UTEP coach Sean Kugler led the Miners to their first bowl game in five years last season and has done a solid job rebuilding the program quickly in his third year. So too has Arkansas coach Brett Bielema in his third season, and the Hogs won seven games including a bowl game last year with a very strong finish to the season.
The Razorbacks are far too physical and strong for UTEP in this opening game.
ODDS
The Arkansas Razorbacks are a 33-point favorite over UTEP with a total of 50.5.
Arkansas finished last season 5-1 ATS and its defense pitched a pair of home shutouts against top-20 SEC teams.
KEY MISMATCH
Arkansas’ offensive line and running game against UTEP’s defense:
The Razorbacks have a dominant rushing attack with the SEC’s top-rated offensive line. The Miners allowed 5.2 yards per rush last season against a schedule of unranked opponents. Against run-heavy teams they allowed 410 rushing yards and 7.9 yards per rush to New Mexico, 256 and 6.0 to Louisiana Tech and 259 and 5.9 to MTSU.
This match-up will be ugly at the point of attack as the Razorbacks go hog wild with their running game that averaged 43 attempts per game last season averaging 218 rushing yards per game at 5.1 yards per rush while playing eight top-20 teams.
KEY STAT
Arkansas’ defense finished top-10 in the country last year allowing 323 yards per game.
The Razorbacks return nine players on offense. The unit rushed for 218 yards per game and 5.1 yards per rush against a top-rated schedule. UTEP allowed 177 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per rush last year and returns just five starters on defense.
UTEP rushed for just 59 yards against its toughest opponent last season at Kansas State and the Miners allowed six rushing touchdowns in a 58-28 beat down.
BETTING ANGLE
UTEP is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 road games and has failed to cover each of its last six run-ins with SEC opposition.
Arkansas is 5-0 ATS in its last five non-conference games, 6-1 ATS in its last seven home games and 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games overall.
The ‘under’ cashed in Arkansas’ final five games last year.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Four Arkansas defensive starters moved on to the NFL, but coach Bielema has the most talent along the line since he arrived in 2013. While they must replace their top tackler at linebacker, there is strength in the secondary with three returners from a solid backfield.
The Hogs made rapid improvement on defense over their final five games while facing four top-10 teams to close the regular season.
UTEP plays a similar style to Arkansas on offense with a power rushing attack that tries to control the ball and limit penalties. They play at a slow and methodical pace with a heavy ground and pound rush attack. But the Miners will have trouble moving the ball and they have a small sophomore quarterback with limited experience. Not turning the ball over was crucial for the Miners last season, but they will be overpowered physically by the bigger Hogs.
The theme for UTEP under third-year coach Sean Kugler is that his teams have struggled when it faces physical, smash-mouth, disciplined teams. That won’t change in their opener against Arkansas.
Arkansas 47, UTEP 10
The college football odds for this game were first available at BookMaker Sportsbook. The Arkansas Razorbacks were pegged as 33-point chalk while the total opened at 50.5. Minute-by-minute spreads, totals and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The game between the UTEP Miners and Arkansas Razorbacks will start at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 5, 2015, at War Memorial Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPNU.
