Game Preview
On Friday, two squads that have yet to find their stride this year will square off in El Paso. While starting quarterback Hank Bachmeier is out with an injury, backup Jack Turner played admirably last week against Nebraska.
This week, Louisiana Tech travels to face UTEP on the road to open Conference USA action. Only twice this year have the Miners scored more than 14 points, and they still haven’t beaten an FBS opponent. Will the Miners be able to establish its offensive groove against a physical Louisiana Tech team?
Despite the Bulldogs changing quarterbacks, Smoke Harris has been one of the best five receivers this season, with 34 receptions on 37 targets for 365 yards and three touchdowns. The UTEP defense isn’t great, ranking below the top 100 in EPA/Pass against.
In the team’s 45-28 loss over UNLV, Gavin Hardison continued to struggle, completing just 14 of 31 passes for 225 yards and three interceptions. The quarterback was reportedly wearing an arm sleeve to practice earlier this week but reported feeling “great.” Hardison has thrown five touchdown passes and seven interceptions so far this year.
Both teams are struggling, but Louisiana Tech’s decent defensive play makes them the more confident pick. The Bulldogs are allowing opponents to complete just 52% of their passes this season, which ranks 11th in the country.
As a result of giving up at least 31 points in each of their last three games, UTEP’s defense is starting to look tired. The Miners have had a terrible stretch of games, ranking 116th in EPA/Play after being outscored by 69 points over their previous three contests. While allowing nearly three sacks each game, UTEP’s offense ranks 91st in yards per play.
While Bachmeier’s shoulder injury kept him out of the past game for Louisiana Tech, Turner has thrived under Sonny Cumbie’s air raid offense, completing 67% of his throws for 422 yards on 55 attempts.
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Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs UTEP Miners Game Information
- Date: 09/29/2023
- Time: 09:00 PM ET
- Location: Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX.
- How to Watch Louisiana Tech vs UTEP: CBS Sports Network
- Live Stream: fubo.tv
