The Aggies fell in a 45-41 shootout two weeks ago, but were able to win last week against Vanderbilt, moving them to 6-2 on the season. This one should be little more than a tuneup, although there will be plenty to work on -- A&M’s defense has been horrible all season, save for one performance against SMU.
How to watch UTEP vs. Texas A&M: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
The real question is not if A&M will win, but how many points they’ll allow.
Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
UTEP has not won since September, when they beat up on New Mexico State, 42-21.
The numbers
Rankings and records: No. 12 Texas A&M is 2-0 all-time against UTEP.
Vegas: Texas A&M opened as a 45.5-point favorite. The over/under opened at 76.
Weather: Weather in College Station should be no problem. Forecast calls for sunny skies.
Three names to know
Mike Evans (Texas A&M wide receiver) - Evans has already passed 1,100 yards receiving on the season, a total that would rank 116th in the country among FBS teams. That’s right. Mike Evans has more receiving yards than some entire teams have passing yards. It is mindboggling to think what he might do to UTEP, especially after shredding much better defenses already.
Matt Joeckel (Texas A&M quarterback) - If this game gets out of hand, expect to see plenty of Luke's younger brother, who will be in contention to take over Johnny Manziel's throne. Joeckel has completed 22 of 37 passes this season for 293 yards, largely in mop-up duty.
Roy Robertson (UTEP defensive lineman) - UTEP's defensive front has been largely anemic all year, totaling just six sacks. Robertson leads that crew with 2.5, but his primary responsibility will be keeping Manziel in containment. Good luck with that.
Two things at stake
An SEC West title is almost certainly out of the picture, but A&M can always jockey for possible BCS position with a better record. Remaining games against No. 13 LSU and No. 9 Missouri will allow them to do just that, as will extremely winnable matchups with UTEP and Mississippi State.
Not much, for UTEP. Winning would be a monumental accomplishment and keep bowl hopes alive for at least another week.
How to witness
TV: 9:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2 (Mark Jones, Brock Huard, Jessica Mendoza)
Radio: Texas A&M radio affiliates | KOFX 92.3 FM | Maria 1650AM
Online streaming: WatchESPN. XFINITY subscribers can watch the game here.
Further reading
Good Bull Hunting has the Texas A&M coverage on lockdown.
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