Cancelled: LA Tech at FIU: 11/28/20 College Football Picks and Prediction
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FIU Panthers (0-5) vs LA Tech Bulldogs (4-3)
Game Info: Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 12:00 pm (Riccardo Silva Stadium)
Betting Odds: FIU Panthers +5 -- Over/Under: 53.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will travel to Riccardo Silva Stadium to take on the Florida International Panthers this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs had their 3rd straight game (UNT, Rice, ULM) postponed/cancelled due to Covid-19 and come into this game with an overall record of 4-3 after defeating the UAB Blazers, 37-34 in 2OT, on October 31st. Louisiana Tech was able to force OT after scoring the game-tying TD on a 24-yard TD receptions by Adrian Hardy and won in OT on a 35-yard FG after UAB fumbled in their 2nd OT possession. Louisiana Tech was outgained by UAB by a 485-381 margin, however, did win the turnover battle by a 3-1 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was WR Adrian Hardy who had 7 receptions for 101 yards & 2 TD’s.
On the season, Louisiana Tech is averaging 30.3 ppg on 334.4 total yards per game (242.4 passing yds/g; 92.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Louisiana Tech has been led by QB Luke Anthony who has completed 62.5% of his passes for 1,208 yards, 13 TD, & 4 INT. The top receiving threats for Anthony and the Bulldogs have been Adrian Hardy (33 rec, 440 yards, 4 TD), Smoke Harris (23 rec, 223 yards, 3 TD), and Griffin Hebert (15 rec, 223 yards, 2 TD). Leading the way for the Louisiana Tech backfield has been the duo of Israel Tucker (82 att, 336 yards, 2 TD) and Justin Henderson (75 att, 252 yards, 2 TD).
Defensively, Louisiana Tech is allowing their opponents to average 32.3 ppg on 420.7 total yards per game (253.1 passing yds/g; 167.6 rushing yds/g).
The Florida International Panthers are still searching for their first win of the season as the Panthers fell to 0-5 (0-3 C-USA) on the season after being defeated by the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 38-21, this past Saturday. Florida International had some costly turnovers against Western Kentucky and could not fight back after the Hilltoppers took a 31-13 lead early in the 4th quarter on a 1-yard TD run by Gaej Walker. Florida International was outgained by a 278-263 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Panthers was RB D’vonte Price who has 100 rushing yards on 24 carries.
On the season, Florida International is averaging 22.4 ppg on 279.8 total yards per game (123.4 passing yds/g; 156.4 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Florida International has been led by the RB duo of D’vonte Price (85 att, 581 yards, 4 TD) and Shaun Peterson Jr (28 att, 168 yards, 2 TD). QB Max Bortenschlager has completed 45.8% of his passes for 284 yards, 2TD, & 1 INT although is listed as questionable for this matchup. If Bortenschlager cannot go, the Panthers will either go with Stone Norton (48.1 Comp %, 252 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT) or Kaylan Wiggins (36.7 Comp %, 81 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT). The top receiving threats for Florida International have been Rivaldo Fairweather (10 rec, 165 yards, TD), Bryce Singleton (14 rec, 150 yards, TD), and JJ Holloman (8 rec, 108 yards, TD).
Defensively, Florida International is allowing their opponents to average 32.4 ppg on 422.8 total yards per game (187.2 passing yds/g; 235.6 rushing yds/g).
The Bulldogs are 5-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win. The Panthers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Louisiana Tech has not played a game since October, however, looked solid in that game, picking up an impressive victory over a good UAB team. Florida International has major issues at QB and as the Panthers just let a Western Kentucky team that is averaging just 17.0 ppg to put up 38 against them, I think the play here is to take Louisiana Tech to cover this small road spread.
Brett’s Pick Louisiana Tech Bulldogs -5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
