The Texas Longhorns will host the UTEP Miners in Week 3 of the 2025 regular season. Set in the iconic Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, the game kicks off on Saturday, September 13, at 4:15 PM. Fans can tune in on SECN to catch the action live. Both teams enter the game with identical 1-1 records. UTEP, representing Conference USA, looks to improve their road performance after an initial away loss against Utah State. Texas, ranked #7 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, aims to capitalize on their strong home-field advantage in the Southeastern Conference. Recent performances show UTEP’s notable win over UT Martin, scoring 42-17, while Texas convincingly defeated San Jose State 38-7 at home. As both teams strive to maintain momentum, the matchup promises a competitive display at the Longhorns’ home turf.
Texas vs UTEP At a Glance
- Game Location: Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 4:15 PM
- TV Channel: SECN
- Texas Longhorns Rank: AP #7, Coaches Poll #7
- UTEP Miners Moneyline Odds: +8000
- Texas Spread: -41.5 (-111)
Texas Longhorns: The Road Ahead for the Longhorns
Offensive Overview
The Texas Longhorns are coming off a regular season in 2024 where they ranked 5th in points with an impressive 528. Their passing game was particularly strong, achieving 4459 yards and a 4th place rank. This season, however, the team has seen a dip, posting only 45 points and ranking 48th.
While their passing yards have decreased to 487, putting them at 52nd, they still demonstrate potential. Their rushing game, though ranked 65th with 321 yards, shows room for improvement. First downs have been consistent, standing at 34 with a 30th rank.
Defensive Dynamics
The Longhorns’ defense has been solid in the current season, allowing only 21 points and ranking 13th. They’ve effectively pressured quarterbacks, achieving two sacks and securing a 9th place rank. Their ability to create turnovers is notable, with one interception and three fumbles recovered, ranking 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Last season’s defensive stats paint a different picture, with 245 points against them, placing them 58th. However, their sack count was higher at 46, ranked 4th, indicating a shift in their defensive focus this season. Turnover statistics also reflect a higher rank in fumbles recovered last year.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Arch Manning leads the charge with 465 passing yards in two games, ranking him 55th. His five touchdown passes place him 20th, highlighting his effectiveness. On the rushing front, CJ Baxter Jr. has gained 104 yards, though he hasn’t found the end zone yet.
Wide receiver Parker Livingstone is a standout performer, with 175 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His contributions have been vital to the Longhorns’ offensive efforts. On special teams, kicker Mason Shipley has been reliable, making six extra points.
Recent Game Performances
In their recent game against San Jose State, the Longhorns secured a convincing 38-7 win. Their offense produced 317 passing yards, while the defense restricted San Jose to just 188. However, their season opener against Ohio State ended in a 14-7 defeat, with both teams struggling to put up points.
Despite the loss, the Longhorns outperformed Ohio State in terms of yardage, gaining more rushing and passing yards. These games highlight the potential and areas for improvement in their play. Consistency will be key for the Longhorns moving forward.
Betting Trends
- The Longhorns have been strong at home, winning their last game at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
- Texas has covered the spread in recent games when favored by more than a touchdown.
- In games with a total set above 50 points, Texas has seen the under hit frequently.
The UTEP Miners Prepare for a Tough Away Game
Offensive Overview
The UTEP Miners have started the 2025 season with an average of 58 points scored, ranking them 36th nationally. Their passing game has contributed 459 yards, placing them 63rd in the rankings, while their rushing attack has added 297 yards, sitting at 74th. Despite these efforts, the Miners will need to sharpen their offensive strategies for upcoming challenges.
Defensive Insights
On the defensive side, the Miners have allowed 45 points against them, placing them at 35th in the rankings. The team has excelled in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, leading the nation with 10 sacks. However, they have yet to secure an interception this season, indicating room for improvement in their secondary.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Malachi Nelson has been a bright spot for the Miners, amassing 456 passing yards and 5 touchdowns in two games. Running back Hahsaun Wilson has contributed significantly to the ground game with 117 rushing yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Kenny Odom has been the primary target, catching 14 passes for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns.
On special teams, kicker Carlos Arreola has added consistency by making one field goal and five extra points. These key players will be pivotal as UTEP looks to improve their performance on the road.
Recent Game Performance
In their most recent game, UTEP defeated the UT Martin Skyhawks 42-17 at home. The Miners managed to overpower UT Martin despite having fewer first downs and slightly less passing yardage. Their rushing attack and defense played critical roles in securing the victory.
In contrast, their season opener against Utah State resulted in a 28-16 loss, highlighting the challenges they face in away games. The Miners matched Utah State in first downs but were outgained in both passing and rushing yards.
Upcoming Challenges
The Miners are set to play against the Texas Longhorns, presenting a significant test on the road at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. This game will require UTEP to demonstrate resilience and strategic adjustments to compete effectively. Upcoming games against Louisiana-Monroe and Louisiana Tech will provide additional opportunities to refine their strategies.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
Texas vs UTEP Prediction: Texas -41.5
In Week 3 of the 2025 Regular Season, the Texas Longhorns are set to play at home against the UTEP Miners. Texas, ranked #7 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, is a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference. With a home record of 1-0, they seem poised to dominate once again on their turf.
The UTEP Miners, hailing from Conference USA, have shown mixed performances this season with a 1-1 record. Their road record sits at 0-1, indicating struggles when away from home. Given their past performance against Texas, where they lost 59-3 back in 2020, the Miners may face another challenging game.
The odds set the Longhorns at a -41.5 spread with odds of -111, suggesting a strong expectation of dominance. Texas has demonstrated solid offensive and defensive stats, ranking 48th in points for and 13th in points against. With these figures, they are likely to cover the large spread against UTEP.
Given the offensive firepower and defensive capabilities of the Longhorns, I predict Texas will cover the spread comfortably. Expect Texas to end the game with a significant lead, possibly mirroring their previous encounter’s results.
- Texas vs UTEP Prediction: Texas -41.5
- Texas vs UTEP Score: Texas 59 – UTEP 10
