vs.
Pick: UTEB -9,5 @ 1,92 Expekt
New Mexico is fresh off a ten point loss at home against Mizzou, cause the Tigers were able to move the ball on the ground and through the air. UTEP will have to step up and stop the run by putting the ball in Nelsons hands. He has the ability but doesn't complete a good number of pases, is less than 50% on the year. About 85% of the yards going to Marcus Smith makes him the game breaker.
UTEP needs to mix up coverage on Smith, if they don't show their hand they will get Nelson to throw into coverage and again Demps could have a huge game. UNM's defense, which had seemed to figure out the Tigers offense in the second and third quarters, gave up touchdown drives of 80 and 72 yards. This means UTEP can run underneath route and shout outs and continue LONG drives. Higgins speed is IMO too much for the NM defense and he can get deep on this secondary. My biggest concern is Palmer and his turnover prone play. He needs to settle down and make the right throw not the sportcenter highlight throw. Coming off a heartbreakering loss and having an extra week to plan I like what the miners offense is capable of doing in this game. 9.5 is a lot but off a loss and the rest UTEP should be ready to open this game up. Take ´em with handicap to bank.
GL @all [[smile]]
