New Mexico St at UTEP – Preview and Prediction
UTEP 9.5 NEW MEX ST (61)
Implied Projected Score: UTEP 35.25 New Mex St 25.75
MEGALOCKS LINE – UTEP 13
The Game
It’s an “I-10” rivalry showdown as UTEP tries to kickstart a run to a bowl game vs New Mexico St on Saturday evening. Last season was a wacky and confusing 50-47 OT contest so GETTING EXCITED TOO EARLY GUY better stay calm until the final whistle.
The Match-Up
UTEP offense vs New Mexico St offense
It will not be Tim Hardaway leading the UTEP offence (#NBAreference) but it will be Fresno St transfer Zach Greenlee at the QB controls. He had a great camp and also sports some fine games on his resume. Dangerous RB Aaron Jones is healthy and ready to go. It’s an experienced and underrated WR corps. And our favorite – the gigantic and experienced offensive line against the small New Mexico St front 7. The Aggies allowed 45 points per game last year and will be without their injured MLB and leading tackler. In fact – they are already allowing points as we type this write-up.
New Mexico St offense vs UTEP defense
We need CSI-New Mexico and SWAT to figure out if QB Tyler Rogers is going to play given his legal issues, but even if he does suit up, they are going to be very one dimensional. Star RB Larry Rose is out for this game, and while we do not usually give in to the injury feeding frenzy, he is one of the best RBs in all of college football (for real). Yes, they will get their yards passing but the UTEP D should be much better this season. At least good enough to cover.
Tasty Tidbits
New Mexico St has not made a bowl game since the 1960 Sun Bowl….Anyone out there go to that game ?….UTEP has won 7 straight in the series and won the last two games in El Paso 42-24 and 41-28….UTEP is 8-3 L11 SU at home and 4-1-1 L6 ATS as a home favorite #smallsamplesize.
SUMMARY
It is never easy to play a game like this but we think it is a good one. If UTEP does not win this game by 14+, in our opinion, it will be another long season. Yes, it is a rivalry game, but the Aggies have their GAME OF THE YEAR next week vs New Mexico. They are missing their star offensive player. UTEP should literally bulldoze them into submission BUT anything can happen.
Conclusion
Official play: UTEP -9.5