The North Texas Mean Green and the FIU Panthers meet Saturday in college football action from FIU Stadium. North Texas played California in their opener game. The Mean Green would go on to lose in a blowout. As for FIU, they’re fresh off a first-week matchup against Maine. In that one the Panthers eked out a two-point win. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

North Texas Mean Green 

The Mean Green had a tough matchup in their first game of the year versus California. North Texas went into the locker room with a 33-21 deficit and didn’t score from there in a 58-21 blowout loss. QB Stone Earle managed 174 yards with three touchdowns and two picks. Jay Maclin caught both scores on 122 yards and four receptions. 

North Texas had their hands full on defense as well. The Green couldn’t stop Cal for most of the game, ultimately surrendering 669 yards (357 rushing), 7.0 yards per play, 30 first downs and 9-of-18 on third-down tries. If there’s good news it’s the two takeaways, but North Texas’ three picks negated them. 

North Texas Mean Green Team Facts

North Texas has won each of its last 11 games as a favorite.
North Texas has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games.
North Texas has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
North Texas has won the first half in five of its last six road games against opponents from the Conference USA.
Each of North Texas’ last five games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

FIU Panthers 

Over on the FIU side, they took on Louisiana Tech in their first game of the year back on August 26. The Panthers started strong with 14 first-quarter points but didn’t score after the break in a 22-17 loss. FIU’s Grayson James had a paltry four yards passing with an interception, while Shomari Lawrence did most of the offensive work with 139 rush yards and a score. 

In game two versus Maine, FIU went into halftime up 14-6 but didn’t score after the break in a tense 14-12 victory. Keyone Jenkins posted 292 pass yards, two scores and a pick. Chris Mitchell caught nine balls for 201 yards and both touchdowns, and Lawrence led the rush again with 26 yards on seven carries. 

Florida International Panthers Team Facts

Florida International has lost each of its last nine September games as a home underdog.
Florida International has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four home games against non-conference opponents.
Florida International has lost the first half in three of its last four home games against non-conference opponents.
Each of Florida International’s last four games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Florida International ranked 31st among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (4.3).
Florida International suffered the largest margin of defeat of any FBS team last season (73-points vs Western Kentucky on September 24, 2022).
North Texas was one of only six FBS teams to lose 4+ games when leading after Q1 last season.
North Texas ranked 10th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game last season (12.0).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stay with North Texas. Much of that is due to a choppy performance from FIU so far, though. The Panthers stumbled out of the gate against LA Tech, posting just eight first downs, four passing yards and 21:42 in time of possession. FIU gave up 447 yards on the other side (333 passing) and had their defense out there for 38:18 in game time. In game two the Panthers had a few bright spots in the passing game (Mitchell and Dean Patterson did the vast majority of the receiving work) but could only come up with 13 rushing yards. FIU also had eight penalties and three turnovers in a pretty lousy offensive day overall. The Mean Green will be a much tougher customer and I don’t think the Panthers will hold.