UTEP and North Dakota State Set for First-Ever Matchup in Fargo
The struggling UTEP Miners travel to face a formidable North Dakota State squad on Saturday afternoon at the Fargodome.
The UTEP Miners and the North Dakota State Bison are scheduled to face off for the first time in history on Saturday, October 31, at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on ABC and available for streaming on Fubo and MW+.
North Dakota State enters the contest as a heavy 24.5-point favorite, boasting a 6-2 record this season. The Bison are looking to rebound following a gut-wrenching 21-16 road loss to New Mexico last week. Known for playing stifling defense, North Dakota State is allowing just 12.5 points and 250 yards per game on average, holding opponents to 4.3 yards per play.
The Bison offense, however, is limping into the matchup with mounting injuries along the offensive line. Quarterback Nathan Hayes, who has thrown for 1,470 yards and 12 touchdowns this season while adding 207 rushing yards, was banged up during the loss to the Lobos. North Dakota State's traditionally dominant ground game has also been less explosive than usual, averaging 160 rushing yards per contest.
On the other side, UTEP enters the game enduring a difficult campaign with a 1-6 record under head coach Scotty Walden, who is halfway through his third season in El Paso. The Miners' offense has struggled against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) competition, averaging just 9.2 points per game and yielding 36 sacks and 68 tackles for loss, both ranking 137th nationally.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Miners are coming off a much-needed bye week that could provide a refreshed front seven on defense and better execution on offense. The switch to Raymond Moore III at quarterback has given the unit a more dynamic element with his running ability, while players like Kam Thomas, Jaden Smith, and Carver Cheeks add explosive potential in the passing game. Additionally, UTEP received positive injury news heading into the weekend, with running back Tavorus Jones, wide receiver Jaden Smith, and quarterback EJ Colson Jr. all available to play.
Oddsmakers have set the over/under total at 43.5 points, with sharp betting action driving the total down from an opening of 49 points. While North Dakota State's defense remains formidable, analysts anticipate a slower-paced contest as the banged-up Bison lean on a less explosive ground game against a feisty UTEP defense that allows only 205 passing yards per game.