FIU has not performed poorly, but its record does not support that claim. It defeated Louisiana Tech, pushed Liberty in a 31–24 loss, and will now play a risky match against Sam Houston.
The Panthers will probably be favored in three of the final four games, so it is not too awful for the season’s finale, but it needs this victory.
UTEP wants to start the year off strong. Even though they are 0–6, they have not played terrible; all of their games against FBS opponents have been decided by double digits. There will be three home games in four dates starting with this one.
FIU vs UTEP Preview
FIU vs UTEP How to Watch
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Game Time: 9:00 pm ET
Venue: Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX
How to Watch: CBS Sports Network
UTEP (0-6), FIU (2-4)
Why FIU Will Win
No, despite the record, UTEP has not been awful; rather, the defense has not been able to hold up against anyone.
The team’s biggest issue is its run defense, which allows 234 yards per game on the ground. The pass defense is also subpar.
Although FIU lacks a strong ground game, it managed to amass 185 yards and more than five yards per rush in the victory over Central Michigan, as well as run for three touchdowns against Liberty the previous week.
Why UTEP Will Win
Against an FBS team, the FIU offense has not yet found its groove.
It managed nearly 500 yards of total offense against Monmouth, but it has not yet reached 370 yards against any other FCS team. Not that the UTEP defense will be easy on it; on the other hand, it is unlikely to be completely destroyed.
While they try to get their O going, the Miners are facing many issues, some of which are solvable. First, they must score when they get the opportunity.
They score scores on only six of the 11 drives inside the 20 to start the game, which puts them dead bottom in the country in red zone scoring. Even worse, Southern Utah’s FCS scored three of the four touchdowns in the red zone.
FIU vs UTEP: Who Will Win
The leaky FIU defensive front will be met with movement from UTEP’s offense. Although the Panthers struggle to exit the field and do not have clock control, the offense will do a little bit more in general.
The UTEP lines are struggling mightily to maintain consistency. Both teams will struggle with turnovers, but UTEP will give up one more late to allow FIU to get away with it.
FIU vs UTEP Prediction, Betting Lines
FIU 28, UTEP 20
Line: FIU -7, o/u: 48.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
FIU vs UTEP Must See Rating: 2
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