Two of the CUSA’s best palyers will be on display in this game, as Greg Howell and the Florida Atlantic Owls visit Sun Bowl to play Ryan Metz and the Texas-El Paso Miners. Coming into this game, UTEP (2-4) and Florida Atlantic (1-5) are both looking for a win to build upon. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct 24 and will air on AMSN.
UTEP was blown out by FIU 52-12 in their last game. Cole Freytag had a big game in the loss, registering two receptions for 81 yards and one TD. Florida Atlantic also fell short, getting beat by Marshall 33-17. Trey Rodriguez had a good game on the ground for the Owls, rushing for 72 yards and one TD on 16 carries.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment.
Heading into Week 8 of the college football season, the Miners are 2-4 Straight Up (SU) and 1-5 Against The Spread (ATS). UTEP will have the upper hand when attempting to shut down the passing game. Florida Atlantic ranks 105th in the country in terms of completion percentage at 52.9%. Florida Atlantic could put the Miners away early, because the Owls are one of the worst in the country in scoring defense for the fourth quarter. So far this year, they’ve given up an average of 9.3 fourth-quarter points. Based on an average time of possession of 36:42 per game which ranks second in the nation, look for UTEP to control the clock.
On the other side, the Owls have a record of 1-4-1 ATS and 1-5 SU. Florida Atlantic could plan on tossing the ball frequently. The Miners defense is usually ineffective at containing the pass, giving up 18.4 yards per pass. The Florida Atlantic pass defense has given teams fits during the past five games. During that time, opponents have gained an average of only 190.4 passing yards against this horrifying bunch. The Miners need to hold on to the ball if they want a shot against the turnover-minded Owls. The Florida Atlantic defense generates 2.3 turnovers per game, 11th in the country.
Predictions: SU Winner – Florida Atlantic, ATS Winner – Florida Atlantic
Notes
Texas El Paso is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games.
Texas El Paso is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas El Paso’s last 6 games.
Texas El Paso is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home.
Florida Atlantic is 1-1 SU when leading at the half this season.
Florida Atlantic is winless (0-2 SU) in games where it comes out ahead in the turnover battle, and 1-2 SU when losing the turnover battle.
