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North Texas vs. UTEP Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 0

By Reed Wallach

UTEP's Tyrin Smith (1) at the New Mexico Bowl against Fresno State in Albuquerque, NM, on Saturday,
UTEP's Tyrin Smith (1) at the New Mexico Bowl against Fresno State in Albuquerque, NM, on Saturday, / GABY VELASQUEZ/ EL PASO TIMES / USA
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Week 0 gives us a treat on Saturday as we actually get a conference showdown in Conference USA.

UTEP had one of the best years in recent memory, going over .500 for the first time in more than a decade. They now look to build on that strong season under Dana Dimel and take a step forward as a conference contender; welcoming North Texas to El Paso.

Who has the edge in this one with the game lined as a coin flip?

Here are the odds from consensus sportsbooks:

North Texas vs. UTEP Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • North Texas: PK
  • UTEP: PK

Moneyline:

  • North Texas: -115
  • UTEP: -105

Total:

  • 54.5 (Over -115/Under -105)

North Texas vs. UTEP Betting Trends

  • UTEP went 8-5 against the spread last season, 5-3 vs. Conference USA opponents
  • UTEP went 5-1 straight up at home last season
  • North Texas went 6-2 ATS in conference play last season
  • North Texas won five of their last six games last season

Need help with your college football futures bets? BetSided's Reed Wallach welcomes Ken Barkley, AKA "Locky Lockerson" of You Better You Bet to the debut episode of "The Early Reed!"

North Texas vs. UTEP Prediction and Pick

This number has been trickling since the opening line of North Texas -2, and I agree with the move. I am quite bullish on this UTEP team this season and think they are a dark horse to win the conference in 2022.

The team returns a stout defense that allowed less than four yards per rush in 2021. Eight starters return on that side of the ball, including 2nd Team all conference linebacker Breon Hayward who had 108 tackles last season.

On offense, key contributors are back; including quarterback Gavin Hardison, who showcased a big arm with 3,217 passing yards, but prone to turnovers after throwing 13 last season. However, he does have several starting linemen back along with his top two running backs, namely Ronald Awatt.

The North Texas side has a few more questions as they must replace arguably their two best pass rushers in Gabriel and Grayson Murphy to the transfer portal. As well, they lose their standout running back DeAndre Toerry, who rushed for 1,357 yards last season.

I don't subscribe too much to the North Texas run to end last season and make a bowl game, especially with erratic quarterback Austin Aune under center again (9:9 touchdown to interception ratio).

At home, I think UTEP is the better team and think they jump start their big season with a win.

LEAN: UTEP ML (-105)

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