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UTEP vs. Fresno State Prediction and Odds for New Mexico Bowl

By Reed Wallach

UTEP Miners linebacker Breon Hayward (17) runs 53-yards for a touchdown
UTEP Miners linebacker Breon Hayward (17) runs 53-yards for a touchdown / Dominic Gwinn / Hattiesburg American /
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UTEP is set to play in their bowl game since 2014 when they head to the New Mexico Bowl to face Fresno State.

Fresno State will be without their head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took the same job at Washington. Quarterback Jake Haener was reportedly set to join him at UW, but some eligibility concerns may keep him in the program.

Let's dive into some motivation questions and find the value in betting the New Mexico Bowl. But first, here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

UTEP vs. Fresno State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • UTEP: +11.5 (-110)
  • Fresno State: -11.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • UTEP: +340
  • Fresno State: -460

Total: 51 (Over -110/Under -110)

UTEP vs. Fresno State Betting Trends

  • UTEP is 7-5 ATS this season
  • Fresno State is 8-4 ATS this season
  • Fresno State is 6-4 ATS this season as a favorite

UTEP vs. Fresno State Prediction and Pick

I love this spot for the Miners, who should have all of the motivation to perform in their first bowl game since 2014.

Meanwhile, Fresno State had a deflating end to the year, missing out on the Mountain West Conference Championship game and lost their coach to a bigger job in Washington. However, after entering the transfer poral, Haener announced he will in fact return to school. That's massive for the pass happy Bulldogs offense that is top 10 in pass rate this season. Will he show up in this game, though, or is the locker room looking forward to the offseason.

UTEP is a decent pass defense, 30th in defensive pass success rate, but I see them as the right side due to motivation. Fresno's coaching staff is depleted coaching staff and lack of excitement heading to New Mexico will play a role in this one against a pumped up Miners team.

Bowl games operate differently than regular season games. There is an extra few weeks of practice and certain teams don't have the heart to compete hard enough with the season all but over. UTEP is a unique case with a real chance at accomplishing more and more this season. I'm expecting them to show up and play hard.

At over 10 points, I'm looking to bet UTEP to keep it close and maybe spring the upset.

PICK: UTEP +11.5

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