The Middle Tennesse Blue Raiders and FIU Panthers face off on Saturday in a college football showdown at FIU Stadium. When these two teams faced off last year it was Middle Tennessee that won 50-10.
Middle Tennessee comes into this game with a 6-5 record and they have gone 5-5-1 against the spread. This is the same team that beat Miami earlier this season, but the biggest issue has been inconsistency. In the last game against Florida Atlantic though the offense was elite scoring 49 points, and they won in blowout fashion. The Blue Raiders are averaging 28.8 points while their defense is giving up 28.1 points per game. In the last game, Chase Cunningham completed 40 of his 54 passes for 448 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception.
On the other side of this matchup is Florida International which sits with a 4-7 record and they have gone 4-7 against the spread. In the last game against UTEP, the offense only managed six points, and they ended up losing by 34 points. Two games ago against Florida Atlantic they were defeated 52-7. FIU is averaging 17.8 points while their defense is giving up 37.6 points per game. Grayson James on the season has thrown for 1.967 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The turnovers have been an issue, and he is going to need to improve upon that here.
Middle Tennessee is 15-5-1 against the spread in their last 21 games against a team with a losing record. FIU is 4-10 against the spread in their last 14 home games. The home team is 5-1 against the spread in the last six meetings. The over is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings.
This FIU offense has been inconsistent and they dont have the offense to stay in this game. Two gams ago FIU gave up 52 points, and they are going to really struggle to defend again in this game. Look for another big game from Cunningham, and Middle Tennessee is going to come away with a cover of the spread. This is one of my favorite plays on the board.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
