Will Healy’s Charlotte has garnered some attention this season with a win against one Power Five opponent (Duke) and playing competitively against another (Illinois in a 10-point loss). Despite those successes, the 49ers are barely squeaking by this season, outscoring opponents by an average of just 2.6 points per game while being outgained by 89 yards through five games.
Florida International has had no such moments, beating only FCS-level Long Island University to open the year, while getting outscored by 20 points per week against FBS opponents and getting outgained by nearly 200 yards each week.
Here are our free college football picks and predictions for Charlotte at Florida International on October 8.
Charlotte vs Florida International odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Various books opened this line as low as 2.5 points and as high as 4.0 points, all favoring Charlotte. Quickly enough, the consensus line established itself at 3.5 points, and with minimal action through the week, it remained there. The Over/Under opened at 57.5 before steadily ticking upward all week, reaching 60.5 by Thursday afternoon.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full college football odds before placing your bets.
Charlotte vs Florida International picks
Picks made on 10/7/2021 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.
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Charlotte vs Florida International game info
• Location: Riccardo Silva Stadium, Miami, FL
• Date: Friday, October 8, 2021
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: CBSSN
Charlotte vs Florida International betting preview
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.
Key injuries
Charlotte: Davondre Robinson DB (Questionable).
Florida International: No injuries to report.
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.
Betting trend to know
Charlotte’s last four Conference USA games have gone Over the total, as have Florida International’s last five games after a loss, a common occurrence for the Panthers. This year, the 49ers have just barely exceeded ATS expectations, going 3-1-1 ATS, with one of those wins against the spread coming by nothing but the hook, while Florida International has underperformed ATS by an average of 7.2 points per game this season. Find more NCAA betting trends for Charlotte vs. Florida International.
Charlotte vs Florida International predictions
Charlotte -3.5 (-110)
The 49ers are by no means a powerhouse, likely just waiting to be exposed at Western Kentucky on Halloween Eve, but the Panthers are no Hilltoppers, struggling in nearly all facets. Three straight opponents have scored at least 30 points against Florida International, including Central Michigan (31) and Florida Atlantic (58), not exactly offensive powerhouses.
Charlotte has enjoyed some fumble luck this season, recovering five of nine loose balls from opponents — while losing only three of their own nine — which may be especially conducive against Florida International and its poor luck, losing four of its six fumbles this year.
Sometimes those oblong bounces are greater indicators. Considering the Panthers’ are giving up 556 yards per game to FBS opponents, those greater indicators are of a porous defense.
Not much more needs to be considered to follow a lean toward Charlotte, despite that hook over a field goal. It is less an investment in the 49ers and more a short of Florida International’s defense.
Over 60.5 (-110)
And if shorting a defense, then the Over is an obvious play. The Charlotte team total Over 30.5 points is also enticing, but the -145 juice lessens its appeal.
Fortunately for these purposes, it is not like the 49ers have such a stout defense that the Panthers will not score at all. Middle Tennessee State managed 39 points against Charlotte, after all.
While no aspect of the Florida International offense is necessarily excellent, its passing game is at least middling, adding 0.079 expected points per passing play, according to CFB Graphs. Fittingly and conveniently, the 49ers' defense is susceptible to the pass, giving up 0.285 expected points added per passing play. If the Panthers can capitalize on that matchup just a few times, then they should be able to score enough to push this Over 60.5.
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