Nobody in El Paso is pretending the season has gone to plan. But Saturday night, UTEP gets a real swing at flipping the script.
Hawaii (2-6) comes to the Sun Bowl for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on FS1. The Miners (1-7, 0-4 Mountain West) are still hunting that first league win.
Old WAC Rivals
Hawaii hasn’t played in El Paso since 2004 and leads the all-time series 18-13. The Miners are in the middle of their final two-game homestand, with Wyoming next Saturday.
The betting line has UTEP as a 9.5-point underdog, with the total near 49.5 points.
The Numbers
The offense is averaging just 9.5 points per game in league play. At North Dakota State on Oct. 31, UTEP finished with 238 total yards, three turnovers, four sacks allowed, and seven penalties for 60 yards.
There were bright spots. The Miners ran for 147 yards at 5.1 a carry, and the defense piled up 56 tackles with six for loss. Coach Scotty Walden says his team is closer than the record shows, and he wants fewer sacks and tackles for loss against his line.
Players to Watch
Raymond Moore III, QB/RB. He leads the Miners in rushing. He had 414 yards and two scores entering the NDSU game, then ripped off a 57-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter. He is the most dangerous weapon on the field.
EJ Colson Jr., QB. The UIW transfer threw four touchdown passes and ran for another in the Texas Southern win. He missed the Nevada game and left the SJSU game early, so his availability is one to watch.
Jaden Smith, WR. He caught eight passes for 62 yards against Oregon State. He needs targets.
Sterling Miles, DE/OLB. He’s an elite pass rusher, and Saturday is his stage.
The Hawaii Problem
Hawaii hung 56 on Northern Illinois last time out.
How the Miners Win
Protect the quarterback. Finish drives with points. Get pressure on the opposing QB.
With a rivalry renewed and a conference win still waiting. Miner fans need to fill the Sun Bowl. UTEP football needs us, and a win Saturday sets up for the first back to back wins with Wyoming a week later.
