Prepare for a thrilling C-USA battle when the Florida International Panthers welcome the Sam Houston Bearkats to Pitbull Stadium.
The Bearkats are one victory removed from Bowl eligibility, and my Sam Houston vs. Florida International predictions expect them to come out on top.
Read on as I explain why I like Sam Houston to cover the spread with free college football picks for Tuesday, October 22.
Sam Houston vs Florida International prediction and best bet
My best bet
Sam Houston -6.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The Sam Houston Bearkats are finding their lane in FBS play.
Up until 2023, the Bearkats were an FCS school. They have won eight of their last 11 against FBS competition and are one victory away from Bowl Game eligibility.
They’ve done so with a high-scoring offense and decent defense. This combination has helped them cover eight of their last 10 games and four out of six this season.
The Bearkats offense may be without QB1 Hunter Watson. The junior signal-caller was injured in last week’s loss to Western Kentucky and his status for Tuesday is up in the air, but they shouldn’t need him to cover against the Florida International Panthers.
Sam Houston has a strong ground game, scampering for 250+ in four of its last five. Watson is a big part of that success, but QB2 Jase Bauer is also a capable rusher with a week to prepare for a soft Panthers rushing defense.
Florida International gets punished on the ground, allowing 203 rushing yards per clash. They’ve surrendered the second-most rushing TDs in C-USA (19) and meet a Bearkats rushing game averaging 219 yards per night with 13 TDs.
Now Sam Houston must slow the Panthers offense.
The Bearkats might catch a break. QB1 Keyone Jenkins was injured last week and is questionable. QB2 Amari Jones is also listed as questionable, which might leave it in the hands of QB3 Haden Carlson.
Carlson has a strong arm, but he threw two picks last week in relief. He’s up against an opportunistic but somewhat leaky Bearkats passing defense with seven picks but also 10 TDs.
FIU doesn’t run the ball well (102 yards per game), so they won’t cover. The Bearkats boast a stingy rushing defense, and the Panthers will struggle with or without Jenkins under center. I expect Sam Houston to successfully control the line of scrimmage, move the chains, and do this often enough to outscore the Panthers by a TD.
Sam Houston vs Florida International same-game parlay (SGP)
Sam Houston -6.5
Over 45.5
Sam Houston is one of the country's top rushing offenses and the Panthers are one of the worst at stopping it. The Bearkats will run roughshod over FIU, and if dual-threat Watson suits up, they can clear the total by themselves.
Still, FIU puts the ball in the end zone, averaging 27 points per game. The Bearkats' stop unit surrenders nearly 30 points per game on the road and 231 passing yards per away tilt. Every Panthers QB can sling it to some degree, and they could have some success with any of their signal-callers under center.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best Sam Houston vs Florida International bonus
Up to $1,500 in bonus bet insurance at BetMGM
Make your football plays at BetMGM, which is offering new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets (if your first bet doesn't win)!
Sign up now to join the King of Sportsbooks, or learn more with our comprehensive BetMGM sportsbook review.
Eligible U.S. locations only. Also, see our full list of BetMGM bonus codes.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sam Houston vs Florida International odds
Sam Houston vs Florida International live odds
Sam Houston vs Florida International opening odds
- Sam Houston vs. Florida International spread: Sam Houston -8.5
- Sam Houston vs. Florida International moneyline: Sam Houston -225, Florida International +190
- Sam Houston vs Florida International Over/Under: 46.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Sam Houston vs Florida International spread and Over/Under analysis
- The uncertainty surrounding Watson caused the spread to dip from a -8.5 opener to as low as -6.5 (-110).
- The Bearkats are 5-2-0 ATS and 2-1-0 ATS as the road team.
- FIU has more significant problems at QB, yet the number has moved their way anyway. The Panthers are 4-3-0 ATS and 2-1-0 ATS at home.
- Watson's injury also caused the Over/Under to dip from 46.5 (-110) to 45.5 (-110). Sam Houston is 3-4-0 to the Under, while FIU is 4-3-0 to the Over.
Sam Houston vs Florida International betting trend to know
Sam Houston State has covered the Spread in 8 of their last 12 games (+3.60 Units / 27% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Sam Houston vs Florida International.
Sam Houston vs Florida International game info
| Location: | Pitbull Stadium, Miami, FL |
| Date: | Tuesday, 10-22, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPNU |
Sam Houston vs Florida International latest injuries
Sam Houston vs Florida International Tech weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
