Here is tangible proof that UTEP's game with Rice on Saturday represents something completely different: The Miners are a 1-point road favorite against the 1-8 Owls.
Dana Dimel laughed that off at his Monday press conference to kick off Rice week, pointing out that even he didn't know what UTEP's personnel would look like this weekend, but he admitted there is a new feeling.
"It's nice not to be a heavy underdog," he said. "It's a thing we can't get caught up in, 'We've got a chance to win. We're going to change our preparation.' We're going to prepare the same way we have, because two of the last three weeks we've played well on offense and defense and all three we've played well on defense.