Liberty (11-0, 7-0 CUSA) concludes their regular season schedule this week against UTEP (3-8, 2-5 CUSA). Kickoff from the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network in the first ever meeting between the two programs.

With a win, the Flames can become the first FBS team in Virginia to ever win 12 games in a single season. Liberty has already set a program record for wins in a season and need one more victory on Saturday to secure the longest winning streak in program history at 12.

Dana Dimel is in his sixth season as head coach of the Miners. He has had a losing record in five of those six years, with UTEP advancing to the New Mexico Bowl in 2021 and finishing with a 7-5 record. Overall, Dimel is 50-86 during his time leading the Miners.

This season, UTEP played a challenging non-conference slate that include games against Northwestern, Arizona, and UNLV. In addition to their win over FCS member Incarnate Word, the Miners also picked up wins over Conference USA foes Florida International and Sam Houston.

UTEP has dropped two close contests their last two times out, falling to Western Kentucky, 21-13, and Middle Tennessee last Saturday, 34-30.

“They’ve got good players,” said Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell of the Miners. “I know their record doesn’t state that, but they’ve played Arizona, they’ve played UNLV, they’ve played Northwestern, that’s three bowl teams from an out of conference standpoint and then obviously our conference.”

Gavin Hardison began the season as the team’s quarterback, but he hasn’t played since Sept. 23 after suffering an injury. Cade McConnell has stepped in during Hardison’s absence. McConnell has completed 80 of 147 passes for 1,273 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.

Kelly Akharaiyi leads the team with 43 receptions for 924 yards and 7 scores. Jeremiah Ballard is the second option in the pass game, with 34 receptions for 551 yards and 1 touchdown.

“Offensively, they are huge up front, offensive line wise,” said Chadwell. “They are going to get in, not to get technical, but they are going to get in two tight ends and two running backs, and try to run it down our throat. Nobody does that hardly. They are very big and physical from an offensive standpoint. We don’t see that. That’s going to be a huge challenge for us.”

The Miners use two capable running backs to help lead their rushing attack. Deion Hankins leads the way with 152 carries, 794 yards and 4 touchdowns while Torrance Burgess, Jr. has 124 carries for 620 yards and 2 touchdowns.

“I know this, we are trying to be undefeated, they are trying to make a season,” said Chadwell. “We are going to get their best shot. If we’re not ready to give our best shot, then we are going to come home with a loss, I believe that. We can’t roll the ball out and beat anybody. We have to prepare well. If we go out there with that mindset we will go out there with a loss. Then everybody will be what happened to you next week. We have to be ready to play.”

PREDICTION

Liberty 38, UTEP 17

Line: Liberty -16.5

Picks results this year:
Straight-up: 11-0
ATS: 5-6