UTEP at Kennesaw State

The record shows UTEP has a five-game losing streak. What it doesn't show is that the Miners' offense has picked up a new dimension with dual-threat quarterback Skyler Locklear. He threw for 236 yards and scored another two touchdowns rushing to lead the Miners past Sam Houston State, 35-17, as a 3.5-point road favorite in their last game. That was back on Oct. 15th, so the Miners' confidence level has risen, and they have had ample rest and preparation time for this Tuesday's game. Locklear is an upgrade at quarterback for UTEP. The Miners didn't use Locklear when they played Texas earlier in the season and only lost to the Longhorns, 27-10, earning an easy cover. The combination of Locklear and a solid defense can keep the Miners firmly within this point spread. UTEP ranks 44th in pass defense and 58th in total defense. Kennesaw State is tied for first in Conference USA at 3-0, but the league is wide open without any dominant powers. The Owls' three Conference USA victories have come against Florida International, Louisiana Tech, and Middle Tennessee State. The combined conference record of those three teams is 3-7. Kennesaw State is 87th in scoring, averaging 25.3 points a game. The Owls aren't anything special on defense either. They rank 104th in pass defense and 93rd in rush defense. Take UTEP.