Liberty Flames vs UTEP Miners Picks and Prediction for Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Use Code WWWC On Wednesday, the Liberty Flames (1-4, 0-1 CUSA) pay a visit to El Paso, Texas, and the Sun Bowl to play the UTEP Miners (1-4, 0-1 CUSA) in a Conference USA showdown. Liberty lost to Old Dominion 21-7 last time out. The Flames opened the season with a victory over FCS Maine, but have since lost four straight. UTEP was defeated by Louisiana Tech 30-11 last time out and has lost three straight. The Miners' only win of the season was over FCS UT Martin 42-17. Liberty will play without QB Ryan Burger and OG Cal Grubbs, while S Brylan Green is doubtful, and three others are questionable.
UTEP will play without WR Jaden Smith and LB Nate Dyman. Make sure to read this in-depth Liberty Flames vs UTEP Miners prediction. Kickoff confidence! Unlock expert insights with our NCAAF picks for the Liberty Flames vs. the UTEP Miners prediction.
Liberty needs more offense, while its defense is solid
The Liberty Flames score an average of 18.2 points per game, which is 126th, and allow an average of 23.2 points per game, which is 65th. Liberty's offense generates 167.2 yards rushing and 175.6 yards passing for 342.8 yards of total offense per game. Liberty's defense allows an average of 225 yards rushing and 162.8 yards passing for 387.8 yards per game.
Liberty quarterback Ethan Vasco has thrown for 763 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Vasko has completed 57.3% of his passes and has been sacked nine times. He also has rushed for 142 yards and two TDs. He was injured against JMU on Sept. 20 and missed their last game against ODU. Michael Merdinger came in a completed 6 of 11 for 77 yards. But Vasko (shoulder) is expected to return for this game.
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Evan Dickens leads all rushers with 344 yards and two touchdowns, with an average of 5.3 yards per carry. Donte Kee Jr leads the receiving corps with 261 yards and three TDs. Linebacker Derrel Farrar leads the Liberty defense with 36 tackles. Liberty's defense has made six quarterback sacks and intercepted three passes.
UTEP needs to improve on both sides of the line of scrimmage
UTEP scores an average of 20.8 points per game, which is 114th, and allows an average of 26.6 points per game, which is 92nd. UTEP generates 101.2 yards rushing and 244.8 yards passing for 346.0 total yards (101st) of offense per game. UTEP's defense allows an average of 154.8 yards rushing and 185.6 yards passing for 340.4 yards per game, which is 56th.
UTEP quarterback Malachi Nelson, who threw for just 73 yards on 18 of 38 passing with four interceptions in his last game against Louisiana Tech, has thrown for 1,142 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. Nelson has completed 55.6% of his passes and has been sacked 8 times. Hahsaun Wilson is the leading rusher with 205 yards and one touchdown, while averaging 6.6 yards per carry. UTEP's leading receiver is Kenny Odom with 23 receptions for 247 yards and an average of 10.7 yards per reception. Odom has caught two touchdown passes. Linebacker Micah Davey leads UTEP in tackles with 51. UTEP has made 15 quarterback sacks and intercepted five passes.
Liberty Flames vs. UTEP Miners Pick
Spread Pick for Liberty Flames vs. UTEP Miners
- Liberty Flames -2.5 ( units)
Liberty faces a UTEP side that has struggled as well this season. UTEP is 3-10 in the last 13 at home and 4-16 in the last 20 overall. Against the spread, the Miners are 2-3 this season, covering only a 39.5-point spread as underdogs against Texas. Liberty has a solid ground game, averaging 167.2 yards rushing, and will take advantage of a poor UTEP defense against the run, allowing 154.8 yards per game on the ground, which is 84th. The Flames will grind out a win on the ground, mixed with passes to keep the UTEP defense on its heels. On defense, Liberty’s defense, which is 22nd against the pass, allowing 162.8 yards per game, will shut down the strength of UTEP on offense, its passing game, which averages 244.8 yards per game.
Over/Under Pick for Liberty Flames vs. UTEP Miners
- Under 46.5 (4 units)
The total has finished under in six of Liberty's last seven games. The total has also finished under in eight of UTEP’s last 10 games played during week 7. Liberty is 0-2-1 over/under in the last three games played, while UTEP is 2-3 over/under in its first five games of the regular season. Liberty is only scoring an average of 18.2 points per game, which is 126th. UTEP scores an average of only 20.8 points per game, which is 114th.
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