Staff Predictions: UTEP
UTSA travels to El Paso looking for their second conference win of the season. Here are the staff predictions for the week.
Jared Kalmus - UnderdogDynasty.com/Alamodome Audible Podcast - Record (3-3)
This prediction sure would be a lot easier if we had any idea who was going to be available for UTEP at quarterback. Regardless, I think there's still reason for UTSA to be concerned by the Miners. They're clearly improving under Mike Price and will come into this game well-rested after a bye week and starving for their first win. For whatever reason the series between UTSA and UTEP has been completely insane so who's to say that won't continue this year? I see UTSA having a game very similar to Rice last week -- walk away with a conflicted win that should have looked a helluva lot more pretty than it did.
UTSA 24 - UTEP 14
Burk Frey - Photog - Record (3-3)
The UTEP / UTSA series has provided fans with four memorable games in its short history. El Paso's Sun Bowl, home of the Miners, has played host to two shellackings courtesy of the visiting Roadrunners, including UTSA's first-ever Conference USA game and win. UTEP, for their part, has handed the Runners two of the toughest losses in program history. One was last year's record setting 5-OT upset, and the other was the 2014 game which we shall not mention further.All that to say that this rivalry (?) has been plenty entertaining thus far, and I expect that to continue. However - like last week - put me down for another result that is never really in doubt, even if the final box score isn't that impressive.
UTSA 24 - UTEP 14
Stephen Whitaker - Staff Writer - Record (4-2)
The series between UTSA and UTEP has been wild in its first four years. It's not often a series goes this long without a home team winning a game. I thought last year might have broken that string but five overtimes later the road team improved to 4-0. This year the game moves to El Paso. I predict the road team will improve to 5-0 all time in this series. UTEP is winless and UTSA seems to have righted the ship after the two losses to start conference. It will be a tough game early but UTSA will do enough to pull out the win.
UTSA 33 - UTEP 16
Jared Cole - Staff Writer - Record (3-3)
Marcus Davenport and the rest of the UTSA Defense enter this game on a high note after holding Rice to just seven points. Meanwhile, UTEP is still winless and coming off of a shutout in their last game against Southern Miss. This leads me to believe Davenport and company will be dominant once again, facing a subpar offense. Though the Miners have a defense which is probably better than advertised, I think UTSA has too much talent on the ground to be contained all game. Solid defense and a strong running attack will lead UTSA to outlast, and eventually, break open the game against UTEP.
UTSA 27 - UTEP 7
Javi Cardenas - Publisher - Record (4-2)
Rivalry or not these games always seem to be very entertaining and kinda weird. I still do not know if UTSA is a good football team or not. The stats tell me yes, but they have yet to be a “good” football team. The Miners are coming off a bye with Mike Price at the helm, so expect them to be ready to play on Saturday. Unfortunately for UTEP they do not have the talent or depth to keep up with UTSA for four quarters. UTEP will come out hot and might take an early lead, but UTSA will simply wear them out on both sides of the ball. Do not think UTSA covers for those who are into that kinda thing.
UTSA 34 - 21 UTEP