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UTEP's Thursday game in the Sun Bowl against Sam Houston State was supposed to be one of the easier games on the schedule when it was released, but the Bearkats certainly don't look like pushovers now.

Sam Houston, which won three of its last four games last season, is off to a 4-1 start after upsetting Texas State from behind. The Miners, on the other hand, are still striving for their first win of the season after a 0-4 start.

UTEP can see improvement in every game but has yet to translate it into a win. Sam Houston is the 11-point away favorite in a game that will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.

UTEP miners

Where:El Paso

Record 2024: 0-4

streak: Lost 7

trainer: Scotty Walden, first season (34-24 career)

Total insult: 321.8 yards per game (111th)

Total defense: 413.2 yards per game (107th)

Offense of the miners

UTEP is making a change at quarterback as Cade McConnell is back under center, where he was the last time the Miners won a game (against Sam Houston to be specific).

The Miners have established playmaking receivers in Kam Thomas and Kenny Odum, so next on the to-do list is finding a spark for their running game. That will be due to an offensive line that appeared to take a step forward in the second half against Colorado State.

Defense of the miners

The UTEP defense made another effort that gave them a chance to beat Colorado State, and while they weren't good by the numbers, they appear to be better by the eye test.

The Miners were better against the run than the pass, as they only had one interception this season. Their ability to put pressure on quarterbacks has been a fluke and is an area where UTEP will look to improve this week.

Injury update

UTEP linebacker Jalen Rayam is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury and will miss at least the first part of the year. Offensive player Juan Camacho Jr. is out with an arm injury. Receiver Jaden Smith is questionable with a lower-body injury.

Players to watch

After a strong second half against Colorado State, he's back at the helm as a replacement for Skyler Locklear. McConnell has completed 60 percent of his passes this season.

Kenny Odum, WR

The Austin Peay transfer had a 128-yard receiving game against Colorado State and now has three touchdown catches this season, matching his total from last year.

Maurice Westmoreland, bandit

Westmoreland is coming off its best game of the season but is still waiting for its first sack. In this game, getting a pass rush is crucial for UTEP.

Sam Houston State Bearkats

Where: Huntsville, Texas

Record 2024: 4-1

streak: 3 won

trainer: KC Keeler, 11th season (88-36)

Total insult: 378.0 yards per game (81st)

Total defense: 341.0 yards per game (62nd)

Bearkats offense

The Bearkats are running an options offense. Quarterback Hunter Watson is the team's leading rusher, followed by running backs Jay Ducker and DJ McKinney.

Qua'Vez Humphreys leads a speedy group of wideouts that have been good enough to keep defenses from running away this year. Watson completed 57% of his passes.

The weakness is protecting the passer as opponents have 12 sacks this season.

Bearkat Defense

UTEP coach Scotty Walden said Sam Houston has one of the best defenses the Miners have faced this year. “They chase the football as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. They are extremely athletic.”

Safety Caleb Weaver is the team's leading tackler with two interceptions, and linebacker Trey Fields is next in tackles.

Players to watch

Hunter Watson, QB

In terms of numbers, Watson is the strongest quarterback UTEP will face this year. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Watson averages 127 rushing yards per game while completing 57% of his passes.

Jay Ducker, RB

The graduate transfer had a 148-yard rushing game against Hawaii earlier this year. The next option after Watson, he averages 56 yards per game on the ground.

Caleb Weaver, S

Weaver is the leading tackler, averaging 7.0 per game. He also has two interceptions and a team-high four pass breakups.

Bret Bloomquist can be reached at [email protected]; @Bretbloomquist on X

On By John Fenwick

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