What a difference a weeks makes for the Michigan Wolverines, as they have re-earned favor in the eyes of many after upsetting the Oklahoma Sooners. Now, momentum feels like its building back to where it was before an embarrassing opener against Western Michigan. There’s still a lot to prove, and Michigan has another lesser opponent coming to The Big House before its first road game of 2026. If the Wolverines wind up victorious, they’ll start 3-0 for the first time since the 2023 National Championship
season.
No. 19 Michigan Wolverines vs UTEP Miners
- Day: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
- TV: BTN
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Weather: 66 degrees, cloudy
- Odds: MICH -34.5, O/U: 49.5
UTEP made the jump to the Mountain West Conference this offseason, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it was a promotion for an upcoming program. The Miners were 2-10 last season and have won less than four games in seven of the last nine seasons. They opened the season with a 51-0 drubbing in Norman where they were held to less than 200 total yards.
The Miner’s offense is predicated on quarterback EJ Colson Jr, a dual-threat Incarnate Word transfer. The sophomore is nearly split 50-50 in carries and passing attempts, totaling 28 rush attempts for 74 yards, and 33 pass attempts for 291 yards and five total touchdowns in two games; all five touchdowns and 288 of his total yards came against Texas Southern last week. Expect Michigan to stack the box and make Colson beat their defense with his arm, something he struggled to do under constant duress against the Sooners.
Looking at the game plan against Oklahoma, it’s clear Jason Beck wants to get Bryce Underwood more involved with his legs. His carries doubled from Week 1 to Week 2, and I suspect that will be reflected more often in this offense the rest of the season. Oklahoma had more than 400 yards of offense against the Miners, with 170 of it being on the ground. The Wolverines should have no problem replicating something similar, especially as they look to get the running backs and underutilized wideout Andrew Marsh more involved. It’ll be interesting to see how much more of the playbook is opened up this week after a positive performance from Underwood after he struggled in Week 1.
This feels like it could be a game Michigan showcases what it is capable of coming of the momentum of a big-time program win a week ago. There’s no excuses against a UTEP team that is likely a bottom-five FBS program. The Wolverines should cruise, but I also suspect them to get a big lead and get some playing time for their second units. It’s been pretty clear the defense is ahead of the offense, and I think there is a strong chance Michigan pitches a shutout or keeps UTEP really low scoring. It makes me lean towards the under here because of how strong the defense has been the first two weeks.
Best Bet: u49.5
Other Top Games of Week 3
- Fri, Sept. 18 @ 8 p.m. ET on FOX: No. 22 Houston Cougars vs No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders
- The Bet: TTU -7.5
- Sat, Sept. 19 @ 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC: Florida State vs No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide
- The Bet: Bama -20.5
- Sat, Sept. 19 @ 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC: No. 7 LSU Tigers vs No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels
- The Bet: Ole Miss +3
