UTEP Miners (1-2) vs. Arizona Wildcats (1-1)
UTEP Miners vs. Arizona Wildcats 9/16/23 – This Saturday, September 16, 2023, marks a critical juncture for both the UTEP Miners, who are sitting at a 1-2 standing, and the Arizona Wildcats, who are currently 1-1 this season. The game is set to kick off at 11:00 PM ET at Arizona Stadium and will be televised on PACN.
Starting with UTEP, running back Deion Hankins is a significant asset for the team, amassing 255 yards on 46 attempts, along with a single touchdown. This averages out to an impressive 5.5 yards per rush attempt. Wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi has also made notable contributions, with 10 receptions for 161 yards and one touchdown to his name. Hankins and Akharaiyi have been cornerstones for the Miners, even though the team is currently struggling.
Switching over to Arizona, Michael Wiley has been their main man on the ground, recording 85 rushing yards over 21 attempts but hasn’t yet made it into the end zone. On the receiving end, Tetairoa McMillan has caught 11 passes for 226 yards, adding two touchdowns to his tally. Both Wiley and McMillan have been bright spots in the Wildcats’ uneven season so far. If you’re looking for the free NCAAF picks, consider their matchups carefully.
UTEP Miners vs. Arizona Wildcats Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Arizona Stadium |
| TV: | PACN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Gavin Hardison QB vs. Jayden de Laura QB
UTEP’s Gavin Hardison has had a mixed bag of a season. His statistics reveal a 65.7% completion rate with 494 passing yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. However, Hardison has been sacked seven times, resulting in a loss of 40 yards. His 135.4 passer rating indicates a moderate level of effectiveness. Hardison’s game is best characterized by his pocket-passing abilities and decent decision-making skills. Nevertheless, he’ll need to improve his performance under pressure to avoid the sack count growing any further.
On the other side, Jayden de Laura has a slightly better record, boasting a 71.4% completion rate and 627 passing yards. He’s thrown for five touchdowns but also has five interceptions. With a passer rating of 156, de Laura shows more promise in terms of accuracy and field vision. His dual-threat capabilities and better handling of pressure could be a game-changer against UTEP’s defense.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Arizona Wildcats -1000, Total Odds: 57.5
The betting odds are strongly tilted in favor of the Arizona Wildcats with a point spread of -19 and a moneyline set at a whopping -1000. Given these numbers, the bookmakers appear convinced that Arizona will easily handle UTEP in this matchup. However, given both teams’ recent inconsistencies, especially Arizona’s struggles at home, the wide spread might give bettors pause. It could be more prudent to look into prop bets or consider the under for the total points scored, set at 57.5, as both teams have shown a tendency for lower-scoring games.
UTEP Miners Betting Trends
The Miners are struggling, particularly on the road where they’ve lost their last five games straight. Their record against Pac-12 teams is abysmal, with zero wins in the last seven matchups. Moreover, UTEP has not performed well in September games, seeing the total points going under in four of the last five games played during this month. They are also 1-4 ATS in their last five Week 3 games.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Trends
Arizona also has a lot to work on, especially at home where they have won only 5 of their last 19 games. However, they have a strong record against Conference USA teams with a 4-1 SU standing. Additionally, the Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games played in September and 4-1 ATS in their last five Week 3 games. The total has also gone under in 5 of their last 6 games.
UTEP Miners vs. Arizona Wildcats 9/16/23 Betting Picks
This game may be more competitive than the odds suggest, especially considering the individual talents on both teams. While Arizona has a distinct home-field advantage and better overall stats, their inconsistency, particularly at home, can’t be ignored. However, they should be able to cover the spread against a UTEP team that struggles on the road and against Pac-12 opponents. Consider the under for total points scored, given both teams’ trends. For more insights and potential betting opportunities, you can also explore some free sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Arizona 31, UTEP 10.