The FIU Panthers and the UConn Huskies meet in week 3 college football action from Pratt & Whitney Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

FIU Snags Back-To-Back Wins

The FIU Panthers managed to get back-to-back wins to climb above .500 with a record of 2-1 thanks to a 46-39 win over North Texas last time out. Keyone Jenkins has thrown for 583 yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on 56.5% passing while Shomari Lawrence has rushed for 254 yards and 2 TDs and Kejon Owens has 101 rushing yards and a team-high 3 rushing TDs this season. Kris Mitchell leads the Panthers’ receiving group with 17 grabs for 297 yards and 3 TDs while Dean Patterson has 8 catches for 159 yards this season. On defense, Donovan Manuel has a team-high 38 total tackles including 20 solo tackles while FIU’s defense has combined for 7 sacks and 3 interceptions this season.

FIU Panthers Team Facts

– FIU has lost each of its last seven road games in September.
– The underdog has covered the spread in each of FIU’s last four games.
– Seven of FIU’s last eight September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

UConn Run Over By Georgia State

The UConn Huskies had a chance for a bounce back performance against Georgia State, but were instead steamrolled by the Panthers, losing 35-14 to fall to 0-2 on the year. Ta’Quan Roberson has thrown for 216 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception on 63.3% passing while Joseph Fagnano has 173 passing yards and an interception on 51.4% passing. Victor Rosa has a team-high 116 rushing yards with a pair of touchdowns, while Brett Buckman leads UConn’s receiving group with 11 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Jackson Mitchell leads the Huskies with 22 total tackles while the Huskies’ defense has combined for a pair of sacks this season.

UConn Huskies Team Facts

– UConn has lost 13 of its last 14 games in September.
– UConn has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 11 September games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
– UConn has lost the first half in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.
– Each of UConn’s last seven games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

– UConn ranked 13th among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (4.5).
– UConn ranked T25th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.538).
– FIU ranked 31st among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (4.3).
– FIU suffered the largest margin of defeat of any FBS team last season (73-points vs Western Kentucky on September 24, 2022).

Chris’ Pick

I’m going to take a shot with FIU here. The Panthers have looked solid offensively through their first couple of games, and while FIU hasn’t played the toughest of opposition. UConn hasn’t been the same team that made it to their bowl game last season. The Huskies had a decent showing against NC State, but were just terrible against Georgia State, and I just think that even if UConn wins this game, FIU has enough in the tank offensively to keep this one within reason. Give me FIU and the points here.