UT Martin at UTEP Picks and Predictions for Saturday September 6 2025
UT Martin at UTEP Preview
The UT Martin Skyhawks face the UTEP Miners in a Week 2 college football matchup on September 6, 2025, at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN+. UTEP enters as a 13.5-point favorite with a moneyline of -550, while the over/under is set at 47.5 points, per BetMGM Sportsbook. This non-conference clash pits an FCS Skyhawks team, coming off a tough loss, against an FBS Miners squad looking to rebound at home. Elevate your betting game with expert College Football Betting Picks for top insights and winning strategies.
UT Martin Analysis
UT Martin opened the 2025 season with a 0-1 record after a 27-7 loss to Oklahoma State in Week 1. The Skyhawks struggled offensively against the Cowboys, managing just 134 total yards, but their defense showed resilience, holding OSU to 27 points. In 2024, UT Martin went 8-5, reaching the FCS Championship semifinals, indicating their potential to compete despite the step up in competition.
The Skyhawks’ offense averaged 26.2 points and 350.4 yards per game in 2024, led by quarterback Jase Bauer, who threw for 1,987 yards and 15 touchdowns last season but managed only 87 yards in Week 1. Running back Armoni Goodwin, with 1,102 rushing yards in 2024, is a key weapon. Defensively, UT Martin allowed 20.8 points per game last year but struggled against Oklahoma State’s run game, a concern against UTEP’s ground attack. 
UTEP Analysis
UTEP also started 2025 at 0-1, falling 28-16 to Utah State in their season opener. The Miners showed flashes of offensive potential but were undone by defensive lapses, allowing 28 points. In 2024, UTEP finished 2-10, but new head coach Scotty Walden’s up-tempo system sparked improvement in Week 1, particularly in the passing game.
The Miners’ offense averaged 16 points and 314 yards in Week 1, with quarterback Malachi Nelson, a USC and Boise State transfer, throwing for 205 yards and a touchdown. Running back Jevon Jackson added 87 rushing yards. UTEP’s defense allowed 28 points and 398 yards against Utah State, with weaknesses in pass coverage (8.1 yards per attempt) that UT Martin could exploit.
Standout Players and Key Injuries
For UT Martin, running back Armoni Goodwin leads the offense with his 2024 stats of 1,102 yards and nine touchdowns, while wide receiver Phaizon Wilson is a big-play threat with 42 catches last season. Linebacker JaMichael McGoy Jr. anchors the defense with 88 tackles in 2024. For UTEP, quarterback Malachi Nelson is the focal point, showing poise in his debut, while running back Jevon Jackson provides balance. Linebacker Dorian Hopkins led with 10 tackles in Week 1.
UT Martin has no major reported injuries, though Bauer’s limited output in Week 1 raises questions about his health. UTEP is without wide receiver Trey Goodman (hamstring), potentially limiting their passing options.
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Prediction Reasoning
UTEP’s home-field advantage at the Sun Bowl and their offensive improvements under Walden give them an edge over UT Martin, whose offense struggled mightily against Oklahoma State. The Skyhawks’ defense could keep the game competitive early, especially if they limit UTEP’s run game, but Nelson’s passing ability should exploit UT Martin’s secondary, which allowed 7.4 yards per pass in 2024. The Miners’ depth and FBS-level talent should wear down the FCS Skyhawks in the second half, leading to a comfortable victory, though UT Martin’s grit may prevent a total blowout. Final Score Prediction: UTEP 34, UT Martin 17.
Best Bets
- UTEP -13.5
- Over 47.5 points
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