UTEP Miners Face Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in College Football Matchup

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners are set to take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in a college football game scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024. The match will be held at the Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with the Hilltoppers entering the game as 19.5-point favorites. The total score over-under is set at 56 points.

As the Miners (0-5) prepare for this encounter, they are looking to overcome a series of losses, most recently falling to the Sam Houston Bearkats with a final score of 41-21. Coach Dana Dimel will aim to strengthen both the offense and defense, as the Miners allowed the Bearkats extensive yardage, giving up 293 yards on the ground and 224 yards through the air.

Offensively, the Miners have struggled, managing only 1,610 total yards this season. They have scored seven touchdowns through the air and two on the ground, while experiencing ten turnovers. Their rush game is averaging 87.6 yards per matchup, placing them at 124th nationally. Regarding scoring, the Miners are averaging 15.8 points per game (PPG).

The UTEP defense has also experienced challenges, ranking 117th in Division 1 by allowing 32.6 PPG. Opponents have gained an average of 237.4 rushing yards per game against them, amassing a total of 1,187 rushing yards through five matchups. UTEP’s pass defense has conceded 983 total yards, putting them 39th in the nation for passing yards allowed.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers come into this contest with a 3-2 record. Their recent game resulted in a narrow 21-20 loss to the Boston College Eagles. Despite this setback, the Hilltoppers have shown promise, particularly in their passing game, which averages 281.8 yards per game, ranking them 26th in the country.

Western Kentucky’s offense has generated 1,409 total passing yards this season and their ground game has contributed 496 yards at an average of 99.2 yards per game. In penalties, the Hilltoppers have incurred 249 yards from 25 penalties, placing them 110th nationally.

On defense, the Hilltoppers are ranked 80th nationally, allowing 25.2 PPG. They have conceded 818 rushing yards (163.6 per game) and 233.2 passing yards per game, totaling 1,167 yards in the air, which ranks them 91st in Division 1. Additionally, Western Kentucky’s defense has accumulated five fumbles and four interceptions this season.

Expert predictions suggest the Miners might cover the spread with a pick of +19.5 points. Nevertheless, both teams are looking to improve their standing and prove their capabilities on the field.