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The Fresno State Bulldogs and the UTEP Miners have had some time off and are no doubt ready to hit the field. Bowl season is underway, and Fresno State and UTEP will compete for postseason bragging rights in the New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium at 2:15 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Bulldogs should still be riding high after a big win, while the Miners will be looking to right the ship.
Fresno State has more to be thankful for after their contest against the San Jose State Spartans three weeks ago. Fresno State was the clear victor by a 40-9 margin over SJSU. The matchup was all but wrapped up at the end of the third, by which point Fresno State had established a 33-9 advantage. It was another big night for their QB Jake Haener, who passed for four TDs and 343 yards on 36 attempts. Near the top of the highlight reel was Haener's 55-yard TD bomb to RB Jordan Mims in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, the Miners lost to the UAB Blazers on the road by a decisive 42-25 margin. QB Gavin Hardison had a pretty forgettable game, throwing one interception.
The Bulldogs are the favorite in this one, with an expected 11.5-point margin of victory. They are currently two-for-two against the spread in their most recent games, a trend bettors might want to take into account.
Two stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Fresno State is stumbling into the game with the 184th most thrown interceptions in the nation, having thrown ten on the season. UTEP has experienced some struggles of their own as they are 225th worst in the nation in thrown interceptions, having thrown 13 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
