have lost 7 straight games overall. Skyler Locklear is completing 73.5 percent of his passes for 710 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Kenny Odom and Kam Thomas have combined for 573 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Jaden Smith has 21 receptions.
The UTEP Miners ground game is averaging 79.8 yards per contest, and Jevon Jackson leads the way with 214 yards on 55 carries. Defensively, UTEP is allowing 30.5 points and 413.3 yards per game. Dorian Hopkins leads the UTEP Miners with 45 tackles, KD Johnson has 2 sacks and AJ Odums has 1 interception.
Why the Sam Houston State Bearkats will win
- UTEP has lost each of its last seven games.
- Sam Houston State has won five of its last six games.
- Sam Houston State has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games.
- UTEP has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- UTEP has lost the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Eleven of UTEP’s last 12 home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Sam Houston State’s last three games against conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- UTEP ranks 134th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (1.5).
- UTEP ranks 129th among FBS teams for points per game this season (14.5).
- Sam Houston State ranks 116th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (7.8).
- Sam Houston State ranks 19th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (216.0).
UTEP vs Sam Houston State Prediction
The Sam Houston State Bearkats are obviously the better team, but this could be a letdown spot after a ridiculous comeback win over Texas State where they were down 22 points after the first quarter. The UTEP Miners aren’t good on either side of the ball and are winless, but their schedule hasn’t been easy, and they did hang around somewhat with Colorado State and Liberty. UTEP has also had extra time to prepare for this game. The hook could be key in this spot. I’ll take a shot with the Miners and the points.
