The UTEP Miners are no new opponent for the Tennessee Volunteers, having offered their punching-bag services three times. However, they have only met once since 1990, with the Vols securing a surprisingly low-scoring 24-0 victory in 2018. Should we expect a similar result in Week 13?
Our UTEP vs. Tennessee prediction breaks down the matchup, offering key betting insights to help you make smarter, more confident picks.
UTEP vs. Tennessee Betting Preview
All UTEP vs. Tennessee odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. The CFN Spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Tennessee -30 - Spread
Tennessee -42 - Moneyline
N/A - Over/Under
52.5 points - Game Time
1:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, Nov. 23 - Location
Neyland Stadium | Knoxville, Tenn. - Predicted Weather at Kick
49 degrees, 3 mph winds, mostly cloudy - How To Watch
SECN+/ESPN+
There is no moneyline for this contest because, to put it simply, UTEP has no chance of winning. But can it cover the over 40-point spread?
November is the Miners’ month, as they are 6-1 ATS in their past seven contests. Perhaps more importantly, the Vols have struggled to cover in recent weeks, going 1-5 ATS in their last six.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
While UTEP is just 2-8 on the year, it has done its part in scoring (and allowing) points, with the over cashing in four of its previous six bouts.
The same can’t be said for Tennessee, which has seen the under hit in five of its last seven.
UTEP’s Winning Probability
The Miners aren’t in the conference race and are mathematically eliminated from bowl eligibility. So, what are they playing for? Pride? They know they aren’t defeating the Vols, but they’ll have one last shot at a 2024 victory against the New Mexico State Aggies next week.
- at Tennessee: 0.6%
- at New Mexico State: 52.5%
Tennessee’s Winning Probability
The Vols are right in the thick of the SEC standings mess. A win over UTEP won’t help there, but it pushes them one week closer to a conference title and a spot in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.
- vs. UTEP: 99.4%
- vs. Vanderbilt: 80.6%
Prediction for UTEP vs. Tennessee
UTEP has conceded 40+ points to three teams this season (Nebraska, Sam Houston, and Western Kentucky) — none of them are on Tennessee’s level. The Vols played two comparable programs to the Miners this season and dropped 60+ on both (69 vs. Chattanooga and 71 vs. Kent State).
Sometimes, analysis is that simple — the Vols score 60+ in this one. Now, because I’m here to give you some bang for your buck, let’s dive a little deeper.
Tennessee is coming off a tough loss to the Georgia Bulldogs (31-17) and needs a bounce-back. Meanwhile, UTEP is fresh off an emotional high, defeating the Kennesaw State Owls 43-35.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
First-year head coach Scotty Walden doesn’t have a winning team, but he does have a bold one. The Miners have gone for 21 fourth downs this season; they’ve picked up just seven (33.3%, 126th).
Unfortunately for them, the Vols’ defense is the best on money downs (26.7%). But if UTEP somehow gets to the red zone, they won’t score many points. They are *checks note* 132nd in red-zone efficiency (68%) — UT is tied for ninth in red-zone efficiency allowed (71.9%).
Take Tennessee to win, cover, and hit the over on their own in this one.
Prediction: Tennessee 62, UTEP 6
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