The UTEP Miners and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers meet in week 7 college football action from L.T. Smith Stadium on Thursday night. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Western Kentucky vs UTEP Prediction.
UTEP Recap
The UTEP Miners come into this one looking to snag their first win of the season after dropping to 0-5 on the year after a 41-21 loss to Sam Houston last time out. After this game, UTEP will head home for their matchup with the FIU Panthers.
UTEP Trying To Pick Up First Win
Skyler Locklear has thrown for 710 yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on 63.5% passing while Cade McConnell has 444 passing yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 57.8% passing. Jevon Jackson has a team-high 233 rushing yards while Kenny Odom has a team-high 359 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Kam Thomas also has a team-high 31 grabs for 315 yards while Jaden Smith and Trey Goodman each have 100+ receiving yards on the year. On defense, Dorian Hopkins has a team-high 52 total tackles including 20 solo tackles while K.D. Johnson has 2.5 sacks as part of UTEP’s 12 sacks so far this season.
Western Kentucky Recap
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers come into this one looking to bounce back after their 21-20 loss to Boston College prior to their bye week last week, sitting at 3-2 on the year. After this game, WKU will head on the road for a matchup with Sam Houston.
Hilltoppers Looking To Do Damage In CUSA
Caden Veltkamp has thrown for 883 yards, 8 touchdowns and 4 INTs on 70.4% passing. Elijah Young leads WKU on the ground with 218 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns while Kisean Johnson has 29 receptions for 392 yards and 4 TDs. Easton Messer has 236 receiving yards while River Helms, Dalvin Smith and the aforementioned Young each have 100+ receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Devonte’ Mathews has a team-high 24 total tackles and 2 interceptions while Hosea Wheeler has 24 total tackles as well WKU’s defense as a whole has combined for 9 sacks and 4 INTs this season.
Western Kentucky vs UTEP Prediction
I’m going to take a shot with UTEP here. Not one I’m rushing to bet, but the biggest win that WKU had this season came against Middle Tennessee, the worst team in the country in terms of stopping the pass. WKU has a susceptible defense and the Miners are actually a decent passing offense. WKU is a pass-first offense without question, but the strength of UTEP’s defense even though there aren’t many strengths, is their pass defense as they’re 52nd nationally against the pass and have also held Colorado State and Liberty reasonably close this season. WKU’s offense always has a potential to go off, but I think this is just a case of too many points. Give me UTEP.
