Sam Houston St. Bearkats vs UTEP Miners Point Spread Picks

This should be an interesting game simply because both teams have combined for one win on the season, but UTEP has the edge. Both teams are statistically even offensively, but the UTEP defense is allowing an impressive five yards per play to opposing offenses. The Miners have played a much tougher schedule and held Texas to 27 points on just 341 yards of offense. Sam Houston also faced Texas and allowed over 600 yards of offense in a 55-0 blowout loss. While the offenses are within two points of each other, the defenses show UTEP with a 15-point edge over the Bearkats, who are allowing 40 points per game. Defense prevails. Make the pick on UTEP. 

UTEP is seeking its first win and this would be the game to get it as Sam Houston has lost 13 of its past 15 road games and its past six overall in the month of October. UTEP had the week off after losing 27-17 to Colorado State and QB Cade McConnell was 19 of 29 for 220 yards and two TDs with no interceptions and provided a spark for the Miners. He has regained the starting job where he finished in 2023. However, Avery Morrow was too much to handle as he rushed for 156 yards on 7.4 per carry for the Rams. Sam Houston had an opening 45-14 loss to UCF and since has played a soft schedule against Hawaii, New Mexico State and last week against Texas State when the Bearkats pulled out a 40-39 victory with a field goal in the final six seconds. UTEP has stayed UNDER all four games this season and Sam Houston has gone UNDER five of seven. The Miners are 5-1 UNDER their past six as home underdogs and 11-2 UNDER their past 13 home games overall. They beat the Bearkats as a 4-point dog last year. Take UTEP with the points, and play this game to stay UNDER.