UTEP Miners vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks 8/26/2023 – On Saturday afternoon of college football action, the UTEP Miners are headed for Burgess-Snow Field where they’ll meet Jacksonville State Gamecocks in Week 0. We have you covered for exciting exploits of week 0, as we take a look into the free college football picks. The Miners, holding a 5-7 record in the previous season, managed to secure victory in three out of their eight Conference USA games. Averaging 24.4 points per contest.
UTEP Miners vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks 8/26/2023
| When: | Saturday, August 26, 2023 5:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium |
| TV: | TV |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miners | +1.5 (-110) | 52 o (-110) | +108 |  |
| Gamecocks | -1.5 (-110) | 52 u (-110) | -118 | |
| ||||
๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ญ
๐ Jax State
โฐ 3:30 p.m. MT
๐ Jacksonville, Ala.
๐บ CBS Sports Network
๐ https://t.co/GXvusveDnO
๐ป 600 ESPN El Paso#RiseUp915 | #PicksUp pic.twitter.com/FrtQvRIns4— UTEP Football (@UTEPFB) August 26, 2023
Dana Dimel vs Rich Rodriguez
UTEP boasts an offense anchored by a robust offensive line that is set to dominate the trenches. As they take control of the clock with their running game, keep an eye out for quarterback Gavin Hardison, who amassed over 2,000 yards and recorded 11 touchdowns in 2022. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks, champions of the ASUN Championship in their FCS run, have embarked on a new chapter by transitioning to Conference USA under the guidance of head coach Rich Rodriguez.
In a conference characterized by high-powered offenses, UTEP defied the odds by clinching the top spot in total defense, limiting opponents to a mere 136 yards per game on the ground. Linebacker Tyrice Knight spearheads their defensive efforts, ensuring that the Miners’ defensive prowess remains a force to be reckoned with. Additionally, the hard-hitting safety Kobe Hylton navigates the field, making his presence felt.
Their offensive strategy revolves around an uptempo spread offense, orchestrated by seventh-year quarterback Zion Webb. Webb, a pivotal figure, accounted for 23 touchdowns in the previous season. Another player to watch closely is running back Anwar Lewis, known for his impressive eight touchdowns and a remarkable average of 7.1 yards per carry.
Gamecocks’ Defensive Depth and Offensive Dynamism Set the Stage Against UTEP
While Jacksonville State’s defense is marked by aggression, the challenge lies in maintaining depth, especially when their offense doesn’t command prolonged possessions. Defensive lineman Chris Hardie, with a reputation for dominating the backfield with 15.5 tackles for loss, stands out. Nevertheless, the Gamecocks face the task of compensating for the loss of five key defenders from a unit that allowed an average of 22.9 points per game.
Considering UTEP’s inconsistent offensive performance, their record reveals a solitary victory in six road games from the previous season. In contrast, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks are poised for their first FBS home game, and the dynamism of their offense could prove to be a game-changer. With 70 percent of their offensive line snaps returning and a wealth of skill in their backfield, the Gamecocks have prepared themselves well to take on the challenge.
NCAAF Odds: UTEP Miners -1 ; O/U 53
In conclusion, our prediction leans toward Jacksonville State securing a triumphant home victory. While UTEP’s defense showcases resilience and Jacksonville State’s offense boasts the potential to dazzle, the dynamics of the matchup seem to align in favor of the Gamecocks.
As the UTEP Miners aim to make strides in the 2023 season, they navigate the landscape of change within Conference USA. Having concluded the 2022 season with a 5-7 record, the Miners aspire to a more promising outcome this time around. The 5-7 record marked the fourth losing season in five full seasons with Dana Dimel as head coach. Amidst this transitional phase, UTEP endeavors to leverage the experience of starting quarterback Gavin Hardison. Hardison’s performance in the previous season, with 2,044 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, positions him as a pivotal figure. Notably, his accuracy remains a focal point for improvement, with a completion rate of just 52.1 percent in the past season.
UTEP Miners Betting Trends
Texas El Paso is 6-12 SU in their last 18 games.
Miners are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games on the road.
Texas El Paso holds a 4-2 SU record in their last 6 games played in August.
Texas El Paso has a 2-6 ATS record in their last 8 games played in week 1.
Miners have a 4-2 ATS record in their last 6 games played on a Saturday.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Jacksonville State’s last 7 games.
Jacksonville State are 4-16 SU in their last 20 games.
The Gamecocks have a 1-5 SU record in their last 6 games played in week 1.
Jacksonville State has a 3-16 SU record in their last 19 games played on a Saturday.
UTEP Miners vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Pick
The departure of leading rusher Ronald Awatt opens the door for Deion Hankins to make his mark in UTEP’s backfield, having tallied 701 yards in the previous year. The arrival of Dre Spriggs from UTSA offsets the void left by top receiver Tyrin Smith, enhancing UTEP’s receiving options. JUCO transfers contribute significantly to fortifying the Miners’ roster, particularly on the defensive front.
With UTEP’s defense excelling in 2022, leading Conference USA in yards allowed, the return of key players promises to sustain their defensive dominance. Linebacker Tyrice Knight, who registered an impressive 95 tackles, spearheads this effort alongside Kobe Hylton, a vital asset in the secondary.
On the other hand, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks are ready to make their FBS debut in the 2023 season. After clinching the ASUN conference championship in 2022, they transitioned from their FCS journey to the broader landscape of FBS.ย The college football betting picks tonight favor the Gamecocks to secure a victory in this game.
