FIU vs. UTEP Prediction, Tonight: Week 8 Picks & Odds
Two C-USA programs are in desperate need of a win as FIU heads to El Paso Texas on Wednesday night to take on UTEP at the Sun Bowl at 9 p.m. ET (CBSSN).
- Our FIU vs. UTEP prediction expects the Panthers to win by more than a touchdown against a UTEP team that's 0-6 this season
- FIU has covered in both of its last two games, including taking G5 College Football Playoff odds contender Liberty to OT
- While he may not be a Heisman Trophy odds candidate, Panthers wide receiver Eric Rivers has been one of the best receivers in the Group of Five this season
With UTEP one of the worst teams ATS this season (1-5), our Week 8 college football predictions don't expect much to change for the Miners against FIU.
FIU vs. UTEP odds movement
FIU opened as a 4-point favorite at our college football betting sites. The line has since moved even further in the Panthers' direction with FIU sitting between -6.5 and -7.
The Panthers also have 70% of the money on them covering, with just 30% on the Miners. The Over has 60% of the money, with the total hovering around 47.
Best FIU vs. UTEP picks
College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.
- Against the spread pick: FIU -6.5 (-120 via FanDuel) vs. UTEP ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- My best bet: Over 48.5 (-106 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FIU vs. UTEP against the spread prediction: Week 8
FIU to cover the spread: - 6.5 (-120) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
FIU vs. UTEP opening odds:
- FIU: -4 (-113 via DraftKings)
- UTEP: +4 (-113 via DraftKings)
Panthers' offense trumps Miners' defense
QB Keyone Jenkins leads Florida International, completing 63% of his pass attempts for nine touchdowns and five interceptions in 2024. The team also rotates carries between running backs Kejon Owens and Lexington Joseph, with the two averaging 4.5 yards per attempt.
UTEP’s defense is a bottom-15 unit in the FBS, ranking 120th out of 134 programs. The Miners are surrendering 34.5 points per game, allowing over a 66% completion rate and 5.1 yards per carry. UTEP has only found itself in a close game once in 2024, losing 27-24 to Southern Utah in overtime after blowing a 17-6 halftime lead.
The Panthers’ offense has been good in recent weeks, scoring 14 in the fourth quarter against Liberty in Week 7, and totaling 42 points in a three-point loss to Monmouth. A 52-point outburst against Central Michigan earlier in the season resulted in their first of two wins, with the other coming in a 17-10 home win over Louisiana Tech at the end of September.
UTEP QB injury and bad rushing offense
UTEP QB Cade McConnell injured his wrist, allowing backup passer Skyler Locklear to go under center against Western Kentucky last week. Locklear did go 11-for-17 passing for 82 yards and no interceptions while adding 23 yards on the ground, but he’s very inexperienced.
Florida International’s defense hasn’t given up a passing touchdown in two consecutive games, but it's poor against the run. UTEP’s rushing attack isn't strong though while averaging 3.1 yards per carry and scoring only twice on the ground in 2024.
It’ll be interesting to see if the school capitalizes against a weak run defense after its offense became more run-oriented recently.
Best odds: FIU -6.5 (-120) via FanDuel | Implied probability: 54.55%
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FIU vs. UTEP best bet
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Over 48.5 (-114) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It may sound like the Under is the play for two offenses that are struggling to generate production in 2024. However, both FIU and UTEP come with some glaring deficiencies on the defensive side of the ball.
UTEP has surrendered two-plus rushing touchdowns in all six of its games while allowing a 66.7% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks. Jenkins and the Panthers shouldn’t endure a problem scoring points, as the team has shown during matchups against multiple weak defenses this season.
Locklear didn’t commit any turnovers, which has been a huge issue for McConnell, and FIU’s run defense is horrible, allowing three-plus rushing touchdowns in four of six games. The Miners have shifted to become a more run-centric team. So with running backs Ezell Jolly and Jevon Jackson leading the way, plus Locklear’s rushing ability, we could see a bit of a shootout at the Sun Bowl.
The Miners are desperate for a win and FIU’s run defense is very exploitable. Meanwhile, FIU shouldn’t face much trouble producing against a bottom-15 defense in the FBS either, making 48.5 points too low to back the Under as part of your college football Week 8 predictions.
Best odds: -106 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 51.46%
FIU vs. UTEP odds
See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.
FIU vs. UTEP game info
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024
- Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas
- How to watch: CBSSN
- Weather: 74 degrees and partly cloudy
- Favorite: FIU -6.5 (-120 via FanDuel)
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