FIU vs. LA Tech Prediction - College Football Picks 8/26/23

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The FIU Panthers and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs face off on Saturday in Week 0 of the college football season at Joe Aillet Stadium. 

Grayson James Wins the Starting Job

Grayson James has come out of fall camp as the starting quarterback for Florida International. Last season he was a bit inconsistent but he ended up throwing for 1,969 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Eric Rivers looks to be the top wide receiver and he’s going to be targeted plenty this game. There has been a lot of buzz around Rivers during fall camp, and the hope is that results in success on the field. On defense, this Panthers team has a lot of questions, and in this game the defense is going to need to be better. If the defense struggles here, this could be a long game. 

Florida International Panthers Team Facts

  • Florida International has lost 19 of its last 21 games against conference opponents.
  • Florida International has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last 10 road games.
  • Florida International has lost the first half in seven of its last eight road games against conference opponents.
  • Four of Florida International's last five games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Crosby is out for Louisiana Tech

Louisiana Tech is going to be shorthanded for this game, and there are some big concerns. Marquis Crosby, who is expected to be one of the best running backs in college football, and this is a big loss. Sonny Cumbie, Charvis Thornton, and Keith Willis are all expected to get carries in this game. Without Crosby there has to be some question about how much production the others can put up. Under center in this game is going to be Hank Bachmeier who played at Boise State last year. On defense, Cecil Singleton Jr is going to be the the guy to watch. He led the team in sacks last year, and he’s going to need to be good here. 

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Team Facts

  • Louisiana Tech has won each of its last eight home openers as a favorite.
  • The home team has covered the spread in 12 of Louisiana Tech's last 13 games.
  • Louisiana Tech has lost the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
  • Louisiana Tech has won the first quarter in eight of its last nine games against conference opponents at Joe Aillet Stadium.
  • Each of Louisiana Tech's last eight home games have gone OVER the total points line.

Shane’s Free Pick

Not having Crosby in the backfield is a big loss for Louisiana Tech, but they are still going to find plenty of success here. Bachmeier is going to have a big season, and that is going to start with a big game here. Bachmeier is going to throw at least a couple of touchdowns, and I’m not sold on this FIU offense. Some people forget how good Bachmeier was when he was healthy for Boise State. Look for the offense to be too much for the Bulldogs and Louisiana Tech will cover the spread.

The pick in this article is the opinion of the writer, not a PickDawgz site consensus.

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