UTEP Miners @ Houston Cougars
Football: United States: NCAA 2010
Friday, 10th September 2010 - Kickoff 10:15PM ET


The UTEP Miners visit the Houston Cougars Friday night in what should be an entertaining game with lots of offense. The Cougars are currently 20-point favorites for this game against their in-state rivals and the line on total points has been set at 74.5.

UTEP upset Houston last year 58-41, getting out to a quick lead. Houston scored almost at will, but could not stop the UTEP offense. Houston was 14.5 point favorites for that game.

The story for Houston has always been offense and QB Case Keenum is back again this year. Barring injury, he will probably set several all-time NCAA records in this his final year.

Houston beat Texas State 68-28 last week. They led 54-7 at half-time before pulling most of their starters against their much inferior opponent. Keenum threw for 274 yards and 5 touchdowns just in the first half.

UTEP also has a talented QB back for this season. Trevor Vittatoe led a great UTEP offense last year, but there is some concern as he has shoulder surgery in the offseason. They will make most of their yardage with their talented running backs.

UTEP only beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 31-10 last week. Vittatoe was decent, but did not throw any touchdown passes as all the scoring came from the running game. UTEP was without 3 suspended players who will be back for this game.

This game has been a shootout in the last 5 years. There has been an average of 76 points scored. But the total has been 75 or higher in 5 of those games. One game really brings the average down.

The over is also 9-3 in UTEP's last 12 road games and 7-2 in Houston's last 9 September games.

74 is a lot of points, even for a college game, but I don't see how this one doesn't go over.

I also think it would be safe to add Houston to any accumulators, but probably not worth it based on the odds. The spread is too big for me to advise giving up 20 points.

The Pick :

Houston 45, UTEP 34

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Houston to win, although the price is too short to be of much value.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Instead consider taking OVER 74.5 points available on most books, including bet365 and Pinnacle @1.91.