San Jose State Spartans vs UTEP Miners Prediction, 10/17/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: San Jose State Spartans vs UTEP Miners

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX

TV: MW+

Odds/Point Spread: Miners (+7.0)

Total/Over-Under: 47.5

The UTEP Miners (1-5) will go up against the San Jose State Spartans (3-3) at Sun Bowl on Saturday, October 17, 2026. San Jose State opens as 7-point favorites from Vegas oddsmakers. The over/under has been set at 47.5.

The San Jose State Spartans step onto the field holding a record of 3-3 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Spartans took the field against the Wyoming Cowboys and ended up losing by a score of 16-13. In all, they tallied 66 plays for 326 yds. The San Jose State Spartans ended up running the ball 28 different times and accrued 75 yards, which had them averaging 2.7 yds per attempt. Against the run, the Spartans conceded 231 yds on 53 tries, which is an average of 4.4 yds per rush surrendered. San Jose State surrendered 16 completions on 24 tries for 114 yards, and a completion rate of 66.7%.

The Spartans have earned 2,267 yards in total this season. When it comes to distribution of touchdowns, San Jose State has totaled 11 touchdowns via the pass and 2 rushing touchdowns. They have turned the ball over 8 different times. San Jose State has recorded 114 first downs as an offense, and they have been flagged for 35 infractions for 291 yds. As a team they are averaging 123.0 yards on the ground ranking them 114th in the country. Regarding putting points on the board, the San Jose State Spartans are averaging 21.0 points per game.

When talking about passing yards, the Spartans have conceded 1,405 yds which ranks them 109th in the country. They have surrendered 234.2 yards per contest through the air and allowed a completion percentage of 62.9%. Overall, they have relinquished 375.5 yards per game ranking them 93rd in the nation. They have allowed 7 touchdowns via the pass as well as 8 touchdowns running the ball. They are allowing 4.0 yards per rush and 141.3 rushing yards per game for the season. Overall, they have allowed 848 yards on the ground through 6 contests. The Spartans rank 72nd in D-1 concerning the opposition scoring, giving up 23.5 points per game.

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The Miners head into this matchup 1-5 for this year. When they last stepped on the field, the Miners took a loss by a score of 61-7 when they played the New Mexico Lobos. The Miners finished the contest with 270 yds and they ran 53 plays (5.1 yards per play). UTEP rushed the ball for 4.8 yards per tote, finishing the game with 169 yards on 35 carries. UTEP surrendered 42 attempts on the ground for 230 yds (5.5 yds per rush). The Miners passing defense gave up a completion rate of 73.9%, surrendering 262 yds on 17 out of 23 passing.

In terms of their scoring prowess, the Miners are sitting 133rd in the nation scoring 15.8 PPG. The UTEP Miners hold an average of 257.0 yards per contest, which ranks them 138th in Division 1. The UTEP offense has 336 penalty yds on 37 infractions, which is good for 68th in Division 1 in terms of making mistakes. They have tossed 5 interceptions while letting opponents recover 5 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 78 1st downs. Over the course of the season to this point, the Miners have compiled 781 yards through the air as well as holding an average of 130.2 throwing yards per game, which has them ranked 133rd in Division 1. They hold an average of 126.8 yards per game via the rush and have run for 761 yards for this year.

UTEP has surrendered a total of 1,121 rushing yards (186.8 yards per outing) as well as 12 touchdowns on the ground this year. They have conceded 13 touchdowns through the air as well as 206.8 yards/outing, which has them sitting 69th in the nation. This year, they have conceded 237 points. Their defense has earned 5 fumbles and 3 picks this year. The Miners defense has taken the field for 385 plays, which ranks 96th in D-1. The Miners are conceding 39.5 PPG, which has them sitting 135th in the nation.

Who will win tonight's Spartans/Miners college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Miners +7.0

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