Can things get weird in Austin for UTEP?

Fresh off a solid win over rival NMSU, the Miners embark on what is arguably their toughest road test of the season.

Prior to Texas pulling off the surprise upset over Notre Dame, everyone outside of El Paso (and even most homers) checked off a loss on UTEP’s schedule.

Coach Sean Kugler was almost as realistic as the fans when he stated during his normal weekly presser that the Miners would have to play the perfect game to beat the Longhorns and all of their four- and five-star ranked players.

Anytime UTEP plays a Power Five conference, they are almost always at a talent disadvantage -- and this week’s opponent is top to bottom the better team on paper.

Odds makers are certainly onboard installing UTEP as four touchdown (and rising) underdogs heading into Saturday’s matchup. Honestly, I was surprised it was that low, and when the money moves I expect that number to be over 30 points before kickoff.

Let’s not forget to mention the stats: aside from the 0-4 record against Texas and 0-15 versus the Big 12, UTEP sports a 1-33 road record versus ranked opponents.

Not a good look to say the least.

Maybe history will be on UTEP’s side. Texas fans remember “Rout 66”, but I'm not sure many Miner fans recall one of the last times the Longhorns were ranked 11th in the polls. The year was 1997, and UCLA arrived in Austin as heavy underdogs -- proceeding to blow away Texas 66-3.

In no way am I predicting such a result. However, “weirder” things have happened in college football, and there have already been some close calls for the Power Five schools.

There is always the dreaded letdown and the possibility of Texas overlooking UTEP, but I'm not sure Charlie Strong will allow that to happen.

The “perfect game” probably isn’t in the cards for UTEP, but if Aaron Jones can get loose -- coupled with some early Texas mistakes -- maybe the Miners can stay within striking distance and give the Longhorns a scare.

Moral victory, anyone?

Coach Kugler isn’t going to allow his team to roll over -- and while a loss doesn’t derail any bowl aspirations, fans just want to see this team play hard against a ranked opponent with a rich football history. More importantly, UTEP needs to get out of this weekend’s matchup as healthy as possible.

Someday the Miners will pull off a historic road upset. Unfortunately, Saturday won’t be that day.