EA College Football 26 — Study Hall vs UTEP (Game 3)

Missouri’s third step in the Study Hall ladder of EA College Football 26 Ultimate Team delivered a complete performance against the UTEP Miners. From the first series to the final kneel, the Tigers executed with clarity: establish the run, control the pace, finish drives, and keep the Miners under constant defensive pressure.

Fast Start and Ground Control
The tone was set moments after the opening kickoff. Missouri’s return provided comfortable field position, and the offense immediately committed to the ground game. The early carries produced chunk gains, then a crease opened for a burst that split the second level and finished in the end zone for a long rushing touchdown. That sequence sent a message: this game would be decided at the line of scrimmage.
UTEP’s initial answer fell into negative situations—pressure on play-action, quick throws underneath that were contained, and a third-down stop that forced a punt. Missouri’s next possession blended inside runs with short throws to stay ahead of schedule and set up a first-half field goal that stretched the lead.

Late-Half Execution
Before halftime, the Tigers mounted a two-minute drive built on precise timing. A catch in the middle moved the ball inside the 25, then a quick completion set up goal-to-go. The quarterback delivered a strike in the end zone to finish the possession, turning a solid half into a commanding one. It wasn’t about trick plays; it was consistent, layered play-calling that created high-percentage looks.

Defense Takes Over After the Break
The second half began with Missouri’s defense pinning the Miners deep. Relentless pursuit forced a safety, adding points and flipping momentum even further. From there, UTEP’s attempts to reset were met by disciplined containment on the edges, run fits that erased cutback lanes, and timely pressures that closed quickly on the quarterback.

Closing with Authority
With a comfortable lead, Missouri returned to clock-control football—two backs, efficient blocking on the edges, and patient decisions in the red zone. Early in the fourth quarter, the Tigers punched in another rushing touchdown. Later, a pinpoint throw from Raiola found the end zone, and a motion touch-pass produced a late score that showcased the offense’s versatility. UTEP’s remaining possessions never found rhythm, culminating in more negative plays and a second safety that typified the day.

Why This Study Hall Step Matters
Study Hall is designed to raise difficulty game by game, rewarding complete performances. Missouri’s approach checked every box:

• Run foundation: early explosives plus four-minute offense late.

• Situational passing: red-zone decisions and a crisp two-minute series.

• Defense and special teams: field position, pressure, and multiple safeties.

This outing was a statement that Missouri can win a game in multiple ways—by breaking a defense with the run, finishing in the red zone, and letting the pass rush dictate terms after halftime.