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NCAA Football

Miners vs. Golden Hurricane Preview/Pick

The UTEP Miners go at it against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane this week in a Saturday Football matchup. We preview and pick this week 8 clash.

NCAAF Week 8 Wagering – UTEP Miners at Tulsa Golden Hurricane

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) has been sailing along with one of the most explosive offenses in the country. On Saturday the Hurricane hopes it doesn’t lose momentum as it touches ground, as it hosts the MIners of the University of Texas at El Paso (3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS) in an NCAA college football matchup that is slated to kick off at 8 PM ET at Chapman Stadium (artificial turf) in Tulsa, OK.

Saturday, October 18
BetUS NCAA Football Betting Odds: TULSA -17.5, Total 76.5

Here are some of the NCAA college football betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* UTEP has covered three of its last 10 games
* UTEP has lost nine of its last 12 games SU
* UTEP has played four of its last six games OVER the total
* UTEP has lost four of its last five road games SU
* UTEP has played seven of its last ten road games OVER the total
* TUL has won its last seven games SU
* TUL has covered five of its last six games
* TUL has won and covered four of its last six games

If Tulsa was a school that got much national attention, David Johnson might be mentioned prominently as a Heisman Trophy contender. Johnson, a senior who finally got a chance to play this season after the graduation of star QB Paul Smith, has completed 67% with 26 TD’s and 11.4 yards an attempt, both of which are best in the nation. He is also the NCAA Division I leader in passing efficiency. Of course it is no mystery, then, that Tulsa is #1 in both total offense and scoring offense.

It’s the balance, however, that makes the Golden Hurricane a particularly special offensive unit. Four different runners – Tarrion Adams, Charles Opeseyitan, Jamad Williams and A.J, Whitmore – have over 200 yards and are in the Conference USA top 20 in rushing. This is a tough team to stop.

But can THEY stop anybody? The Golden Hurricane has surrendered 269 yards a game through the air, and has had to depend thus far on simply bludgeoning the opposition into submission. June Jones’ SMU club, however, gave Tulsa some anxious moments last week before a UT fourth-quarter rally secured a 37-31 win.

When you look at UTEP, the Miners have the capacity to contend here. Trevor Vittatoe (12 TD’s, 4 INT’s) sure is capable. And he’s got a hot hand, having completed 60% of his passes with 10 TD’s and one interception in his last three games. Under veteran Smith’s leadership, Tulsa rang up 648 yards but was edged out 49-48. This year’s meeting has the makings of a similar barn-burner. Let’s grab points with UTEP, the 17.5-point underdog in the BetUS NCAA college football betting odds.

Our PLAY: UTEP +17.5 **

By Cappers Picks

Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"