Liberty (1-4) vs UTEP (1-4)
October 8, 2025 at 08:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: UTEP +2 — Over/Under: +47.5
In this article we will formulate a Liberty vs UTEP prediction for this College Football game on Wednesday, October 8th at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 7 matchup.
Prior to that loss, the Flames defeated Maine and lost to Jacksonville State, Bowling Green, and James Madison. Liberty is averaging 18.2 points per game with 175.6 passing yards and 165.8 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 23.2 points against per game this season. Ethan Vasko is the starting quarterback for Liberty, but he is dealing with an injury, so we will probably see Merdinger once again here. Evan Dickens has rushed 65 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns, while Donte Lee Jr has caught 10 passes for 261 yards and three scores this year.
Prior to that loss, UTEP lost to UL-Monroe, Texas, and Utah State, but did beat UT-Martin in their second game. The Miners are averaging 20.8 points per game with 244.8 passing yards and 101.2 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 26.6 points against per game this season. Malachi Nelson has completed 55.6% of his passes for 1,142 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while Kenny Odom has caught 23 passes for 247 yards and two scores. Hahsaun Wilson has led the rushing attack with 205 yards and one touchdown on 31 carries this season.
UTEP ranks 15th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (30.8).
Liberty ranks 132nd among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (225.0).
Liberty ranks 129th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (3.4).
David Racey is 58-44 (57%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!
Liberty Flames Betting Preview
The Liberty Flames are 1-4 (0-1) this year after they lost to Old Dominion by a score of 21-7 in their last game. Liberty cut the deficit to 14-7 in the third quarter, but couldn’t find any more points in the low scoring loss. The Flames were out gained by a total of 489-203, went 4-13 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a margin of 4-3 in the game. Michael Merdinger went 6-11 for 77 yards, while Caden Williams rushed 18 times for 85 yards in the game. Donte Lee Jr led the receivers with one reception for 53 yards in the loss. The Liberty defense recorded two sacks and four tackles for loss in the defeat.Prior to that loss, the Flames defeated Maine and lost to Jacksonville State, Bowling Green, and James Madison. Liberty is averaging 18.2 points per game with 175.6 passing yards and 165.8 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 23.2 points against per game this season. Ethan Vasko is the starting quarterback for Liberty, but he is dealing with an injury, so we will probably see Merdinger once again here. Evan Dickens has rushed 65 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns, while Donte Lee Jr has caught 10 passes for 261 yards and three scores this year.
UTEP Miners Betting Preview
The UTEP Miners are 1-4 (0-1) this season after they lost to Louisiana Tech by a score of 30-11 in their last game. UTEP trailed 10-0 at halftime and allowed 20 more points in the fourth quarter for the loss. The Miners out gained La Tech by a total of 273-232, went 6-17 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 5-4 in the game. Malachi Nelson went 18-38 for 73 yards and four interceptions, while Ashten Emory rushed 11 times for 50 yards. Wondame Davis Jr caught two passes for 58 yards and one score in the loss. The UTEP defense recorded five sacks and nine tackles for loss in the game.Prior to that loss, UTEP lost to UL-Monroe, Texas, and Utah State, but did beat UT-Martin in their second game. The Miners are averaging 20.8 points per game with 244.8 passing yards and 101.2 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 26.6 points against per game this season. Malachi Nelson has completed 55.6% of his passes for 1,142 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while Kenny Odom has caught 23 passes for 247 yards and two scores. Hahsaun Wilson has led the rushing attack with 205 yards and one touchdown on 31 carries this season.
Matchup/League Facts
UTEP ranks T128th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (70.0).UTEP ranks 15th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (30.8).
Liberty ranks 132nd among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (225.0).
Liberty ranks 129th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (3.4).
Liberty vs UTEP Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup looking for their first FBS win of the season, so it has been a rough start for each side. Liberty has scored 13 points or fewer in three straight games and they are really missing Vasko under center. UTEP has allowed 27+ points in three straight games, but they did hold La Tech to just 232 total yards last time out. I am not super excited to back either one of these teams, but if UTEP can stop the turnover issues, I like them to get the win at home here.David Racey is 58-44 (57%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!