In a rare twist of events this November, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has the potential to make a significant impact on the college football playoff race when they face off against the 10th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday. Despite UTEP’s struggle this season, holding a record of 2-8, their recent victory against Kennesaw State may give them an unexpected jolt of momentum. However, they are entering this contest as heavy underdogs, with Tennessee favored by 41.5 points following a tough loss to Georgia that has placed their playoff aspirations in jeopardy.
The matchup is set to begin at 11 a.m. Mountain Time (1 p.m. Eastern) at Neyland Stadium. For fans eager to watch, the game will be available for streaming on ESPN+ and SEC+. The broadcast team includes Lowell Galindo on play-by-play, Foz Whitaker providing color commentary, and Marilyn Payne as the sideline reporter.
In terms of injury updates, UTEP will be missing cornerback AJ Odums and receiver Kam Thomas due to non-football injuries. Additionally, quarterback Cade McConnell is sidelined after wrist surgery, and safety Lantz Russell is ruled out due to a concussion.
Looking at the broader context, while Tennessee is positioned as a favorite to win, the unpredictability of college football means that upsets can and do happen, offering fans a glimmer of hope for a thrilling matchup. Ultimately, regardless of the outcome, UTEP’s effort to compete against a ranked opponent can provide valuable experience for their program moving forward.
Summary: UTEP is set to face No. 10 Tennessee in a significant college football matchup this Saturday. Although the Miners are heavy underdogs, their recent win brings some momentum. The game will air at 11 a.m. MT/1 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and SEC+, with updates on player injuries and performance records influencing expectations. This encounter could showcase potential for surprise outcomes and further development for both teams as the regular season winds down.