The Florida International Panthers and the Florida Atlantic Owls meet Saturday in college football action from FAU Stadium in Boca Raton. Here’s an FAU vs FIU prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best FAU vs FIU pick.
FIU Panthers Betting Preview
Florida International opened up the year with a tricky matchup versus South Florida. The Panthers were within three points heading into the final quarter but couldn’t get it done in a 19-9 loss. QB JJ Kohl was 31-of-50 for 301 yards, one TD and two picks while also leading the rush on 31 yards from six carries. Anthony Carrie also had 31 yards from his 10 totes in the losing effort.
Last weekend versus Buffalo in game two, the Panthers scored 14 points in the first quarter for a hot start. Florida International ended up scoring in every quarter (and giving up points in every quarter) on the way to a 33-20 victory. Kohl notched a 21-of-36 line this time for three touchdowns. Maguire Anderson was the top receiver with his 99 yards and two scores off five grabs.
Florida Atlantic Owls Betting Preview
Over on the FAU side, they had a tough draw versus Florida in their opener this year. The Owls were pummeled in that one, giving up double-digit points in every quarter during a 66-21 b blowout loss. QB Caden Veltkamp was 34-of-52 for 276 yards, one TD and two interceptions. Leading the receivers was Kelby Valsin with 10 catches for 92 yards and a score.
Matched up against Navy on Saturday night, the Owls had a very comfortable 31-7 lead by halftime. Things got a bit interesting down the stretch as Navy scored 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter but FAU still emerged victorious 38-30. Veltkamp was 27-of-32 for 386 yards and five scores, while Easton Messer had eight grabs for 179 yards and two of the TDs.
Florida International Panthers @ Florida Atlantic Owls Betting Trends: Week 3
Florida Atlantic Owls Player Prop Facts
- Easton Messer has recorded 50+ receiving yards in eight consecutive games – equal-longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 3.
Florida International Panthers Player Prop Facts
- JJ Kohl has recorded 300+ passing yards in two consecutive games – equal-longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 3.
Matchup/League Facts
- Florida Atlantic ranks 138th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (15.0).
- Florida Atlantic ranks 138th among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters this season (-15.0).
- Florida International ranks T1st among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (100.0).
- Florida International ranks T5th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (343.0).
FAU vs FIU Prediction
I’ll go with FIU here but you could make a case either way. The Panthers looked pretty solid overall in their win over Buffalo last weekend, posting 540 yards (386 passing), 7.1 yards per play and 22 first downs. The defense came up with three takeaways while allowing just 13 first downs and 4-of-17 on third-down tries.
As for FAU, they notched 386 passing yards (428 total), 27 first downs and 8-of-14 on third-down tries in their win over Navy last weekend. The Owls gave up just 3-of-11 on third downs and had a couple of takeaways on defense. It was a nice win, especially after giving up 6.8 yards per play and 246 rush yards to the Midshipmen. This weekend should be another fun matchup and I like a competitive game here.