Free College Football Picks Today: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs University of Texas at El Paso Miners 10/8/22

The Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs (1-3, 1-0 Home) get their Conference USA schedule underway at home against the University of Texas-El Paso Miners (3-3, 1-1 CUSA) at Joe Aillet Stadium on Saturday. The Bulldogs are three-point favorites, and the total is 52.5.UTEP is coming off a 41-35 win over Charlotte at Jerry Richardson Stadium last Saturday. Gavin Hardison threw for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Deion Hankins ran 20 times for 112 yards. Tyrin Smith caught four passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Louisiana Tech lost 38-14 to South Alabama at Hancock Whitney Stadium on September 24. Parker McNeil was 19 of 34 for 251 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions. Greg Garner carried seven times for 51 yards. Tre Harris hauled in six receptions for 85 yards.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Miners won the only game between the teams last season, a 19-3 victory in October. Deion Hankins had two touchdowns for UTEP.

TALE OF THE TAPE

The Miners are averaging 20.7 points per game for the season, 111th in FBS, and they are facing a Bulldogs defense that has surrendered 38.8 PPG (124th). Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech has scored 27.5 points a game this season, 86th in the nation, and UTEP is allowing 26.8 PPG (76th).The Miners rank 86th in the country in passing yards per game (221.5) and 102nd in rushing (124.7). Look for them to take advantage on the ground, as the Bulldogs are 128th in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (230.5). Against the pass, Louisiana Tech is 52nd (212.8).Louisiana Tech has been one of the nation’s least productive rushing teams, averaging 92.8 yards per game (121st), while ranking 34th in passing yards (278.5). The Miners are allowing 188.3 passing yards (30th) and 162.8 rushing yards per game (95th).

TOP PERFORMERS

Through six games, Gavin Hardison has thrown for six touchdowns (3 INT) and 211.0 yards per game to lead UTEP in passing. In three away games this season, he has three TDs (3 INT) and an average of 232.3 yards passing. Ronald Awatt leads the team in rushing with an average of 60.8 yards a game over six games. He has two touchdowns on the ground and one through the air. Tyrin Smith is the Miners’ leading receiver with 94.7 yards a game and four TDs. Parker McNeil has eight passing touchdowns (7 INT) with 225.2 yards per game through four games to lead Louisiana Tech. In one previous home game this season, he threw for three TDs (1 INT) and 197 yards. Marquis Crosby has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 62.0 yards a game through four games. He has three touchdowns. Griffin Hebert has been a key target in the Bulldogs’ aerial attack. He has three touchdowns and an 81.8 yard per game average through four appearances.