Rumble in the Desert: SMU/UTEP Prediction Thread

[Junior]

smu 100
utep 0

or maybe smu 35-14

[Harry0569]

SMU (5-4) at UTEP (5-4) Nov. 6, 9:05 ET

Here’s The Deal … While SMU is still thinking West Division crown, it remains on very shaky ground with three games left. One of the league’s disappointments of late, the Mustangs haven’t looked good in a long time. Even in snapping a two-game losing streak last weekend, they needed to rally in the fourth quarter just to beat Tulane. The first order of business in El Paso is to become bowl eligible with a sixth win on Saturday night. UTEP, too, will be looking to unlock the postseason door, though this will be its fourth try. The Miners have imploded since a 5-1 start, losing consecutive games to UAB, Tulane, and Marshall. Yeah, injuries have been a factor, but so has a recurring theme of poor finishes under head coach Mike Price. Road trips to Arkansas and Tulsa await, so they better capitalize on the final home game of the year.
Why SMU Might Win: The Mustangs will be looking to get well against a host that’s doing absolutely nothing right these days. UTEP is sputtering on offense and has eight sacks all season. Far from peerless, at least SMU knows it can still move the ball. Kyle Padron has thrown 22 touchdown passes and Zach Line leads Conference USA at more than 100 yards a game on the ground. Throw in the big-play ability of receivers Aldrick Robinson, Cole Beasley, and Darius Johnson, and the Mustangs could be in the clear by the time they reach 21 points.
Why UTEP Might Win: Although SMU can score, it’s not as if the team is putting up points like a typical June Jones-coached offense. In fact, the Mustangs have managed a modest 27 points a game, a number the Miners are capable of reaching. When not banged up, QB Trevor Vittatoe and RB Donald Buckram are top talents, who are capable of taking over games. Vittatoe has thrown twice as many touchdown passes as picks, and Buckram is finally healthy enough to get 15-20 touches a game. In Kris Adams, UTEP harbors one of the more dangerous receivers in the conference.
What To Watch Out For: Ja’Gared Davis continues to be one of the quiet stars of the SMU defense and a player that the program will build around for the next couple of seasons. A linebacker with the mentality and closing speed of a defensive end, he ranks among the Conference USA leaders with 13.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. With Vittatoe hobbled, he could be easy prey for No. 56, who gets around the tackle in the blink of an eye.
What Will Happen: It’s all relative. SMU has played poorly, but UTEP has been worse. Even at home, the Miners will struggle to climb out of the ditch, bowing to the Mustangs’ ability to run it with Line and throw it with Padron. There’s a familiar feeling of late season despair creeping into the UTEP locker room, which will be as big a hurdle as anything SMU throws its way.
CFN Prediction: SMU 28 ... UTEP 20 … Line: SMU -7

[Pony_Fan]

I'd like to see NO TURNOVERS for once and at least one takeaway!!
As Jones pointed out - we were about +10 at this time last year.

[Harry0569]

I'd like to see NO TURNOVERS for once and at least one takeaway!!
As Jones pointed out - we were about +10 at this time last year.

I would like to see some turnovers as well, but I would rather be a stout defensive squad, rather than an opportunistic defensive squad. The Saints are struggling this year as opposed to last year because they relied on creating turnovers. They are not doing that this year, and are 5-3 [which is not bad at all]. I feel that is what is happening with SMU as well.

Let's stop Buckram and Vittatoe, or at least limit their production. I feel confident in our abilities, and hope that THIS is the game that we play a complete game.

[docabel]

SMU 30
UTEP 28

[HB Pony Dad]

Ponies 34
Mimes 20

DOME BAR CELEBRATION YES!
JUAREZ NOT!

PONY UP
FIGHT ON

[BUS]

SMU by one and I will be happy.

If we play up to our potential - 45 to 10 SMU.

[smupony94]

17-13

[rich59]

It is going to be a dogfight and like most close games decided by the kicking game.
School of Mines-28
SMU-24

[95mustang]

SMU 34
utep 24

Go Ponies! Beat the Miners!!!

[SMUSportsTalkNow101]

Hate this game. SMU 29, UTEP 26 (or the other way around)

It is a hard fought, very close game with whoever has the ball last probably winning.