The Florida International Panthers welcome the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs to FIU Stadium on Friday. Kickoff for the college football game is set for 8 p.m. ET on Friday. To continue our college football odds series, with a focus on Lexington Joseph and others, we’ll be making our Louisiana Tech-FIU prediction.
FIU (3-4) has lost its past two home games. Its lone home win was its season-opener with Bryant, a 38-37 overtime victory. FIU did win its last outing, a 34-15 beatdown of Charlotte.
Louisiana Tech (2-5) has lost four of its past five. It did lose 48-20 to Clemson, which sits in the nation’s top five. Louisiana Tech is coming off a 42-41 home overtime loss to Rice and has not won on the road this season.
CFB Odds: Louisiana Tech-FIU Odds
Lexington Joseph Has Huge Opportunity for FIU
There hasn’t been much positivity around the Panthers’ season. They rank 120th in points per game of the 131 FBS programs and sit 117th in opponent points per game while also having the 119th-toughest strength of schedule. With a 1-2 Conference USA record, it seems FIU should be thankful to have three wins.
One lone bright spot has been running back Lexington Joseph, who is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has three touchdowns to go along with 105 receiving yards and another two touchdowns. Joseph is one of three backs to have over 100 rushing yards. Quarterback Grayson James hasn’t helped out much, throwing for eight touchdowns and six interceptions, averaging just over 200 yards per game. Wide receiver Tyrese Chambers has been the top weapon with 405 receiving yards and is looking to achieve his second straight 1,000-yard season.
The Panthers forced three interceptions in the 19-point win over Charlotte. They have five interceptions on the season, so that type of success in the turnover battle isn’t typical. Linebacker Shaun Peterson Jr. has 5.5 tackles for loss and a team-high five sacks.
Parker McNeil Leads Louisiana Tech Offense
Louisiana Tech sits 63rd in strength of schedule. The real problem this season has been its defense, ranking 130th of 131 FBS programs. The Panthers allow 39.3 points per game, 265.3 rushing yards per game and a 6.4 per carry average.
Quarterback Parker McNeil has thrown for 1,623 yards and 15 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He is the Bulldogs’ main weapon, but RB Marquis Crosby has played well and leads the Bulldogs with 456 rushing yards to go along with three touchdowns.
Passing is the main threat for this attack, as they average 290 yards per game through the air and just 101 on the ground. Interceptions have been an issue for McNeil this season, and he took a hit and was out in the first quarter against Rice. Backup quarterback Matthew Downing threw an interception but has a season-ending knee injury. Freshman quarterback Landry Lyddy could take over and start if need be. He has 54 yards and two passing touchdowns this season.
Louisiana Tech-FIU Prediction & Picks
FIU hasn’t been good this season. Several metrics do not favor them here, but at home against a team that is one of the worst in the NCAA against the run, the Panthers will hopefully find their rhythm.
FIU is 3-4 against the spread, and Louisiana Tech is 2-5 against the spread, 0-4 against the spread on the road. Given the Bulldogs’ awful run defense, coupled with their play on the road, back the Panthers here.
Louisiana Tech-FIU Pick: Panthers +7.0 (-118) at FanDuel | Playable to +7.0 (-125)
