How they match up: Nevada at UTEP

El Paso Times

A look at how UTEP matches up for Saturday's home game against Nevada:

Quarterbacks: Edge Nevada

Both teams have been inconsistent here but both have shown a high ceiling. The Wolf Pack knows what it wants to do, which is turn loose freshman Carson Strong. UTEP is still trying to figure out a rotation between Brandon Jones and Kai Locksley.

Running backs: Edge Nevada

By the numbers the Miners have been a little better and the tandem of Treyvon Hughes and Josh Fields has been a highlight this season. Nevada's committee has, however, played against superior competition and seemed to find its legs against a Weber State team that has a legitimately good defense.

UTEP's Quarterback Brandon Jones runs the ball during the game against Houston Baptist Saturday, Aug. 31, in the season opener at the Sun Bowl in El Paso.

Offensive line: Edge UTEP

This is another case where UTEP has better numbers, but Nevada has faced a tougher schedule. Both teams need to improve here, the Miners are coming off some struggles against Tech. Nevada has allowed 10 sacks this season.

Receivers: Edge Nevada

The Wolf Pack have five receivers averaging 30 yards per game or more, led by Kaleb Fossum (49.7) and Elijah Cooks (46.7). Remarkably, UTEP is fourth in the nation at 18.94 yards per catch, but that's partly because they have 17 receptions.

Defensive line: Edge UTEP

This has quietly become a strength for the Miners, who already have four sacks in two games. Nevada has two sacks.

Linebackers: Edge Nevada

The Wolf Pack are coming off their best defensive game of the year, holding Weber to 137 yards. Gabe Sewell has four tackles for loss this season. UTEP's group has led a vast improvement in tackling this season.

Nevada's Ben Putman looks for running room after catching a pass on Saturday against Weber State.

Secondary: Edge Nevada

The Wolf Pack's Daniel Brown leads the nation in interceptions with three, two fewer than the entire UTEP team had in all of 2018. Miner Ykili Ross, though, gave UTEP it's first interception last week against Texas Tech.

Special teams: Edge Nevada

Nevada has been prone to making and giving up big plays in the kicking game, but through three games, their kicker Brandon Talton has been the best in the country. UTEP has been steady in all phases but is looking for its first big play.

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Bret Bloomquist can be reached at 915-546-6359;bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com;@Bretbloomquist on Twitter.