UTEP vs Sam Houston State Picks and Predictions for Wednesday, October 15, 2025

By: David Anicetti Published 10/13/2025, 12:26 AM ET

The UTEP Miners visit the Sam Houston State Bearkats on Wednesday at Shell Energy Stadium with the opening kickoff at 7:00 PM ET on CBSSN. UTEP is 1–5 (0–2 CUSA) after a 19–8 loss to Liberty. Sam Houston State is 0–6 (0–3 CUSA) after a 29–27 loss to Jacksonville State. Win big with our free college football previews.

UTEP Preview

Quarterback Malachi Nelson has 1,163 passing yards with 8 touchdowns and 9 interceptions on 55% passing. Kenny Odom leads the receivers with 300 yards and 2 scores, while Trevon Tate and Wondame Davis Jr. have been targets for short passes. On the ground, Hahsaun Wilson has 208 yards, and Ashten Emory has 141 yards with 2 touchdowns.

Pass protection is a key area as the pocket has been pressured often. UTEP has allowed 13 sacks (10 on Nelson), and long-yardage downs have hurt drives. Linebacker Micah Davey anchors the defense with 63 tackles. Udoka Ezeani has provided pressure from the edge with 4 sacks and help from Elijah Baldwin and Ashaad Hall. A strong performance from Nelson and big gains from Wilson, and Emory can set up short throws and keep the offense moving the chains.

Sam Houston State Preview

Quarterback Hunter Watson has 754 passing yards with 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, and also leads the team with 208 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs. The running backs alternate, with Alton McCaskill at 197 yards and Landan Brown at 132 yards. Elijah Green is the top receiver with 133 yards and a touchdown, while several other receivers have also contributed.

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Pass protection has also been an issue for the offense. The Bearkats have allowed 21 sacks, and negative plays have stalled red-zone chances. Linebacker Antavious Fish leads with 40 tackles. The secondary has produced takeaways with Emon Allen picking off two passes, and Chauncey Chidi has 2 sacks up front. If Sam Houston State can move the chains with big gains on first and second down, as well as not committing turnovers.

UTEP vs Sam Houston State Prediction

Both teams need to make fewer mistakes, but UTEP has the better overall talent on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Miners’ front seven will put pressure on Sam Houston’s quarterback and force the Bearkats into committing costly turnovers. Final Score Prediction: UTEP Miners win and cover ATS 24–20.