This Conference USA battle between the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and UTEP Miners highlights two teams looking to gain ground within the conference. MTSU brings a strong defense, leading in forced turnovers nationally, which has been a major factor in their strategy. With a secondary that has accumulated multiple interceptions, the Blue Raiders focus on disrupting opponents’ passing games, making it difficult for offenses to maintain momentum. However, MTSU’s offense, led by quarterback Chase

Cunningham, has faced issues with consistency, which has limited their ability to capitalize on defensive success. Cunningham has passed for over 1,700 yards but has struggled under pressure, and MTSU’s reliance on quick passes and cautious drives may pose a challenge against UTEP’s defense. On the other side, UTEP’s defense has been a solid force within Conference USA, excelling at forcing fumbles and pressuring the backfield. Offensively, the Miners lean on a steady ground game and a mix of short passes to control the clock and minimize turnovers. For UTEP to secure a win, they will need to limit mistakes and focus on third-down efficiency, while MTSU aims to leverage its turnover capability to maintain an edge and control game momentum.