New Mexico State Aggies (4-3) vs. UTEP Miners (2-5)
New Mexico State Aggies vs. UTEP Miners 10/18/23 – The stage is set for an intriguing contest as the New Mexico State Aggies, with a decent record of 4-3, square off against the struggling UTEP Miners, standing at 2-5. Set to clash on Wednesday, October 18th at the iconic Sun Bowl, both teams are eager to etch a mark on their records. For those looking to stay updated with the best and expert free NCAAF insights, this is a game to watch.
The Aggies have showcased notable skill this season with their offense spearheaded by talents like running back Monte Watkins and wide receiver Jonathan Brady. Watkins’ impressive average of 12.2 yards per rush attempt and Brady’s knack for consistent receptions have been crucial for the Aggies.
On the flip side, the Miners, despite their less-than-ideal record, have shown moments of brilliance. The noteworthy contributions of running back Torrance Burgess Jr. and wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi, who boasts an astonishing 20.5 yards per reception, can’t be ignored and might be pivotal in this encounter.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. UTEP Miners 10/18/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Sun Bowl |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Diego Pavia QB vs. Gavin Hardison QB
Diego Pavia, the dynamic quarterback of the Aggies, has been nothing short of remarkable this season. Commanding the field with his impressive 62.2% completion rate, he’s managed to rack up 1,615 passing yards from 164 attempts. These numbers, combined with his commendable average of 9.8 yards per pass attempt, put him in an elite league of quarterbacks. But it’s not just about the statistics. Pavia’s on-field presence, his ability to read defenses, and adaptability under varying game scenarios have propelled the Aggies through many challenges. However, the vulnerability lies in his decision-making under duress, as seen from the 5 interceptions and 12 sacks he’s endured. This might be an area the Miners look to exploit.
On the other side of the spectrum, Gavin Hardison, the Miners’ lead quarterback, exhibits a contrasting playing style. While his 56.6% completion rate and 947 passing yards might seem modest in comparison to Pavia, they’re testament to his consistent and risk-averse approach to the game. He tends to focus more on short to medium-length passes, which is reflected in his average of 7.3 yards per pass attempt. Hardison’s poise, while commendable, sometimes leans towards caution, leading to missed opportunities. The 7 interceptions and 14 sacks he’s faced signal areas of improvement, especially in handling high-pressure scenarios. The game could very well be a test of Hardison’s ability to rise above these challenges and steer the Miners to an upset.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: New Mexico State Aggies -152, Total Odds: 48.5
The betting landscape leans in favor of the Aggies, with odds suggesting a slight edge for them. The point spread of -3.5 for the Aggies at -102 and +3.5 for the Miners at -118 reflects a potential close contest. The total odds set at 48.5 with over at -110 and under at -110 further indicate a balanced offensive game.
New Mexico State Aggies Betting Trends
Recent trends reflect the Aggies’ prowess on the field. They have been dominant in covering the spread, standing at 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games. However, their games have predominantly seen the total go UNDER in 4 out of their last 5 encounters. Their overall standing of 10-4 SU in recent games shows consistency, but a glaring concern remains their performance on the road, standing at 3-17 SU.
UTEP Miners Betting Trends
The Miners have faced challenges recently, standing at 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. Their games have seen a consistent UNDER trend, with 5 out of the last 7 games going below the set total. Their head-to-head against the Aggies in recent times presents a silver lining, boasting an 11-2 SU record when playing at home against New Mexico State.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. UTEP Miners 10/18/23 Betting Picks
Given the trends and team performances, the Aggies have an edge, primarily due to their offensive prowess. However, the Miners’ impressive home record against the Aggies cannot be disregarded.
Considering the stats, trends, and the Miners’ home advantage, a close encounter with a slight edge to the Aggies is anticipated. For those seeking exclusive betting insights, prop bets focusing on individual player performances, particularly the key players mentioned, might offer good value.
Free Pick and Prediction: New Mexico State Aggies 27, UTEP Miners 24.