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This Week at The Wolverine Den
Game Weather
UTEP at Michigan (Parachute Jump)
Michigan Stadium
September 19, 2026 - 3:30 p.m. ET
Game Preview
The Michigan Wolverines battle the University of Texas El Paso Miners on Saturday at Michigan Stadium. UTEP will likely be the worst team that Michigan plays this year, although Rutgers is making a run at that distinction. It will be a game where most of the roster gets to play and should build confidence for the start of the Big Ten season.
Pre-game Menu
Shish Kabab
Rice
Salad
Cheesy Potatoes
Post-game Menu
Burgers
Snacks
UTEP started out in football in 1914 as the State College of Mines and Metallurgy. In 1949, they became Texas Western College and in 1967 became UTEP. Their football team has only won 39.3% of their all-time games, ranking 133rd in the country. UTEP did win the NCAA Basketball championship (as Texas Western) in 1966. Michigan lost to Kentucky in the Elite 8 that year. UTEP has very few notable players in their history, Dan Maynard and Aaron Jones are the two that most fans would recognize. Andy Reid coached the offensive line at UTEP in 1987-1988. UTEP moved to the revamped Mountain West Conference in 2026 after stops in Conference USA, the Western Athletic Conference, and the Border Conference.
The Wolverine Den Trivia
Who is the only Michigan player in history to have both of his grandfathers in the College Football Hall of Fame?
This year's UTEP has a decent transfer QB from Incarnate Word, EJ Colston Jr. In last week's win over FCS Texas Southern, Colson threw for 4 TDs and ran in another. But, in his opening game against Oklahoma, he threw for only 52 yards and had 16 rushes for only 25 yards (an obvious talent difference). He can make some big plays with his feet, but don't expect too much. The Miners will play hard but just don't have the talent to compete.
This is the last preseason game for Michigan and likely the last chance to get many of the deep reserves into the game. There is still improvement needed, especially in playing more disciplined by not committing penalties. The offense should thrive and the running game needs to take control. The defense should pitch a shutout.
This will be the first ever game between Michigan and UTEP. Michigan is 12-0 all time against teams currently in Mountain West. Michigan moved up to #19 in the polls this week.
Michigan is a 35½ point favorite.
Brown's Prediction
35-3
Craig's Prediction
38-0
Steve's Prediction
38-3
Tim's Prediction
35-7
Brown 8, Craig 6, Tim 3½ Steve 2½