UTEP vs. Nebraska (Week 1): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

The Nebraska Cornhuskers kick off their 2024 season by hosting the UTEP Miners at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. This Week 1 matchup offers an intriguing storyline as Nebraska aims to build on its development under head coach Matt Rhule, while UTEP looks to find its footing with first-year head coach Scotty Walden. Here’s everything you need to know about the game, including how to watch, betting odds, injury updates, and an in-depth analysis of what to expect when these two teams clash.

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How to Watch UTEP vs. Nebraska

The UTEP vs. Nebraska game will be broadcast live on Fox at 3:30 PM Eastern Time. This early afternoon game provides a perfect kickoff to the college football weekend, showcasing a Big Ten team against a determined C-USA squad. Tune in to Fox to catch all the action live from Lincoln.

Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline

For those interested in betting on this game, understanding the betting lines is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the current odds and what they mean:

• Point Spread: Nebraska is a 27.5-point favorite in this game. This means that for a bet on Nebraska to win, they must win the game by more than 27.5 points. If you bet on UTEP with the spread, they would need to either win the game outright or lose by fewer than 27.5 points for the bet to pay off.
• Total (Over/Under): The total for this game is set at 49 points. Betting the “over” means you’re predicting that the combined score of both teams will exceed 49 points. Betting the “under” means you expect the total score to be 49 points or fewer.
• Moneyline: Nebraska’s moneyline is set at -3500, meaning a $3500 bet would win you $100 if Nebraska wins. UTEP’s moneyline is +1200, which means a $100 bet on the Miners would win $1200 if they pull off the upset.

The current betting odds imply a score of around 38-11 in favor of Nebraska, highlighting their status as heavy favorites at home.

Injury Report

Nebraska is dealing with several injuries heading into this game, which could impact their ability to cover the spread. They have lost starting tackle Prochazka for the season, along with defensive end Tagaloa and linebacker Wright. Additionally, wide receiver Bell is out for the season with a knee injury, and defensive backs Gradney and Turner are both out. The Cornhuskers’ kicker, Tristan Alvano, is listed as probable with an undisclosed injury.

These injuries could play a significant role in how Nebraska approaches this game, especially given their depth concerns and the importance of staying healthy early in the season.

Game Analysis

Nebraska Overview:

The Nebraska Cornhuskers enter this game under the leadership of head coach Matt Rhule, who is in his second year with the program. Rhule has a history of rebuilding programs, and Nebraska fans are hopeful that he can return the Cornhuskers to prominence in the Big Ten. Nebraska’s strength lies in their defensive line, which is expected to be one of the best units in the conference. The Cornhuskers also have a young quarterback in Rhule, who is viewed as the future of the program.

Offensively, Nebraska’s success will depend on the development of their quarterback and the performance of an offensive line that was hampered by injuries last season. With several key players returning and some talented newcomers, there is optimism that the Cornhuskers can improve on their 2023 performance.

However, Nebraska has struggled in recent years to cover large spreads, especially at home. They are 1-5 against the spread in their last six games as a three-touchdown favorite or more, all of which were at home. This trend, combined with the injuries and a freshman quarterback making his first start, makes it challenging to predict a blowout victory.

UTEP Overview:

The UTEP Miners come into this game with plenty of uncertainty under first-year head coach Scotty Walden. Walden is tasked with revitalizing a program that has struggled in recent years and will look to build a foundation in his first season. UTEP’s strength is expected to be their ability to run the football, but they face a tough challenge against Nebraska’s stout defensive line.

UTEP’s offense will likely focus on trying to control the clock and keep Nebraska’s offense off the field. The Miners are considered one of the biggest question marks in college football this season, with many unknowns on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, UTEP will need to find ways to pressure Nebraska’s young quarterback and force mistakes. The Miners’ ability to stay within striking distance will largely depend on their defense’s ability to hold up against Nebraska’s rushing attack and make key stops in critical situations.

Matchup Strengths and Weaknesses:

In this UTEP vs. Nebraska matchup, the Cornhuskers have a clear edge in talent and experience, particularly on the defensive line. Nebraska’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage could make it difficult for UTEP to establish their run game, forcing the Miners into passing situations that favor Nebraska’s defense.

On the other hand, UTEP’s best chance for success lies in their ability to capitalize on Nebraska’s injuries and force the young quarterback into making mistakes. If UTEP can generate pressure and create turnovers, they could keep the game closer than the spread suggests.

However, given Nebraska’s history of struggling to cover large spreads and the numerous injuries they are dealing with, UTEP might have an opportunity to stay within the number, especially if they can control the tempo and limit Nebraska’s offensive possessions.

Prediction:

Considering the factors at play, including Nebraska’s injuries and UTEP’s potential to exploit those weaknesses, it is likely that Nebraska will win the game, but UTEP could cover the spread. Expect a closer game than the odds suggest, with a final score prediction of Nebraska 31, UTEP 14.

Pick: Take UTEP to cover the 27.5-point spread.

Conclusion

This matchup between UTEP and Nebraska is a great opportunity for both teams to set the tone for their seasons. With Nebraska looking to solidify their standing under Matt Rhule and UTEP aiming to show improvement under Scotty Walden, this game has plenty of intrigue for college football fans.

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