FACTS & STATS: Site: Cajun Field (30,000) -- Lafayette, Louisiana. Television: ESPN+. Home Record: UTEP 2-3, ULL 3-0. Away Record: UTEP 1-2, ULL 2-3. Neutral Record: UTEP 0-0, ULL 0-0. Conference Record: UTEP 2-2, ULL 4-0. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: The UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns will step out of league action this Saturday when they host the Texas-El Paso Miners in a non-conference tilt at Cajun Field. The Miners head into this matchup in the midst of a two-game losing skid, and the latest loss for UTEP was a heartbreaking, 49-44 setback to Rice this past Saturday. The Miners have struggled away from home this season, posting a 1-2 mark, and since the 2006 campaign the Miners have posted a meager 4-11 record on the road. As for the Cajuns, they have won four consecutive matchups, including a convincing, 49-20 win over Florida International this past weekend. After going just 1-5 at Cajun Field this past season, the Cajuns have played much better at home this year, winning all three of their matchups on their home field in 2008. This will be the first- ever meeting between the two schools on the gridiron.

The Miners' offensive success can be attributed to the team's passing attack, which is producing 253.9 ypg through the air. Out of the 28 touchdowns scored by this offense, 20 have come via the pass. Overall this unit heads into this contest averaging 386.5 total ypg, and that has led to 33.0 ppg. The main reason for the success of the passing game is Trevor Vittatoe, who has thrown for 1,895 yards and 19 touchdowns against just five interceptions. Jeff Moturi has been the main option for Vittatoe, as the wideout is leading the squad with 33 receptions, 411 yards and six scores. The Miners do not possess a main tailback, but the squad does have a few options in the backfield that have helped the team rack up 132.6 rushing ypg. The last time UTEP was on the field, the squad posted 467 total yards, but still fell short against Rice. Vittatoe was impressive in the loss, throwing for 265 yards and three touchdowns, while Moturi hauled in three scores and finished the game with 109 yards on five receptions.

Unfortunately the Miners have been held back by their defensive unit, which is being abused for 483.4 total ypg, and that has led to 39.4 ppg. The team has been unable to stop the run or pass, as the opposition is gashing UTEP for 208.8 ypg, while also torching the defense for 274.6 ypg through the air. In the recent loss to Rice, the defensive backfield was embarrassed by the Owls, surrendering 376 yards and five touchdowns through the air. Overall this unit was pounded for 543 total yards, and also allowed Rice to convert all five of its red zone chances. Adam Vincent racked up 12 tackles in the setback, while DaMon Cromartie-Smith added nine stops for UTEP.

The Cajuns' offense is fueled by its tremendous ground game, which is pounding the opposition for 301.2 rushing ypg, and out of the 39 touchdowns scored by the Cajuns, 28 have come via the run. Overall this unit is producing 491.5 total ypg, and that has led to 37.4 ppg. The main reason for the success of the rushing attack has been the play of Tyrell Fenroy, who became just the seventh player in college history to rush for over 1,000 yards for four consecutive seasons. Fenroy currently has 1,051 yards on the season and has scored 15 touchdowns as well. Quarterback Michael Desormeaux has also contributed to the ground game, rushing for 752 yards and five scores on 7.5 ypg. However, the signal caller has only thrown for 1,292 yards and eight scores against five interceptions. Fenroy helped lead the Cajuns in the win over FIU, as the tailback rushed for 81 yards and three scores, while Desormeaux added 44 yards in the victory. Desormeaux also threw for 216 yards and two scores for ULL.

Unfortunately the defensive unit has not been very successful this season, as opponents are abusing ULL for 419.5 total ypg, and that has led to 31.4 ppg. The team's main problem has come against the run, as teams are gashing the Cajuns for 208.9 rushing ypg, and out of the 27 TDs allowed by this unit, 15 have come via the run. This defense has also been unable to force many big plays, as the unit has collected just 13 takeaways, while recording only 13 sacks. Surprisingly in the win over FIU, the defense was outstanding, limiting the Golden Panthers to just 270 total yards, including just 117 rushing yards. ULL forced three turnovers in the victory, and also tallied two sacks. Daylon McCoy led the way for ULL with 10 tackles, while Antwyn Zanders added five stops and 1.5 TFLs.

The Miners will definitely have success with their passing attack in this matchup, but the Cajuns have one of the top ground games in the nation, and should run away with a victory in this contest.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: UL-Lafayette 45, UTEP 38

Saturday, November 8th, 7:00 p.m. (et)