FACTS & STATS: Site: Sun Bowl Stadium (52,000) -- El Paso, Texas. Television: CSTV. Home Record: USM 2-3, UTEP 3-2. Away Record: USM 3-2, UTEP 1-4. Neutral Record: USM 0-0, UTEP 0-0. Conference Record: USM 4-3, UTEP 2-4. Series Record: Series is tied, 1-1.

GAME NOTES: The Texas-El Paso Miners search for their first win in over a month, as they entertain the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in Conference USA play at Sun Bowl Stadium this weekend. The Miners' losing ways continued last weekend, as they suffered a 34-19 setback at Tulane. It was the fourth consecutive loss by UTEP, which hasn't won a game since a 48-47 triumph over Tulsa back on October 6th. Now at just 4-6 overall and 2-4 in league play, the Miners return back home, where they are 3-2 this season. This is the final home game of the season for UTEP. As for USM, it also comes into the contest on a down note, dropping a 29-26 decision to Memphis this past weekend. The loss was the team's second in three games, as it fell to an even 5-5 overall and 4-3 in conference play. The Eagles though, now hit the road, where they have gone a perfect 3-0 against league foes this season. This is the last conference game of the season for USM, which is 1-1 all-time versus UTEP on the gridiron.

Offensively, the Eagles have done a respectable job during this campaign, as they are producing 26.8 ppg behind 385.9 total ypg. The unit has had a majority of its success on the ground, where it is gaining 186.4 ypg. Last weekend, though, USM was slowed down, amassing only 306 total yards (147 rushing) in a 29-26 loss to Memphis. Damion Fletcher paced the team in defeat by rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown on 21 totes. For the year, Fletcher has now rushed for 1,087 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he is just one of three players in school history to have eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau in two straight seasons. Quarterback Jeremy Young wasn't all too effective last weekend, however, as he threw for just 123 yards, with a touchdown and interception. Young has missed some time due to injury, and he is averaging just 144.9 passing ypg for the year. The versatile gun slinger is dangerous with his legs, though, ranking third on the team with 209 rushing yards. Young, however, has accounted for just 10 total touchdowns (seven passing) and that just isn't enough for a player at the quarterback position.

USM's defense hasn't been as strong as in years past, as the unit is currently giving up 24.3 ppg and 358.4 total ypg. The team is surrendering 130.9 ypg on the ground and 358.4 ypg through the air, and it has forced 20 turnovers. Last weekend, the Eagles were torched by Memphis for 422 total yards, with 396 of those yards coming through the air. The unit also allowed 15 points in the final 4:21 of the 29-26 loss, and that includes a four-play, 76-yard drive that was capped with game-winning 52-yard touchdown pass by Memphis with just over a minute to go. Brandon Sumrall paced the team in the loss with 11 tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned 82 yards for a score. Sumrall leads the team with four interceptions on the season, and he also ranks second in tackles with 82.

The Miners have had success moving the ball and putting points on the board this season, as they are averaging 434.0 total ypg and 35.3 ppg. The offense has shown is can run (162.0 ypg) the ball effectively, but it has thrived through the air, passing for 272.0 ypg. Last weekend, UTEP racked up 412 total yards, but it managed just 19 points in a loss to Tulane. The team made only 3-of-13 third down tries and it also came away with no points in 2-of-4 red zone chances. Marcus Thomas, though, continued his fantastic season, as he rushed for 124 yards and a score, in addition to catching seven balls for 68 more yards. On the season, Thomas has gained 1,061 yards on the ground to lead the team, and he has 16 total touchdowns (14 rushing) to his credit. Quarterback Trevor Vittatoe has also enjoyed a successful campaign and last weekend hew threw for 308 yards and a touchdown on 28-of-43 pass attempts. It was another solid effort from Vittatoe, who has passed for 2,519 yards this season, with 22 touchdowns against a mere four interceptions. Jeff Moturi has clearly been his go-to-guy, and he leads the team with 49 catches, 720 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Last weekend, Moturi caught just four balls for 26 yards, but he did haul in a touchdown pass.

UTEP's losing record can be directly attributed to its defense, which is allowing 35.3 ppg and a whopping 500.9 total ypg. The unit has been abused on the ground (185.9 ypg) and through the air (315.0 ypg), although it has forced 26 turnovers (16 interceptions). Last weekend, the Miners gave up 208 rushing yards and 235 passing in a 34-19 loss to Tulane. The defense did force a single turnover in the contest and it allowed Tulane to convert on 7-of-15 third down attempts. Braxton Amy posted 13 tackles in the setback, giving him a team-best 97 stops for the year.

The Miners will surely put up their points this weekend, but it remains to be seen if they can slow down an opponent. Still, UTEP has played well at home this season and with a strong offensive showing, it should be able to come out on top in a close one this weekend.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Texas-El Paso 35, Southern Mississippi 31

Saturday, November 17th, 7:30 p.m. (et)