UTEP Miners (3-8) vs Liberty Flames (11-0)
Game Info: Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 3:30 pm (Sun Bowl)
Betting Odds: UTEP Miners +16.5 -- Over/Under: 56.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: CBSSports Network Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
The Liberty Flames will play the UTEP Miners in a Conference USA game on Saturday afternoon at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. Liberty comes into this game undefeated, while UTEP has lost three of their last four games. You're welcome to read our Liberty vs UTEP Prediction.
Liberty Preview
The Liberty Flames are 11-0 (7-0) this season after they defeated UMass by a score of 49-25 in their last game. Liberty scored the first 28 points in this game and they picked up the easy win. The Flames out gained UMass by a total of 549-391 and forced three turnovers in the game. Liberty has locked up a spot in the CUSA Title game, but they will look to finish the regular season undefeated here. The Liberty offense is averaging 39.9 points per game with 219 passing yards per game and 282.2 rushing yards per game, while going 50% on third downs. Kaidon Salter has thrown for 2,409 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions for the Flames this season. Quinton Cooley has rushed for 1,168 yards and 10 touchdowns, while CJ Daniels has caught 38 passes for 819 yards and eight scores. The Liberty defense is giving up 21.1 points against per game this season.
UTEP Preview
The UTEP Miners 3-8 (2-5) this year after they lost to Middle Tennessee by a score of 34-30 last week. UTEP tied the game at 24 in the third quarter, but Middle Tennessee scored the next 10 points for the win. The Miners out gained Middle Tennessee by a total of 453-427 and turned the ball over four times in the game. UTEP’s three wins this season have come against Incarnate Word, FIU, and Sam Houston. The UTEP offense is scoring 19.2 points per game with 217.4 passing yards per game and 152.9 rushing yards per game, while going 33.3% on third downs. Cade McConnell has thrown for 1,273 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions for the Miners this year. Deion Hankins has rushed for 794 yards and four touchdowns, while Kelly Akharaiyi has caught 43 passes for 924 yards and seven scores. The UTEP defense is allowing 27.3 points against per game this year.
UTEP Miners Team Facts
- UTEP has lost 22 of its last 23 November games as an underdog.
- UTEP has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- Each of UTEP's last seven games against conference opponents at Sun Bowl have gone UNDER the total points line.
Liberty Flames Team Facts
- Liberty has won each of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Liberty has covered the spread in each of its last three road games against conference opponents.
- Four of Liberty's last five games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Liberty are one of only 18 FBS teams undefeated in home games this season ([z-0]).
- Liberty rank T38th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (21.1).
Pick
Liberty comes into this game looking to finish the regular season with a perfect record and they will take on a Liberty team that has struggled this year. Liberty has scored at least 42 points in four of their last five games and they have one of the best rushing attacks in the country. UTEP only has two wins against FBS opponents so far this season, both of which came on the road. Liberty has won by margins of 24, 28, and 26 points in their last three games, and I like them to win big again here.
David’s Pick Liberty -16.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
