A pair of teams from Conference USA do battle on the gridiron in the Lone Star State searching for a victory. The UTEP Miners are on the road as they make the in-state trek to face the Rice Owls Thursday night. UTEP comes in off a 24-13 home loss to Middle Tennessee in their previous contest Saturday night. Rice was blown out 56-23 at home by Charlotte in their most recent contest Saturday. In the all-time series between the programs, Rice owns a 15-9 advantage though it was UTEP that picked up a 38-28 home victory in the most recent matchup back on November 20, 2021. Which school earns their fifth win of the season? We break it down.
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UTEP had their chances but couldn’t generate the offensive production necessary to take care of business against Middle Tennessee at home Saturday night. The Miners dropped to 4-5 overall on the season and stand 2-3 in Conference USA action. Against Middle Tennessee, UTEP rallied from a 10-0 deficit after the opening quarter to tie the game at 10 at halftime. In the second half, the Miners couldn’t sustain their offense and it cost them. Trailing 17-13 in the fourth quarter, UTEP gave up a 75-yard touchdown pass one play after closing the gap to four and couldn’t answer. UTEP was outgained 378-292 in total offense, gave up 20 first downs while picking up 19 while both teams turned the ball over once. The offensive disadvantage overshadowed the Miners’ 32:33 to 27:27 edge in time of possession.
The Miners come into this contest 85th in the FBS in passing offense with 224.2 yards per game through the air and 77th in rushing offense with 140.4 yards per game. UTEP is only 109th in scoring offense with an average of 21.3 points per contest and 76th in scoring defense as they allow an average of 27.4 points per game. Gavin Hardison has hit 156 of 297 passes for 1,941 yards with 10 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. Calvin Brownholtz is seven of 11 for 77 yards with two interceptions in his limited action. Ronald Awatt is the second-leading ground gainer for the Miners with 124 carries for 538 yards and two scores. Deion Hankins (110 carries, team-high 547 yards, two TD) is also in the mix to provide veteran experience in the backfield. Tyrin Smith leads the team with 56 receptions for 803 yards plus five scores. Reynaldo Flores (42 grabs, 472 yards, TD), Kelly Arkharaiyi (15 catches, 138 yards) and Jeremiah Ballard (10 grabs, 118 yards, TD) are reliable secondary targets in the passing game. Gavin Baechl e has hit all 19 extra point attempts and 17 of 18 field goal attempts with a long of 54 this season.