UTEP (1-8) vs Kennesaw State (1-7)
Game Info: Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 4:00 pm (Sun Bowl)
The Line: Betting Odds: UTEP -3.5 / Kennesaw State +3.5 — Over/Under: 42.5
The Kennesaw State Owls and the UTEP Miners meet on Saturday in college football action from the Sun Bowl. Here’s a Kennesaw State vs UTEP prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Kennesaw State vs UTEP pick. We will examine:
The Kennesaw State Owls’ recent form and player performance
The UTEP Miners’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Kennesaw State Owls
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UTEP Miners
Recent betting trends in games played between Kennesaw State and UTEP
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Kennesaw State vs UTEP game
Kennesaw State Owls Betting Preview
Kennesaw State opened things up with a rough losing streak, falling to UTSA, Louisiana, San Jose State, TN-Martin, Jacksonville State, and Middle Tennessee. After a win over Liberty, the Owls fell back into the loss column against Western Kentucky the next week.
In the October 30 matchup with Western Kentucky, the Owls gave up 21 points in the first quarter during a 31-14 defeat. QB Davis Bryson logged 96 pass yards with a pick, and Michael Benefield ran 16 times for 98 yards and a TD to top the rushers.
UTEP Miners Betting Preview
Over on the Miners’ side, they similarly started their year with a losing streak. The Miners fell to Nebraska, Southern Utah, Liberty, Colorado State, Sam Houston, and Western Kentucky before a win over FIU. UTEP’s next game was a loss to Louisiana Tech, though.
On Saturday versus Middle Tennessee, the Miners were able to keep the pace through three quarters but eventually fell 20-13. QB JP Pickles threw for 145 yards and one interception with a rush score. Jevon Jackson led the rush (83 yards) and the receivers (33 yards; five catches).
Why the UTEP Miners will win
- UTEP has won seven of its last eight November games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- UTEP has covered the spread in seven of its last eight November games as a home favorite.
Why the Kennesaw State Owls will win
- UTEP has lost four of its last five games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- UTEP has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as a favorite.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of UTEP’s last three games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Kennesaw State’s last four games as a road underdog has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of UTEP’s last seven games as a home favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- UTEP ranks T131st among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (3.8).
- UTEP ranks 130th among FBS teams for points per game this season (16.6).
- Kennesaw State ranks 132nd among FBS teams for points per game this season (14.9).
- Kennesaw State ranks 132nd among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (6.6).
Kennesaw State vs UTEP Prediction
I might lean toward UTEP here but I’m not touching it. The Miners didn’t look all that great versus a struggling Middle Tennessee team last weekend. UTEP came up with a meager 5-of-16 success rate on third downs and 4.0 yards per play. On defense, the Miners kept the team moving with three takeaways and 3-of-13 on third-down conversions, though.
As for Kennesaw State, they’re coming off another uninspiring effort against a pretty good Western Kentucky team, posting just 272 yards (96 passing) and 4.1 yards per play in their latest loss. The Owls have been below 17 points in six of their eight games this year, so I’m not thrilled about their chances here.