Tulsa is coming off a close loss to a "name" team. This happened last year when they lost close to Arkansas. The next week they traveled to Houston and got mopped by 40 points (30-70). I see a similar letdown spot here, as Tulsa will be overconfident following last year's destruction of UTEP.
UTEP has had 13 days to prep for this game. Their QB Vittatoe is the same guy who threw for over 300 yards against Tulsa last year, including three TD's in the first quarter. Tulsa is starting a different QB this year from last year (Johnson gone, Kinne in). I think Tulsa will use more a rushing attack after Memphis ran for more than 200 yards against UTEP last week. This will keep Tulsa's scoring chances somewhat limited and opens the door for a close game, especially if UTEP can cause a turnover or two.
Vittatoe is prone to the INT, but if he protects the ball, UTEP will be able to move it. Tulsa's matchup last week vs Boise was not nearly as close as the score says. Boise only attempted three passes in the entire 4th Qtr, they were content to shut off the scoring and run the clock out.
If you take the Boise game away, Tulsa has played the most cupcake schedule of any FBS school. And we saw what they did ON THE ROAD against an Oklahoma team that didn't even have Bradford in the line-up.
Meanwhile, UTEP stunned Houston at home and played last week at Memphis without two DB's who will be in the line-up tonight (Cromartie and Amy).
This game is on ESPN, it's UTEP's superbowl. UTEP hangs close on a combo of preparation, motivation, revenge factor, and letdown spot for Tulsa. Finally, Tulsa looked bad on the road against an atrocious Rice team. UTEP is far better and has a great coach who will have them ready. Home team has won the last five meetings.
My play: UTEP plus the points (waiting 'til kickoff to hopefully get +9 or even +10)
UTEP has had 13 days to prep for this game. Their QB Vittatoe is the same guy who threw for over 300 yards against Tulsa last year, including three TD's in the first quarter. Tulsa is starting a different QB this year from last year (Johnson gone, Kinne in). I think Tulsa will use more a rushing attack after Memphis ran for more than 200 yards against UTEP last week. This will keep Tulsa's scoring chances somewhat limited and opens the door for a close game, especially if UTEP can cause a turnover or two.
Vittatoe is prone to the INT, but if he protects the ball, UTEP will be able to move it. Tulsa's matchup last week vs Boise was not nearly as close as the score says. Boise only attempted three passes in the entire 4th Qtr, they were content to shut off the scoring and run the clock out.
If you take the Boise game away, Tulsa has played the most cupcake schedule of any FBS school. And we saw what they did ON THE ROAD against an Oklahoma team that didn't even have Bradford in the line-up.
Meanwhile, UTEP stunned Houston at home and played last week at Memphis without two DB's who will be in the line-up tonight (Cromartie and Amy).
This game is on ESPN, it's UTEP's superbowl. UTEP hangs close on a combo of preparation, motivation, revenge factor, and letdown spot for Tulsa. Finally, Tulsa looked bad on the road against an atrocious Rice team. UTEP is far better and has a great coach who will have them ready. Home team has won the last five meetings.
My play: UTEP plus the points (waiting 'til kickoff to hopefully get +9 or even +10)
