UTEP @ Texas A&M preview

Texas A&M would have been a heavy favorite against Texas-El Paso anyway, but now the No. 14 Aggies will be up against a second-string quarterback when they host the Miners in a nonconference game Saturday night. UTEP quarterback Jameill Showers injured his throwing shoulder in a loss to Rice last weekend and could be lost for the season. Showers competed for the starting job last season at Texas A&M before losing out to Johnny Manziel, who went on to become the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.

Manziel was limited during practice last week because of a shoulder injury but took the field Saturday against Vanderbilt and threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns in the 56-24 victory. Manziel rushed for career lows of 11 yards on four carries and may take that approach again Saturday to protect his shoulder. Aggies receiver Mike Evans has surpassed 200 yards through the air twice this season, but both games resulted in losses.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Texas A&M -45.5.

ABOUT TEXAS-EL PASO (1-6): The Miners figure to lean heavily on running back Aaron Jones, who leads all FBS freshmen with 106.1 rushing yards a game. He injured his ribs against Tulsa on Oct. 12 but returned after a bye week and ran for 186 yards against Rice. Jones has not scored a touchdown since the second game against New Mexico State, losing a fumble at the opponent's 1-yard line last week.

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (6-2): The success of Manziel the last two seasons has taken some of the heat off the defense, which entered the week ranked 110th out of 123 FBS teams in yards surrendered per game (473.8). The Aggies have been strong in one area, however, ranking third in the SEC with 11 interceptions this season. The main issue on the defensive side of the ball has been youth; the Aggies have 11 freshmen on their two-deep roster.

EXTRA POINTS

1. UTEP is 0-17 all-time in road games against BCS conference opponents.

2. UTEP WR Jordan Leslie averages 17.5 yards a reception thanks to three plays 65 yards or longer.

3. Evans needs eight receptions to break the Texas A&M's single-season record of 89 set by Ryan Swope in 2012.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 63, UTEP 14.