What is the story about?
The
Michigan Wolverines have a Week 3 opponent that they should thoroughly dominate — the UTEP Miners.
Here’s a look at what you need to know about UTEP.
Fun facts
- Michigan is a 36.5-point favorite over UTEP.
- UTEP has struggled mightily in their history against top competition. The Miners are 4-63 all-time versus AP Top 25 opponents, with their last win coming in 2009 against Houston.
- This is UTEP’s first season in the Mountain West. The Wolverines 12-1 all-time against teams in the Mountain West.
- UTEP has finished over .500 just twice in the last 21 seasons.
Head coach profile
Scotty Walden is 36 years old and in his third season as UTEP’s head coach. Walden has a 6-20 record to this point. Prior to UTEP, Walden was the head coach of Austin Peay for four seasons, going 26-14.
Game results (1-1)
- Week 1: 51-o loss to Oklahoma
- Week 2: 51-10 win over Texas Southern
2026 Rankings
- Passing offense: 121
- Rushing offense: 58
- Total offense: 107
- Scoring offense: 91
- Time of possession: 120
- Third-down conversion % offense: 120
- Total defense: 60
- Team sacks: 80
- Passing yards allowed: 42
- Rushing defense: 93
- Scoring defense: 118
- Turnover margin: 70
- Fumbles recovered: 14
- Third-down conversion % defense: 103
PFF rankings
- Overall: 130
- Offense: 138
- Defense: 135
- SOS played: 29
Three players to watch
- QB EJ Colson Jr: 20-of-33 this season for 291 yards with four touchdowns, along with 74 rushing yards and a score. Colson threw for 16 touchdowns and four interceptions as QB1 for Incarnate Word.
- RB Tavorus Jones: Spent three seasons as a reserve player at Missouri and now has a chance to start for UTEP. Has carried the ball 21 times for 128 yards and a score.
- LB Jayden Wilson: Had 92 tackles and three forced fumbles last season. Is up to nine tackles this year.
