The UTEP Miners (1-5) and Florida International Panthers (3-3) will try to bring their respective losing streaks to an end on Wednesday evening when they duke it out in a CUSA matchup at Riccardo Silva Stadium.
The Miners are 1.5-point favorites at US sportsbooks despite winning just one of six outings this term, while the Over/Under line is currently set at 44 points.
Below, we will share the most important stats, analyze the outfits’ recent performances, and share our favorite NCAAF betting predictions ahead of the clash.
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The Panthers are Among the Worst Teams in Rushing Defense
After a run of three straight wins, Florida International suffered back-to-back defeats to drop to a .500 overall record. Last Wednesday’s 17-34 loss to New Mexico State marked their third conference failure in as many games.
The Panthers have kept pace with the Aggies throughout the first three-quarters of the game, securing a tie in each section along the way. Nevertheless, they completely fell apart in the fourth quarter, allowing 17 unanswered points to suffer a tough defeat at the end. Quarterback Keyone Jenkins had a decent game by completing 25 of 32 passes, but he has thrown two picks in the process.
The Panthers generally have tremendous problems with rush defense, as they allow 217.6 rushing yards per game this season. They sit as low as 126th in the nation in this department. As for the offense, the plays are split almost equally between passing and rushing. Jenkins’ six interceptions represent a serious problem. Wide receiver Kris Mitchell has caught four of Jenkins’ five passing touchdowns.
UTEP Miners Lost Five of Their Opening Six Contests
Much like their Wednesday counterparts, the UTEP Miners are struggling badly with rush defense this season. Their 217 rushing yards allowed per game place them just one position above the Panthers’ rush defense (125th out of 133 teams). Unlike their rivals, the Miners have faced some tough rivals in the season’s early stages, hence a dismal 1-5 record after the opening six games.
UTEP will go into this off a bye week, and the Panthers will represent their first test in October. The Miners last fell 10-24 at home to Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in a game in which they allowed Smoke Harris to return a punt for a 67-yard touchdown. Their starting quarterback, Gavin Hardison, felt discomfort after the warm-up sessions, and UTEP’s head coach was forced to use three different QBs on the occasion. They’ve all combined for just 9 completed passes in 28 attempts for a total of 101 yards.
Hardison’s physical condition is still monitored, and his potential absence from Wednesday’s game could significantly diminish UTEP’s chances. Knowing how poor the Panthers’ rushing defense is, we’d pay a close look at running backs Torrance Burgess Jr. and Deion Hankins, who have been the team’s two main options on the ground so far in the season.
Best Pick — Over 44 Points (-110) with DraftKings
Both teams have been struggling to find avenues to points in recent weeks, and the Under might be the logical betting pick here on the first look. However, when you dig deeper into the outfits’ displays and their horrendous defensive numbers, you see that this is a great matchup for both sides’ offensive units.
The Miners had conceded at least 30 points in three successive games before allowing 24 last time out against Louisiana Tech. The Panthers have allowed 34 or more points in all but one of the previous four outings. Knowing that the totals line is set at 44 points, the Over just has to be the way to go at the -110 odds with DraftKings.
Bet on Over 44.0 Points at the -110 odds with DraftKings »
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