How they match up: UTEP Miners at Rice Owls
For more than a decade the city of Houston was a black hole of misery for the UTEP football team, and while that changed with the slump-busting victory at Rice in 2018, the curse revived again two years ago with the cancelled game.
The drama this year should be on the field in a game where Rice is favored by 3.5 points.
More:C-USA standings
The Owls have won nine of the 12 games in this series played at Rice Stadium, a series that doesn’t have another game on the schedule.
Here is how they match up.
Quarterback Edge: Rice
Rice’s TJ McMahon and UTEP’s Gavin Hardison have similar passing numbers but McMahon is slightly more accurate and has more touchdowns. He also has better rushing numbers, though Hardison is evolving as a dual threat.
Running backs Edge: UTEP
Ronald Awatt and Deion Hankins have grown into the 1-2 punch UTEP was counting on and Hankins now has back-to-back 100-yard games. Rice also relies on a rotation of Cameron Montgomery and Ari Broussard.
Receivers Edge: Rice
UTEP is better than most teams at the top with Tyrin Smith, but Rice goes deeper than the Miners. There is some hope with the Miners that Kelly Akharaiyi is emerging as the No. 3 option UTEP was counting on when the season began.
Offensive line Edge: Rice
By the numbers its close: UTEP has allowed 22 sacks to Rice’s 21 in one fewer game and Rice has a 4.3-3.9 edge in yards per rush. UTEP is trending well on the line but struggled early with protection last week.
Defensive line Edge: UTEP
Jadrian Taylor is having an all-conference season, Praise Amaewhule finally got his first sack last week and the line is generally living up to its considerable billing.
Linebackers Edge: Rice
Both teams are led in tackling by linebackers: Tyrice Knight for UTEP and Chris Conti for the Owls. Rice runs a 3-4 defense and their top pass rusher, outside linebacker Josh Pearcy, would likely be termed an end in UTEP’s defense.
Defensive backs Edge: Rice
The Miners are still searching for more interceptions, as they have three on the season to Rice’s six. UTEP also needs to be better at minimizing big passing plays.
Special teams Edge: UTEP
UTEP kicker Gavin Baechle is making a case for All-American and as a Miner all-time great at his position. The return game has been poor for the Miners but Rice isn’t any better at that.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at 915-546-6359; bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: UTEP Miners at Rice Owls: How they match up on Thursday
