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Game Day Guide: Boise State travels to El Paso to face UTEP

Everything Bronco Nation needs to know ahead of Boise State's nonconference road contest Friday against the UTEP Miners in the Lone Star State.

Zack Armstrong

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Published: 5:41 PM MDT September 20, 2022
Updated: 11:32 AM MDT September 22, 2022

For the second time in three weeks, the Boise State Broncos are set to play under the Friday night lights on the road, again tasked with a short work week following Saturday's 30-7 win over UT Martin.

Week four brings Boise State to Sun Bowl Stadium for a showdown with The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT Friday on CBS Sports Network.

Although UTEP represents Conference USA, the Miners are a familiar foe to Bronco Nation. UTEP and Boise State both competed in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) until the Miners' departure to Conference USA after the 2004 season.

In 2021, Boise State dominated UTEP in its home opener on The Blue in the first matchup between the former WAC members since 2004. The 54-13 win marked Andy Avalos' first at the helm of the program, led by Hank Bachmeier's 340 yards and two touchdown passes.

Through four 2022 contests, both programs rank in the back end of the FBS offensively. UTEP sits at No. 103 nationally with 332.5 yards per game, while the Broncos' 318.7 average yards is 107th in all the land. 

On defense, Boise State has been nothing short of remarkable. The Broncos rank 12th in the FBS in yards allowed each week (248.3) and 14th in rushing defense, allowing just 76.3 yards per game.

The Broncos carry a 2-1 record into Texas, including a Mountain West Conference win over New Mexico. Last week, UTEP dropped to 1-3 on the year, falling to New Mexico on the road 27-10.

Friday's contest is Boise State's second-to-last nonconference matchup in 2022, and the final game outside of Albertsons Stadium until Oct. 22 at Air Force.

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