Weekday CUSA action kicks off on Tuesday night as the UTEP Miners head to Georgia to face the conference-leading Kennesaw State Owls.
This contest holds significant weight for both programs, with Scott Walden’s UTEP squad fighting to keep its bowl eligibility hopes alive. At the same time, Jerry Mack looks to maintain momentum in his debut season at the helm, with a conference title within reach.
The UTEP vs. Kennesaw State prediction preview breaks down key game details, examines the head-to-head history, and features exclusive PFSN player and team grades, offering in-depth insight into one of the week’s most compelling Group of Five matchups.
UTEP vs. Kennesaw State Details
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
- Game time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Fifth Third Stadium | Kennesaw, GA
- Predicted weather at kick: 49 degrees, cloudy, 7 mph winds
- How to watch: ESPNU
UTEP vs. Kennesaw State Head-to-Head Record
Tuesday night marks the second-ever meeting between UTEP and Kennesaw State, following the Owls’ move to Conference USA last year. The first matchup came during Kennesaw State’s inaugural CUSA season, with the Miners claiming a 43-35 victory in a high-scoring thriller in El Paso.
With UTEP set to transition to the Mountain West in 2026, this UTEP vs. Kennesaw State prediction could feature the final chapter in what’s shaping up to be a brief but memorable series.
UTEP vs. Kennesaw State Grades
- UTEP: 61.7 (D-)
- Kennesaw State: 74.5 (C)
- UTEP: 78.5 (C+)
- Kennesaw State: 74.6 (C)
- UTEP: 62.7 (D-)
- Kennesaw State: 68.3 (D+)
- Skyler Locklear, UTEP: 69.0 (D+)
- Amari Odom, Kennesaw State: 73.8 (C)
- Ashten Emory, UTEP: 64.3 (D)
- Coleman Bennett, 72.9 (C-)
- Kenny Odom, UTEP: 75.6 (C)
- Gabriel Benyard, Kennesaw State: 77.6 (C+)
- Judan Ezinwa, UTEP: 70.0 (C-)
- Gerard Bullock Jr., Kennesaw State: 72.7 (C-)
- Udoka Ezeani, UTEP: 71.8 (C-)
- Marcus Patterson, Kennesaw State: 72.4 (C-)
- KD Johnson, UTEP: 75.1 (C)
- Tylon Dunlap, Kennesaw State: 79.2 (C+)
- Micah Davey, UTEP: 72.4 (C-)
- Baron Hopson, Kennesaw State: 76.3 (C)
- Marcell Blocker, UTEP: 77.7 (C+)
- Caleb Offord, Kennesaw State: 85.7 (B)
- Chace Biddle, UTEP: 74.8 (C)
- Antonio Stevens, Kennesaw State: 81.2 (B-)
UTEP vs. Kennesaw State Prediction
The opening game of college football Week 10 sees UTEP and Kennesaw State clash in a matchup that carries equal importance in unequal ways. The 5-2 Owls are undefeated in CUSA play and can secure a bowl season berth with a win on Tuesday night, while the Miners come into the game with a losing conference record, contributing to their 2-5 overall record.
This UTEP team hasn’t been as bad as its record states. Defensively, they’ve allowed 24.1 points, which is middling in CUSA, but they’ve been relatively strong in limiting the ground game. Only one team in the conference has given up fewer yards per carry (3.81) despite facing a barrage of run-heavy attacks and being involved in games that they had to play from behind.
That stubbornness against the run will be tested by a Kennesaw State offense that currently ranks fourth in the conference for rushing yards per game. The Owls have one of the most explosive rushers in the country at their disposal in Coleman Bennett, while Alexander Diggs and quarterbacks Amari Odom and Dexter Williams II make for a dangerous rushing attack.
However, what makes the Owls truly dangerous is that they can execute a legitimate aerial attack if the ground game stalls out. Gabriel Benyard leads CUSA with 495 receiving yards, while both Odom and Williams are capable of slinging the rock. Kennesaw State proved last week that having two versatile quarterbacks can be utilized with maximum impact.
Although the offense can provide highlight plays, the tour de force of this Owls team under Mack is the defensive prowess. They’ve allowed just 21.3 points per game this year (second in CUSA), operating a bend-don’t-break unit with several star playmakers. Four players rank in the top 100 at their respective positions, per PFSN’s College Impact metrics, with defensive tackle Tylon Dunlap and Caleb Offord being must-watch.
One key question for Tuesday’s game: how good will they need to be? UTEP’s offense has been dismal all season, but came to life against a poor Sam Houston Bearkats side before their bye week. Starting Skyler Locklear over Malachi Nelson upgrades every element of the offense, and receiver Kenny Odom should thrive, but the Owls should still get the job done at home.
Prediction: UTEP 14, Kennesaw State 27
