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Posted at 4:30 PM EST. 

UTEP -9½ over NEW MEXICO ST.

9:30 PM EST. New Mexico State played a pair of games last season, but to say they were glorified exhibitions would be more accurate. We're putting little stock into that limited action and therefore suspect that the Aggies could stumble out of the gate, having not played any meaningful football in quite some time. The last time they did, in 2019, the Aggies went a dismal 2-10.

The Miners of UTEP played an eight game slate in 2020 and return their entire offense, which figures to serve them well here considering they increased its scoring rate in each of the last three years. Continuity could be key early in this season, as some programs are playing catchup after limited action a year ago. The Miners will feature an experienced offensive line that should be able to open things up for Deion Hankins and if the Aggies porous defense can somehow stop the run, a crop of veteran receivers (Jacob Cowing & Justin Garrett) should be there to help quarterback Gavin Hardison and the offense stay on the attack. The Miners have improved every year under head coach Dana Dimel and considering the circumstances, their 3-5 record last season is a big positive to build on. Do not forget that UTEP had to play all of its games on the road because of the pandemic. To ask the Aggies, who are likely to be rusty here, to stay within this range is unreasonable.

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