“Weekday CUSA” returns to Ruston in Week 9, where the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs host the UTEP Miners at Joe Aillet Stadium in a crucial game for both teams. Who will come out on top?
Our UTEP vs. Louisiana Tech prediction covers all the key details, from the latest betting odds to each team’s outlook for the rest of the 2024 college football season.
UTEP vs. Louisiana Tech Betting Preview
All UTEP vs. Louisiana Tech odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Louisiana Tech -6 - Spread
Louisiana Tech -6.5 - Moneyline
Louisiana Tech -250, UTEP +205 - Over/Under
49 points - Game time
8 p.m. ET - Location
Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, LA - Predicted Weather at Kick
51 degrees, clear, 5 mph winds - How to Watch
CBS Sports Network
Tuesday night marks the 21st edition of UTEP vs. Louisiana Tech, and it’s a matchup that the Bulldogs have had the better of historically. Sonny Cumbie’s team is 16-3-1 in the all-time head-to-head and hasn’t lost to their CUSA foe in Ruston since 2004. UTEP has beaten Louisiana Tech just twice this millennium.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Using the CFN FPM spread this past weekend, we jumped out to what this line was likely to be at Louisiana Tech -6. Vegas concurred on Sunday when the Bulldogs opened at -6.5.
UTEP is coming off just its second cover this season and fails to cover by an average of 1.6 points, whereas Louisiana Tech is 3-3 ATS this fall while covering, on average, by 0.4 points.
UTEP’s Winning Probability
According to the CFN FPM, UTEP only has a 33.6% chance of beating Louisiana Tech on Tuesday night. However, it is worth noting that since getting their first win of the season last time out, that probability has ballooned from 26.2%.
- at Louisiana Tech: 33.6%
- vs. Middle Tennessee: 50.6%
- vs. Kennesaw State: 71.6%
- at Tennessee: 0.1%
- at New Mexico State: 49.2%
If those win probabilities were to hold true, UTEP would end the 2024 season with a 3-9 record — the same as in the final season under Dana Dimel. However, the game against the New Mexico State Aggies factors in a road disadvantage, so there is a chance of ending the season with a year-on-year improvement.
Louisiana Tech’s Winning Probability
Conversely, Louisiana Tech has a 66.4% chance of winning this game. Although their loss last week has impacted how the CFN FPM views the Bulldogs, they are still a significant favorite to get the job done on Tuesday night.
- vs. UTEP: 66.4%
- at Sam Houston: 35.9%
- vs. Jacksonville State: 47.2%
- at Western Kentucky: 21.9%
- vs. Arkansas: 17%
- vs. Kennesaw State: 80.6%
If those win probabilities were to hold true, Louisiana Tech would end the 2024 campaign with a 4-8 record. That would be the most single-season wins for the Bulldogs since the disrupted 2020 season. However, the pressure will likely be mounting on head coach Cumbie after three consecutive losing campaigns.
Prediction for UTEP vs. Louisiana Tech
UTEP heads to Ruston riding high after their first win of the 2024 college football season and the inaugural victory of the Scotty Walden era. The Sun Bowl was alive with celebration. Now the Miners aim to carry that momentum into their matchup against a Louisiana Tech team that fell victim to an overtime upset against New Mexico State in Week 9.
Can the Miners make it two wins in a row? Will the Bulldogs rebound with a victory on their home turf? Who holds the advantage, and where will the critical battles be fought?
UTEP faces a couple of key injuries that could impact their chances on Tuesday night. Quarterback Cade McConnell, considered the steadier option under center, is missing from the initial depth chart after head coach Walden announced on Friday that his season could be over.
Additionally, defensive back AJ Odums is absent from the early depth chart and is expected to consult with a specialist regarding an undisclosed injury. The former New Mexico standout has been a key playmaker, leading the team in pass breakups (4) and ranking second in interceptions (1), despite being sidelined since the loss to Colorado State in late September.
While much of the focus will be on UTEP’s quarterback situation, the team came to life against FIU with a revitalized ground game led by Jevon Jackson. Between Jackson and Ezell Jolly, the Miners have posted consecutive 100+ yard rushing performances. However, they face a tough challenge from the Bulldogs’ top-ranked rush defense in CUSA, which allows just 104.17 yards per game and has conceded only eight rushing touchdowns.
Louisiana Tech’s defensive strength should be enough to contain the UTEP offense. Meanwhile, a UTEP defense that has allowed 6.03 yards per play and the third most touchdowns in the conference could give young Bulldogs quarterback Evan Bullock the opportunity to strengthen his connection with standout wide receiver Tru Edwards.
Prediction: UTEP 21, Louisiana Tech 28
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