Southern Mississippi @ Texas El Paso preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 4, 2008 ) Texas El Paso 40, Southern Mississippi 37

THE STORY: Red-hot Southern Mississippi goes for its sixth consecutive victory when it travels to face Texas-El Paso in a Conference USA game. The No. 25 Golden Eagles, who are coming off a 27-3 victory over SMU, are ranked for the first time since 2004. UTEP is also on a high with two straight wins, outscoring Tulane and Colorado State by a combined 75-24.

TV: CBS Sports Network. LINE: Southern Mississippi -10.

ABOUT SOUTHERN MISS (6-1, 2-1 C-USA): The Golden Eagles are in the midst of their longest win streak since they won 11 in a row in 2008-09. Southern Mississippi is averaging 44 points during the five-game streak, but the defense has been the real strength. The Eagles have allowed only 13 touchdowns this season and have 10 interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns. The Golden Eagles' backfield is getting a bit shallow as Kendrick Hardy (shoulder) and Jeremy Hester (head) are both considered doubtful because of injury. Jamal Woodyard has been getting the bulk of the work in their absence.

ABOUT UTEP (4-3, 1-2): The Miners are looking for their first three-game winning streak since 2005. Special teams play has been solid for UTEP, which leads Conference USA in net punting and kickoff returns. Vernon Frazier is UTEP’s kickoff return man and also rushed for 167 yards and two TDs against Colorado State last week.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Southern Mississippi defensive back Marquese Wheaton is the reigning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week after recording five tackles, two interceptions and breaking up another pass against SMU. Wheaton returned one of his picks for a 41-yard touchdown.

2. UTEP is 19-11 under coach Mike Price.

3. The Miners hope to have all their key players available as defensive backs Travaun Nixon (knee) and Darren Woodard (ankle) sat out against Colorado State.

PREDICTION: Southern Mississippi 34, UTEP 17 - The Miners are playing their best football of the season, but so are the Golden Eagles, and their dominant defense makes the difference.