In a CUSA showdown, the UTEP Miners (0-0) are set to face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0-0) at Burgess-Snow Field in JSU Stadium on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
During the previous season, UTEP’s offense averaged 377.6 yards per game, placing them 74th in the FBS. Their defense ranked 39th, allowing an average of 351.2 yards per game. In contrast, Jacksonville State boasted the 37th-ranked defense, conceding an average of 22.9 points per game. Their offensive performance was even stronger, ranking 11th with an average of 36.2 points per game.
For those seeking to watch the game, this article provides comprehensive details on how to catch the action on CBS Sports Network.
How to watch UTEP Miners vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks FCS football today!
- Date: Saturday, August 26, 2023
- Time: 5:30 PM ET
- Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Live Stream: Watch this game on PremiumTV
- City: Jacksonville, Alabama
- Venue: Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium
You can watch UTEP football vs JSU live online without cable through PremiumTV, don’t miss the college football season games in a bundle package. Try PremiumTV to get live access UTEP vs Jax State game today.
UTEP vs. Jacksonville State Key Statistics (2022)
| UTEP | Jacksonville State | |
|---|---|---|
| 377.6 (87th) | Off. Yards Avg. (Rank) | 423.6 (38th) |
| 351.2 (23rd) | Def. Yards Avg. (Rank) | 436.8 (102nd) |
| 167.2 (55th) | Rush Yards Avg. (Rank) | 251.0 (5th) |
| 210.4 (93rd) | Pass Yards Avg. (Rank) | 172.6 (101st) |
| 21 (98th) | Turnovers (Rank) | 3 (83rd) |
| 16 (84th) | Takeaways (Rank) | 0 (79th) |
UTEP vs JSU football preview for FCS College football Week 0
Anwar Lewis from Jacksonville State maintained an impressive average of 7.1 yards per carry last season, consistently avoiding yardage loss. His return is anticipated, even though he is currently not listed within the top two spots for some unspecified reason. Assuming he takes the field, JSU’s running back situation appears promising. On the flip side, UTEP needs to fill the void left by last year’s top performer, Ronald Awatt. However, Deion Hankins seems ready to seize the spotlight and make a significant impact.
Receivers: Slight advantage to UTEP
This shift in favor of UTEP might not have been anticipated six months ago. The comeback of Tyrin Smith has played a crucial role in aligning their receiving corps. Additionally, Kelly Akharaiyi appears primed to step up as a solid second option. JSU struggled to have a receiver average 40 yards per game last season, mainly attributed to their heavy reliance on the running game.
Offensive line: Marginally favoring UTEP
Both teams heavily rely on their experienced offensive lines. In terms of experience, UTEP’s offensive line is particularly seasoned, boasting an impressive 120 combined starts. While an established FBS program would typically hold an advantage over a team transitioning to FCS, JSU has demonstrated competence at the FCS level.
Defensive line: Slight edge to UTEP
As mentioned before, the long-standing FBS program claims the advantage in this category. UTEP is expected to rotate numerous players on their defensive line, leveraging their substantial depth – a major asset against a newly minted FCS program like JSU. Nevertheless, the Gamecocks present a seasoned and validated unit. Notably, Chris Hardie, their end, achieved 5.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in the previous season.
Linebackers: Leaning towards UTEP
The potential for Tyrice Knight to contend for the C-USA player of the year adds considerable strength to UTEP’s linebacker corps. Complementing him, James Neal seems ready to step up in the upcoming season. In contrast, the Gamecocks face the challenge of incorporating two new starters into their linebacker lineup.