Bowl games are often determined by motivation.
So often, one team playing in December is excited for its shot at the postseason while the other is checking the clock.
As a 13.5-point underdog, 7-5 UTEP is the biggest long shot in the 42 bowls when it takes on 9-3 Fresno State on Dec. 18 at the New Mexico Bowl, but few teams will take the field for a bowl happier to be there.
The Miners are playing in their first bowl since 2014 and UTEP is aiming for its first bowl win since 1967, the longest postseason victory drought in the FBS after a six-game postseason losing streak.