Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. UTEP Miners Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 27, 2025
Use Code SSWC Get ready for an intriguing Week 5 Conference USA clash as the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs battle it out with the UTEP Miners in our Bulldogs vs. Miners prediction. Set to unfold at the Sun Bowl on September 27th at 9:00 PM ET, this game, airing on ESPN+, promises an intriguing matchup with two teams currently in different spots as Louisiana Tech is 3-1 (1-0 CUSA) while UTEP is 1-3 (0-0). With these teams looking to step up in this matchup, let's dive into the stats, injuries, and key insights to preview what's in store. Your Saturday scout: NCAAF predictions for Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. UTEP Miners you can trust.
Bulldogs Starting the Year Off Strong
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are getting ready to continue dominating on the offensive side of the ball as they are coming off a 30-20 home win over the South Miss Golden Bears on Saturday. They are currently 84th in the NCAA with 27.5 points per game scored. Louisiana Tech’s offense is led by quarterback Blake Baker, who has been able to complete 26-of-45 passes for 467 yards with a pair of passing touchdowns without any interceptions to begin the season. Their total offense stands at 332.2 yards per game (110th in NCAA), with rushing accounting for an amazing 166.0 yards (67th). The passing game has been brutal compared to the rest of the country, with an average of 166.2 yards per game (117th).
Defensively, the Bulldogs are giving up only 14.3 points per game right now, which is tied for 22nd. The team has struggled as they are allowing 364.5 total yards per game (78th), with their pass defense forcing incompletions, as they are allowing a 56.6 completion percentage through the first four games. The defense has put Louisiana Tech in an excellent position to be successful this season.
Injury Report for Louisiana Tech
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- Quarterback Trey Kukuk: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Jay Wilkerson: Undisclosed (Questionable)
Miners Looking to Snap Losing Streak
The UTEP Miners are looking to get back on track as they are coming off a 31-25 home loss against the UL Monroe Warhawks. The offense has been struggling as they are scoring 23.3 points per game this year, placing them tied for 101st. Quarterback Malachi Nelson has struggled under center as he completed 82-of-142 passes for 1,069 yards with eight touchdown passes to five interceptions while also running 17 times for -18 yards (-1.1 yards per carry) without any rushing touchdowns. As a team, they are ranked 92nd nationally in total yards, averaging 364.2 per game. UTEP’s passing offense, which averages 269.2 yards per game, should put them in a great position to move the ball down the field as they are 36th in the sport. The rushing game, contributing 95.0 yards per game (125th nationally), needs to figure out how to get going to open the playbook more.
The Miners’ defense is currently 83rd in the sport with 25.8 points allowed per game. They are also allowing an average of 367.5 total yards per game (80th), which makes things a bit more challenging. Their pass defense, in particular, has been holding its own, conceding 197.8 yards per game (60th). Their rush defense, allowing 169.8 yards per game, remains a concern for the defense as they attempt to get off the field without giving up points.
Injury Report for UTEP
- Wide receiver Kenny Odom: Shoulder (Questionable)
- Running back Kam Thomas: Lower Body (OUT)
- Wide receiver Jaden Smith: Knee (OUT)
- Linebacker Nate Dyman: Undisclosed (OUT)
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. UTEP Miners Pick
Spread Pick for Louisiana Tech vs. UTEP
- Louisiana Tech Bulldogs -175 (4 units)
Louisiana Tech has looked like the more complete team this season and should be able to control how this game looks. UTEP’s defense has struggled a bit this season, while Louisiana Tech’s worst showing was allowing 23 points to the LSU Tigers. The Bulldogs are hitting hard with four forced fumbles and getting their hands on passes as they add 25 pass deflections already. That type of pressure on the defensive side of things should make Malachi Nelson struggle and he has just three touchdown passes to four interceptions over his previous two games. All in all, go with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs to win at home.
Over/Under Pick for Louisiana Tech vs. UTEP
- Over 47.5 (4 units)
The ability to score should be there for these teams as they are able to take advantage of the opponent’s weaknesses. Louisiana Tech has been a strong running offense, averaging 42.0 rushing attempts per game while UTEP is giving up a smidge fewer than 170.0 rushing yards per game and are allowing 4.0 yards per carry. When the Miners are on the field, they are 47th in college football with 12.7 yards per completion, and the Bulldogs are allowing 12.3 yards per completion. Both offenses had good showings last week and Louisiana Tech is averaging 34.5 points in their two-game winning streak, so take over 47.5 total points to hit.
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