The Tennessee Vols (8-2, 5-2 SEC) will host the UTEP Miners (2-8, 2-5 CUSA) in Week 13 of the college football season.
The Miners have had a lackluster season thus far, heading into this week at No. 8 in the Conference USA standings and No. 129 of 134 in the ESPN power index.
Here’s a look at three players that could have an impact for the Miners this week.
Defensive end Maurice Westmoreland
Starting on the defense is senior Maurice Westmoreland. Westmoreland is listed as a “Bandit,” a hybrid defensive end that can rush the passer and drop into coverage. He primarily rushes the passer, spending most of his time in the offensive backfield.
Westmoreland’s stats show that story as well, notching 4.5 sacks and six tackles for loss in 10 games this season. The best game of his season came against Louisiana Tech last month when he picked up two sacks in the 14-10 loss.
Although Westmoreland has been solid this season, he hasn’t been able to replicate his success with the same production from last season. He was named to the First-Team All-Conference USA after totaling 7.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for a loss last season. He also had more work in coverage, batting away three passes in his second season as a Miner.
Wide receiver Kenny Odom
The biggest playmaker on the offensive side of the ball is sophomore Kenny Odom. He’s in his first season at UTEP after transferring from Austin Peay last year, where he had a productive season despite limited playing time.
Odom has come into his own with UTEP, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. He has the third most receptions on the team with 36 but has been efficient with his opportunities. Odom has amassed 642 yards this year, which comes out to be 17.8 yards a reception.
Odom heads into the week after a monster performance in a win over Kennesaw State. He caught eight passes for 108 yards in the win with three touchdowns. Although the Vols’ secondary is more battle-tested than Kennesaw State’s, keep an eye on Odom as he tries to build off a big performance.
Quarterback Skyler Locklear
The final player on offense is none other than sophomore Skyler Locklear. The Tennessee native is in his first season with the Miners after transferring from Austin Peay last year, where he threw his first collegiate touchdown to Odom.
Locklear hasn’t been the only quarterback to play for the Miners this season, but he’s been the most successful. He’s completed 126 of his 188 attempts for 1356 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Locklear has been able to use his legs, compiling 161 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries.
In his last outing against Kennesaw State, Locklear impressed. In the double-overtime win, he completed 28 of his 33 passes for 327 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. His four touchdowns were the most by a UTEP quarterback since 2014, while the 28 completions were the most since 2010.
