The start to the 2025 season hasn’t been bad for UTEP, but it also could’ve been better.
The Miners started off with a matchup at Utah State. Though they did lead early on, USU ended up pulling away and winning 28-16. Then UTEP hosted UT Martin and took care of business, winning 42-17.
Transfer quarterback Malachi Nelson has thrown for 456 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception on a 60% completion rate. Now the UTEP signal caller hopes to have the best performance of his career when taking on one of the top teams in the FBS.
UTEP will face No. 7-ranked Texas this week.
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UTEP vs. Texas Betting Odds
Texas is a -40.5 college football betting odds favorite against UTEP, with the Over/Under being 51.5.
UTEP vs. Texas On TV
The matchup between UTEP and Texas will be televised on the SEC Network.
The game will kick off at 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 13. The contest is taking place at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.
UTEP vs. Texas Prediction
I predict Texas will win but UTEP will cover the 40.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 51.5 total points.
Look, I think Texas is clearly the better team. The Longhorns nearly beat Ohio State to start the year and then defeated San Jose State, which is one of the better squads in the Mountain West, 38-7.
But I also don’t believe Texas will need to win by 41 points, similar to the SJSU game, before backups and third-stringers start entering the game. I also think UTEP is capable of putting up some points.
Miners quarterback Malachi Nelson threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns on 14-of-26 passing last week in a win over UT Martin, and Hahsaun Wilson ran for 117 yards and a TD. Wide receivers Kenny Odom (five catches, 124 yards, and a touchdown) and Toric Goins Jr. (three receptions, 105 yards, and a TD) could also make an impact after they each went over the 100-yard mark a week ago.
I expect Texas will win by about four touchdowns, but I don’t anticipate the final margin to be much more than that.
