UTEP Miners (5-1) vs LA Tech Bulldogs (2-3)
Game Info: Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 9:00 pm (Sun Bowl)
Betting Odds: UTEP Miners +6.5 -- Over/Under: 56.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will travel to the Sun Bowl to take on the UTEP Miners this Saturday night in College Football action.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs dropped to 2-3 on the season after being defeated by the 23rd ranked NC State Wolfpack, 34-27, on October 2nd. Louisiana Tech was solid offensively against NC State, however, had some costly turnovers and could not fight back after a 4-yard TD run by the Wolfpack’s Zonovan Knight gave NC State a 34-20 lead midway through the 4th quarter. Louisiana Tech outgained NC State by a 480-418 margin, however, lost the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was QB Austin Kendall who completed 26 of 43 passes for 341 yards, 3 TD, & 2 INT while also rushing for 71 yards.
On the season, Louisiana Tech is averaging 33.4 ppg on 413.2 total yards per game (283.4 passing yds/g; 129.8 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Louisiana Tech has been led by QB Austin Kendall who has completed 61.4% of his passes for 1178 yards, 10 TD, & 5 INT while also rushing for 169 yards & 3 TD’s. The top receiving threats for the Bulldogs have been Bub Means (15 rec, 282 yards, 2 TD), Tre Harris (18 rec, 267 yards, 3 TD), Smoke Harris (27 rec, 244 yards, TD), & Samuel Emilus (12 rec, 187 yards, 2 TD). Leading the way for the Bulldogs backfield has been Marcus Williams Jr. who had 317 rushing yards & 2 TD’s.
Defensively, Louisiana Tech is allowing their opponents to average 33.4 ppg on 472.0 total yards per game (320.6 passing yds/g; 151.4 rushing yds/g).
The UTEP Miners won their 3rd straight game and improved to 5-1 on the season after defeating the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 26-13, this past Saturday. UTEP was outstanding defensively against Southern Miss and had no trouble holding on to the victory after a 55-yard fumble return for a TD by the Miners Breon Hayward gave UTEP a 21-7 lead early in the 3rd quarter. UTEP outgained Southern Miss by a 392-254 margin and won the turnover battle by a 2-1 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Miners was RB Ronald Awatt who had 159 rushing yards & 1 TD on 18 carries.
On the season, UTEP is averaging 25.8 ppg on 387.8 total yards per game (212.5 passing yds/g; 175.3 rushing yds/g). Offensively, UTEP has been led by the RB duo of Ronald Awatt (78 att, 455 yards, 3 TD) & Deion Hankins (60 att, 196 yards, 3 TD). QB Gavin Hardison has completed 55.8% of his passes for 1266 yards, 8 TD, & 6 INT. The top receiving threats for the Miners have been Jacob Cowing (26 rec, 609 yards, 4 TD), Justin Garrett (18 rec, 305 yards, 2 TD), & Tyrin Smith (10 rec, 172 yards, 1 TD).
Defensively, UTEP is holding their opponents to an average of 22.0 ppg on 301.8 total yards per game (207.5 passing yds/g; 94.3 rushing yds/g).
The Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on turf and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. The Miners are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 October games, however, are just 6-14 ATS in their last 20 home games.
UTEP has been a great story this season as behind their defense, they have posted as many wins so far this season than the last three seasons combined, however, this is still not a team that can matchup to the talent of Louisiana Tech. UTEP has played only one decent team in Boise State and lost by a 41 points, and as I think the Bulldogs offensive attack will be able to find success on the road in this one, I think Louisiana Tech wins this one by at least 1 TD and covers this spread. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Louisiana Tech Bulldogs -6.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05