FACTS & STATS: Site: Sun Bowl Stadium (52,000) -- El Paso, Texas. Television: CBSCSN. Home Record: UCF 1-1, UTEP 0-2. Away Record: UCF 0-1, UTEP 0-1. Neutral Record: UCF 0-0, UTEP 0-0. Conference Record: UCF 0-0, UTEP 0-0. Series Record: UCF leads, 1-0.

GAME NOTES: The Texas-El Paso Miners open their Conference-USA schedule at home against the UCF Knights this weekend at the Sun Bowl. The defending C-USA champion Knights dropped to 1-2 after last weekends 34-7 loss at Boston College. It was an especially disappointing loss for the Knights, in that it came on the heels of an overtime loss to 13th-ranked South Florida in their previous outing. The team is in the midst of a stretch in which it plays four of five on the road. The Miners not only hope to open their conference slate on the right foot, but they're also hoping to avoid a 10th straight loss dating back to last season. They came up short against New Mexico State last weekend, 34-33. However, the team is 3-0 in C-USA openers since joining the league in 2005. UCF won the only previous meeting between these two schools, 36-20 last season in Orlando.

The Knights are putting up just 16 ppg and they rank 114th in the nation in total offense (265.33 ypg). They are particularly woeful in the passing game, where they are averaging a mere 123 ypg. Michael Greco is more of a running quarterback, as evidenced by his team-leading 162 rushing yards. Ronnie Weaver has been stuffed repeatedly in the running game, averaging just 2.9 ypc in 54 attempts this season. Greco struggled big time against BC, completing 12-of-24 passes for 92 yards and three interceptions. He shared time with freshman Rob Calabrese, who was making his collegiate debut. Calabrese finished 4-of-8 for 37 yards and an interception.

Despite the final score, the UCF defense did do some good things against BC. For one, they intercepted quarterback Chris Crane three times. They also kept the Eagles off the scoreboard until the final minute of the first half. Of course, the Knights' fortunes changed dramatically in the second stanza. Crane scored on two third-quarter touchdown runs, and the Eagles scored on five of their seven second-half drives. They also kept drives alive by converting all three of their fourth-down opportunities. Jason Venson led the defense with nine tackles and an interception. Cory Hogue finished with eight tackles (two TFL), while Chance Henderson came up with a pair of sacks.

Injuries are the theme this week for the UTEP offense. Starting quarterback Trevor Vittatoe's status is doubtful due to a high ankle sprain. Running back Terrell Jackson (35 carries, 167 yds, TD) is also dealing with an ankle injury, although he is expected to play. Sophomore James Thomas II leads the team with 191 yards and two TDs on the ground. He has taken reps at both wideout and quarterback. After Vittatoe went down against NMSU, Thomas replaced an ineffective Kyle Wright under center, and guided the Miners to three scoring drives, including his own 44-yard touchdown scamper. Leading receiver Jeff Moturi (11 rec, 92 yds) is also probable, despite a bothersome hamstring. Even if Moturi is limited, the Miners do a good job of spreading the ball to different receivers. Head coach Mike Price has confidence that other players will step up.

The defense however, has been a major problem for the Miners. Currently, they rank 96th in the nation in total defense (418 ypg), 112th in scoring defense (39.33 ppg), and dead-last in pass efficiency defense (197.33). Given the way this defense has played, the only way the Miners figure to win is if they get into a shootout. They did a great job against the run last week, holding New Mexico State to 37 yards on 25 carries. But NMSU quarterback Chase Holbrook picked apart the secondary for 329 yards and five TDs. Josh Ferguson led the defense with nine tackles and an interception.

Keep an eye on special teams. UCF ranks in the top-12 in the nation in both punt returns and kick returns, and punter Blake Clingan ranks 15th in net punting. Those could each be huge factors in the field position game. In all likelihood though, this outcome will be decided by UTEPs injury concerns and porous defense.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: UCF 37, UTEP 27

Saturday, September 27th, 8:00 p.m. (et)