Line: SMU by 7.
Series Record: SMU leads 9-7.
Last meeting: 2008, UTEP 36-10.
| What's at Stake |
|---|
SMU is one victory away from becoming bowl eligible. The Mustangs, who haven't been to a bowl game since 1984, rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat Rice last weekend. After beating Tulsa on Oct. 21 to force its way into the Conference USA race, the Miners have been scorched defensively the past games. UTEP has given up a combined 83 points and 841 yards in consecutive losses.
| Key Matchup |
|---|
UTEP's defense vs. SMU's offense. UTEP is 115th nationally in total defense. The Miners lost to Tulane despite getting 343 all-purpose yards from RB Donald Buckram. Freshman Kyle Padron was sacked five times and turned the ball over twice in his second career start against the Owls. SMU coach June Jones hasn't said if Padron or Bo Levi Mitchell, who has missed the last two games with an ailing left shoulder, would start.
| Players to Watch |
|---|
UTEP: QB Trevor Vittatoe has struggled one year after throwing for 3,274 yards and 33 touchdowns. He is barely completing 50 percent of his passes and has more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (9).
SMU: RB Shawnbrey McNeal has rushed for more yards (727) than the Mustangs had as a team in 2008 (497).
