UTEP Miners (2-6) vs. Sam Houston Bearkats (0-7)
UTEP Miners vs. Sam Houston Bearkats 10/25/23 – As Week 9 of NCAAF season reaches its conclusion, UTEP Miners prepare to face Sam Houston Bearkats. Although seemingly favoring UTEP due to win/loss records, this duel could provide Sam Houston an opportunity to turn their season around and cause them to overcome their previous struggles. For fans watching NCAAF top predictions this clash offers an intriguing matchup which should not be overlooked!
The UTEP Miners have shown some life on the field despite their less-than-stellar record thanks to running back Deion Hankins and wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi. Hankins, with an impressive 5.2 yards per rush average and 20 yards per reception average from Akharaiyi respectively, have provided significant sparks on offense for UTEP.
Sam Houston Bearkats are in desperate need of a turnaround, yet their arsenal remains formidable. Running back John Gentry may be less than stellar but still has the ability to alter game dynamics while wide receiver Noah Smith – with 4 receiving touchdowns this season – remains key.
UTEP Miners vs. Sam Houston Bearkats 10/25/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Elliot T. Bowers Stadium |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Gavin Hardison QB vs. Keegan Shoemaker QB
Gavin Hardison, the Miners’ frontman, has portrayed a mixed bag of performances throughout the season. He has accumulated 947 passing yards, hinting at his capability to be a difference-maker on the field. His arm strength and ability to find receivers, especially in tight windows, are commendable. Yet, the glaring issue for Hardison remains his decision-making, which is evident from his 7 interceptions against 5 passing touchdowns. The frequent sacks he has encountered, 14 to be exact, further highlight either an offensive line that struggles to shield him or a need for him to develop better pocket awareness. As the Miners gear up for this encounter, Hardison’s ability to adapt and overcome his previous errors will be crucial.
On the opposing side, Keegan Shoemaker has been a silver lining in the Bearkats’ challenging season. Shoemaker, with 1,322 passing yards and a noteworthy 62.4% completion rate, underscores his consistency and reliability. He has shown an adeptness in reading defenses and making quick decisions, translating to 8 touchdowns. His interception count, at 6, suggests room for improvement, but it’s a figure that doesn’t entirely overshadow his achievements this season. The Bearkats will be heavily relying on Shoemaker’s leadership and ability to exploit the Miners’ defensive vulnerabilities in their upcoming matchup.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Sam Houston Bearkats -131, Total Odds: 37.5
The current betting dynamics interestingly favor the Bearkats with a -1.5 spread, despite their winless record. However, with such closely matched teams, the outcome can be anyone’s guess. The total odds set at 37.5, coupled with the Miners’ recent under trend, suggests a potentially low-scoring affair.
UTEP Miners Betting Trends
Texas El Paso’s recent record, especially on the road, doesn’t inspire much confidence. With a 1-6 SU in their last 7 away games and a troubling 1-5 ATS in their recent 6 games, they’ve struggled to cover spreads and secure wins. However, their 5-0 SU against Western Athletic conference teams offers a glimmer of hope for this matchup.
Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Trends
The Bearkats, unfortunately, haven’t fared any better. Their 0-10 SU in the last 10 games and a particularly disappointing 0-5 SU against Conference USA teams is concerning. The team will have to overcome these odds to clinch a victory.
UTEP Miners vs. Sam Houston Bearkats 10/25/23 Betting Picks
Despite the statistics and recent forms, this matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to prove their worth. While the Miners seem to have a slight edge based on season performances, the Bearkats, playing at home, might just have the crowd support to tip the scales.
In terms of betting, the Bearkats, with the home advantage, might edge out a narrow win. However, considering recent trends and the total odds, an under bet seems the safer choice. For those seeking expert analysis picks, this game may just be the underdog story of the week.
Free Pick and Prediction: Sam Houston Bearkats 20, UTEP Miners 17.