After nearly upending the Conference USA top seed last week, the Florida International Panthers draw the division’s worst team on Wednesday when they visit the UTEP Miners.
UTEP has yet to win a game this season, but the books have them as only 7-point underdogs in the college football odds — its shortest point spread as a pooch this season.
My Florida International vs. UTEP predictions are leaning hard on the favorites. Read my college football picks to find out why the Panthers will keep the Miners with a goose egg in the win column.
Florida International vs UTEP prediction and best bet
My best bet
Florida International -7 (-112 at DraftKings)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The UTEP Miners were clubbed by 44-17 by Western Kentucky last time out, marking the fifth time in six games it has lost by double-digits.
The Miners are bleeding points: they have been tagged for 40 or more three times, and their 34.5 points per game average is the 14th-worst mark in the NCAA.
It’s even more grim on the other side of the ball, where UTEP is putting up just 16 points per game on offense, which ranks 129th in the nation. Only Kennesaw State, brand new to the FBS, is scoring fewer points in Conference USA.
The Florida International Panthers defense might finally meet an offense they can handle. This unit is surrendering 28.5 points per game and allowing more than 407 yards of offense (106th), while teams are running all over them to the tune of 201.8 yards per contest.
However, the Panthers also have plenty to build off, putting a scare into C-USA leaders Liberty last week and nearly ending the nation’s current longest regular-season winning streak at 17. FIU scored two late fourth-quarter TDs to push the game to overtime, eventually dropping a 31-24 decision.
The Panthers’ offense is putting up 27 points per game, powered by a passing attack that averages 226.3 yards per contest. Keyone Jenkins is completing 63.2% of his passes on the year, throwing for 1,349 yards with nine TDs against five interceptions.
Quarterback play is a distinct advantage for the Panthers, as UTEP pivot Skyler Locklear, benched after three weeks of ineffective play, could be starting again after backup Cade McConnell got hurt against Western Kentucky.
UTEP has won the last two matchups while going 3-0 against the spread in each of the last three meetings, but the 2024 product is just not good enough to keep either streak alive. The Panthers are a crisp 4-2-0 ATS on the year and should be able to pick up their first road win of the season.
Florida International vs UTEP same-game parlay (SGP)
Florida International -7
Kejon Owens 60+ rushing yards
Eric Rivers anytime TD
Kejon Owens is coming off his highest carry game of the season, with 15 totes for 52 yards and a TD against Liberty. He’s putting up a decent 4.4 yards per carry, and he should be able to crack 60 yards against a suspect UTEP run defense.
The Miners are surrendering 234.2 yards per game on the ground, 130th in the nation. Owens tallied 82 yards rushing in their meeting last year.
Receiver Eric Rivers is in some kind of groove right now. He hauled in five balls for 95 yards against Liberty, his fourth straight game with at least 95 yards receiving.
This is the best four-game stretch of the junior’s career. As porous as the Miners’ run defense is, the Panthers are a pass-first offense, so Rivers breaking 80 yards shouldn’t be a problem on Wednesday.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Florida International vs UTEP odds
Florida International vs UTEP live odds
Florida International vs UTEP opening odds
- Florida International vs. UTEP spread: UTEP +5.5
- Florida International vs. UTEP moneyline: Florida International -217, UTEP +179
- Florida International vs. UTEP Over/Under: 50
Florida International vs UTEP spread and Over/Under analysis
- UTEP has lost nine straight games overall.
- Florida International is 0-1 against the spread as a betting favorite this season.
- The Under has cashed in three straight meetings between these teams.
- The Miners have gone Under the total in four of six games this season.
Florida International vs UTEP betting trend to know
The Miners are 1-4-0 ATS as a betting underdog this season. Find more college football betting trends for Florida International vs UTEP.
Florida International vs UTEP game info
| Location: | Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX |
| Date: | Wednesday, 10-16-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBSSN |
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