The Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX, will be buzzing with excitement as the UT Martin Skyhawks take on the UTEP Miners in Week 2 of the 2025 college football regular season. Scheduled for a 9:00 PM kickoff on September 6th, this night game will be broadcast on ESPN+, providing a prime-time slot for both teams looking to rebound from opening losses.
UT Martin enters this game after a 27-7 loss to Oklahoma State, where the Skyhawks struggled offensively, managing just 109 passing yards and 116 rushing yards. With a 0-1 record, the Skyhawks aim to secure their first win on the road, despite the challenges they faced in their season opener.
Similarly, the UTEP Miners are eager to notch their first victory after a 28-16 defeat at the hands of Utah State. Playing at home for the first time this season, the Miners will look to capitalize on familiar surroundings and a supportive crowd to improve on their early-season performance. With both teams eager for success, this game promises an engaging spectacle for fans and players alike.
UTEP vs UT Martin At a Glance
- Game Location: Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX
- Game Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 9:00 PM
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Weather Forecast: Not specified
- UT Martin Record: 0-1 this season
- Betting Odds: UTEP Miners favored at -196
UTEP Miners Set Sights on Upcoming Game Challenges
Team Overview
The UTEP Miners kicked off their 2025 regular season with a challenging game against Utah State, which resulted in a 28-16 loss. Despite the setback, the Miners showed potential in their offensive plays, particularly with their first downs, where they matched Utah State with 18 each.
While the Miners’ passing game clocked in at 181 yards, it wasn’t enough to surpass Utah State’s 233 passing yards. The Miners’ rushing game also saw some action, yet the 103 rushing yards fell short compared to Utah State’s 129.
Key Players
Quarterback Malachi Nelson made a notable impact with 178 passing yards, ranking 95th in the league. His performance included one passing touchdown, placing him 63rd overall in that category.
Running back Ashten Emory contributed with a rushing touchdown and a total of 31 rushing yards. His performance is complemented by Kam Thomas, who led the rushing attack with 36 yards.
Offensive Strategy
The Miners’ offensive strategy will likely focus on enhancing their passing game, given their 181 passing yards in the first game. Wide receiver Kenny Odom has proven to be a key target, with 97 receiving yards and one touchdown in the opener.
The Miners need to work on their rushing yards, which ranked 92nd in the league. Improving the ground game will be crucial for them to maintain offensive balance and keep defenses on their toes.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, UTEP allowed 28 points against Utah State, ranking them 21st in points allowed. They will need to tighten their defense, especially in the secondary, to prevent big plays through the air.
While their defensive front was effective in securing six sacks, UTEP has yet to record an interception or recover a fumble. These turnovers could be pivotal in shifting momentum in future games.
Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Night Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
UT Martin Skyhawks: Aiming High in Upcoming Showdowns
Offensive Overview
The UT Martin Skyhawks have shown potential on offense, but their current statistics suggest room for growth. With just 7 points scored in their opening game, they rank 46th nationally, which may not instill much fear in their opponents.
Their passing game has been particularly underwhelming, managing only 109 yards and ranking 117th overall. Rushing yards are slightly better at 116, putting them at 84th, but they still have significant ground to cover.
Defensive Snapshot
The Skyhawks’ defense has been their stronger suit, allowing 27 points in their recent outing against Oklahoma State, ranking 20th. Their defense has been effective at applying pressure, with 2 sacks placing them 6th nationally.
However, their secondary needs improvement, as they have yet to record an interception this season. This could be a focal point for them moving forward, as forcing turnovers will be crucial to their success.
Key Players
Quarterback Jase Bauer leads the Skyhawks with 70 passing yards in their recent game. While it’s not a standout number, it’s clear he has the potential to improve as the season progresses.
Running back John Gentry showed some promise with 51 rushing yards. His ability to gain ground could be instrumental in helping UT Martin’s offense find its rhythm.
Upcoming Challenges
Next on the schedule for the Skyhawks is a road game against the UTEP Miners at Sun Bowl. This game presents an opportunity for UT Martin to refine their offensive strategies and tighten their defensive efforts.
Following UTEP, the Skyhawks will encounter Missouri State Bears at Robert W. Plaster Stadium. This away game could test their stamina and adaptability as they aim to secure their first win.
Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
UTEP vs UT Martin Prediction: Over 51.5
The UTEP Miners and the UT Martin Skyhawks enter this Week 2 contest with both teams looking to secure their first win of the season. Despite their 0-1 records, each team demonstrated the ability to put up points in their previous games. UTEP, in particular, posted 16 points, suggesting that they can contribute significantly to the scoreboard.
The Skyhawks, while managing only 7 points in their season opener, have a history from last year of scoring 30 points on average. Their offensive capability indicates they have the potential to bounce back in scoring production. Both teams’ defenses allowed an average of over 27 points in their respective first games, pointing to potential defensive vulnerabilities.
With both defenses showing room for improvement, this game could turn into a higher-scoring affair. The total set at 51.5 seems achievable given both teams’ offensive potential and defensive struggles. Factoring in these dynamics, the over 51.5 looks to be a compelling choice.
A projected scoreline of UTEP 28 – UT Martin 24 would edge the total over the line, reflecting a game where both teams capitalize on the other’s defensive lapses to reach the over. The Miners’ home-field advantage at the Sun Bowl could also play a role in their offensive success.
- UTEP vs UT Martin Prediction: Over 51.5
- UTEP vs UT Martin Score: UTEP 28 – UT Martin 24
