The UTEP Miners visit the New Mexico State Aggies for a season-opening battle Saturday night. The contest at Aggie Memorial Stadium is slated for a 9:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we look at the UTEP vs. New Mexico State odds and lines, and make our best college football picks, predictions and bets.
UTEP went 3-5 last season. The Miners ended their season with four straight losses, but they outgained foes in three of those four setbacks. The 2021 roster returns 19 starters, including 11 for an offense that has incrementally upped its points and yards per game each of the last three seasons.
New Mexico State did not play last fall. The Aggies had a two-game spring season (against two FCS opponents) and head coach Doug Martin treated those contests like exhibition games, working in players up and down the roster. To make the Aggies even more inexperienced heading into this contest, six defensive players transferred after the 2019 season.
The 2020 COVID-19 autumn snapped a streak of 18 straight years with these two programs meeting on the gridiron. UTEP leads the all-time series, 57-38-2, but NMSU has a three-game straight-up and against-the-spread winning streak (2017-19).
UTEP at New Mexico State odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:55 a.m. ET.
- Money line: UTEP -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | New Mexico State +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
- Against the spread/ATS: UTEP -9.5 (-120) | New Mexico State +9.5 (-105)
- Total (Over/Under): 58.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)
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UTEP at New Mexico State odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
UTEP 38, New Mexico State 24
Money line
Strong-armed UTEP QB Gavin Hardison returns after an up-and-down sophomore season that saw him complete 54.3% of his passes while compiling 5 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. Hardison’s top two targets — WR Justin Garrett and WR Jacob Cowing — also return as does the entire offensive line.
Look for that group to continue to progress against a green Aggies defense. But PASS on the expensive money line.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Miners woould return a profit of just $2.50.
Against the spread
The Miners are set up in a revenge spot; the Aggies are in the unenviable position of playing real FBS football for the first time in nearly two years.
UTEP -9.5 (-120) is a good play for a win by 10 or more points.
Over/Under
Look for UTEP to control this game and get its offense in gear early. BACK THE OVER 58.5 (-120).
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