UTEP vs Western Kentucky prediction & betting tips - October 10 | College Football Week 7

The UTEP Miners go on the road to play the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT. The game can be seen on ESPNU.

UTEP is 0-5 this season as the Miners are coming off a 41-21 home loss to Sam Houston on Thursday. Western Kentucky, meanwhile, is 3-2 and coming off a 21-20 loss to Boston College on Sept. 28.

UTEP vs Western Kentucky: Preview

UTEP is a 19-point underdog on the road with the over/under set at 56 points.

The Miners have struggled mightily this season and are yet to win a game. Cade McConnell was the team's starting quarterback against Sam Houston and went 15-for-28 for 204 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Despite being winless, UTEP coach Scotty Walden acknowledged the team effort.

“We are making way too many mistakes to win Conference USA, FBS football games," Walden said, via Krod.com. "The thing that has to happen is to get to that tape and clean up our mistakes. I thought our mistakes were critical tonight and not minor...

“I am so proud of this team’s effort. I know people can’t see it, people on the outside who aren’t in these walls (of the UTEP facility) can’t see it, but we are slowly turning the corner. I truly believe that with our effort, attitude and approach to games."

On defense, UTEP has been led by KD Johnson who has 2.5 sacks, while Dorian Hopkins has 52 tackles. The Miners defense has just one interception in five games.

Western Kentucky, meanwhile, is coming off a 21-20 road loss to Boston College. In the loss, the Hilltoppers were led by quarterback Caden Veltkamp who threw for 232 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

It was a tough loss for Western Kentucky, and coach Tyson Helton said, via the team website:

"Tough one. Hats off to Boston College. They found a way to win. Proud of our guys. They kept battling and they made plays. We needed to find a way to win there at the end, but we didn't get it done. But we'll bounce back. We'll get back home and get ready for conference play. Our guys fought hard."

The Hilltoppers' defense is led by Devonte' Mathews who has two interceptions, while Kylan Guidry and Terrion Thompson have two sacks each. Mathews and Hosea Wheeler lead the team with 24 tackles.

Western Kentucky has played well this season, and after a bye, the Hilltoppers should be able to cruise to a blowout win.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 41, UTEP 17

UTEP vs Western Kentucky: Betting Tips

Tip 1: Western Kentucky -19 (-110)

Tip 2: Over 56 points (-112)

Tip 3: Cade McConnell to throw an interception.