UNLV Runnin' Rebels vs UTEP Miners Prediction, 9/23/2023 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: UNLV Runnin' Rebels vs UTEP Miners

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Location: Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Miners (+2)

Total/Over-Under: 50.5

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels (2-1) are traveling to Sun Bowl on Saturday, September 23, 2023 where they will go up against the UTEP Miners (1-3). UTEP opens this matchup as 2-point underdogs. The over/under comes in at 50.5.

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels come into this matchup with a record of 2-1 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Runnin' Rebels played the Vanderbilt Commodores and went home with a win by a final score of 40-37. Jayden Maiava connected on 19/33 with 261 yards through the air and 1 TD. He had a QB rating of 128 and ended the contest with 1 pick. Jai'Den Thomas led the offense in rushing for the Runnin' Rebels with 13 attempts for 50 yards (3.8 yards per attempt). When all was said and done, they ran 77 plays which gave them a total of 403 yards. The UNLV Runnin' Rebels ran the ball a total of 40 different times and had 127 yds, which had them averaging 3.2 yds per carry. When it came to stopping the run, the Runnin' Rebels conceded 83 yds on 38 tries, which calculates to 2.2 yards per run surrendered. UNLV relinquished 18 completions on 37 attempts for a total of 337 yards, and a completion rate of 48.6%.

In terms of scoring points, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels hold an average of 30.3 points per contest. As a team they hold an average of 152.0 yards on the ground giving them a rank of 73rd in the nation. The Runnin' Rebels have racked up 1,026 total yards over the course of this season. In terms of distribution of touchdowns, UNLV has amassed 1 touchdown through the air and 8 rushing touchdowns. UNLV has 56 first downs as a unit, and they have been called for 19 infractions for 144 yds. They have surrendered the football 4 different times.

When it comes to yards via the pass, the Runnin' Rebels are giving up 880 yds which puts them in 117th in the nation. They have allowed 293.3 yards per contest via the pass and allowed a completion percentage of 62.5%. In total, they have given up 440.3 yards/contest which puts them 118th in the country. They have yielded 5 touchdowns by air in addition to 5 touchdowns on the ground. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 4.0 yards per rush on the ground and 147.0 rushing yards per game on the year. Over the course of this season, they have conceded 441 rushing yards through 3 contests. The Runnin' Rebels are ranked 99th in the country regarding team defense, conceding 28.7 points per contest.

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The Miners come into this matchup with a record of 1-3 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Miners went home defeated by a final of 31-10 when they faced the Arizona Wildcats. Gavin Hardison finished the contest with 228 yards on 15/31 passing while his QB rate was 110.2. He didn't throw any picks and his average yards per attempt was 7.4. Deion Hankins ran the ball 9 times for 34 yards, ending the contest with 3.8 yds per attempt for UTEP. UTEP rushed the football for 1.9 yds per carry, totaling 49 yds on 26 carries. The Miners finished the contest with 332 yds and they ran 61 plays (5.4 yards per play). The Miners pass defense allowed a completion rate of 78.1%, surrendering 300 yards on 25 for 32 passing. UTEP conceded 32 attempts on the ground for 244 yards (7.6 yds per rush).

When it comes to their ability to score points, the Miners rank 127th in the country with an average of 14.8 PPG. The UTEP Miners average 359.5 yards per game, which ranks them 86th in the nation. The UTEP offense has totaled 274 penalty yards on 28 violations, ranking them 6th in the country in terms of hurting your team. They have tossed 5 interceptions while surrendering 2 fumbles and they have earned 78 first downs. During the season so far, the Miners currently have a total of 800 yards through the air as well as holding an average of 200.0 passing yards per game, which ranks 96th in Division 1. They hold an average of 159.5 yards per game via the ground game and have rushed for 638 yards overall.

UTEP has given up a total of 700 yards via the ground game (175.0 yards/game) in addition to 7 touchdowns rushing on the season. They have allowed 6 touchdowns via the pass as well as 204.8 yards per game, ranking them 60th in the country. They have compiled 1 fumble and 1 picks over the course of the season. The Miners defense has taken part in 245 plays, which ranks 126th in the nation. The Miners are allowing 25.0 points per game, which puts them 82nd in D-1. This season, they have relinquished 100 pts.

Who will win tonight's Runnin' Rebels/Miners college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Runnin' Rebels -2

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