FIU Panthers (4-7) vs WKU Hilltoppers (6-5)
Game Info: Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm (Riccardo Silva Stadium)
Betting Odds: FIU Panthers +10 -- Over/Under: 54.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will head down to Miami to face the Florida International Panthers in Conference USA play from Riccardo Silva Stadium on ESPN+. WKU leads the head-to-head series, 10-6, after winning four straight meetings. Let's have a look at our WKU vs FIU Prediction.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Preview
Western Kentucky moved to 6-5 after defeating Sam Houston State at home, 28-23. The Hilltoppers used a fourth quarter touchdown to become bowl eligible, and they’ll look to avoid a .500 regular season finish here. The WKU offense is scoring 28.8 ppg, while passing for 283.8 ypg, rushing for 111.2 ypg, and converting 39.5% of their third downs.
WKU Player Notes
• Austin Reed leads WKU behind center, and after passing for 392 yards and three scores in the win over SHSU, he’s up to 3,060 yards with 27 touchdowns and eleven interceptions thru eleven games.
• Knoxville native Elijah Young has gained 50 yards or more in three straight games, and he’s up to 444 yards on 88 carries for the season.
• Junior wideout Malachi Corley has scored in four straight games, and after recording his third 100-yard outing of the season, he leads Western Kentucky in receptions (69) and receiving yards (906).
• The WKU defense has allowed 28.1 points per game.
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Florida International Panthers Preview
Florida International fell to 4-7 after losing to Arkansas in Fayetteville, 44-20. The Panthers led after one, but they were unable to hold on, and they’ll look to avoid a fourth straight loss this Saturday. The FIU offense is scoring 19.4 ppg, while passing for 227.5 ypg, rushing for 93.7 ypg, and converting 26.3% of their third downs.
FIU Player Notes
• Keyone Jenkins starts at QB for FIU, and after passing for 265 yards and two scores against Arkansas, he’s thrown for 2,165 yards, with eight touchdowns to nine interceptions thru ten starts.
• South Dakota transfer Shomari Lawrence had a quiet game against the Hogs, but he still leads the Panthers in rushing yards with 546 on 118 touches.
• Junior wideout Kris Mitchell had a big game versus the Razorbacks, and he leads the team in receptions (56) and receiving yards (1002).
• The FIU defense has allowed 31.0 points per game.
Western Kentucky vs Florida International Trends
• WKU is 4-7 against the spread, with a 5-6 O/U record.
• FIU is 5-6 ATS, with a 5-6 over/under record.
Corey’s Free Pick
Western Kentucky has seen a few gunslingers come thru at the quarterback position, and they’ll wave this weekend as another in Austin Reed will conclude his college career. Reed has churned out multiple 3,000-yard seasons, and after a turnover-filled out last week, look for a sharper effort from the Hilltoppers here. FIU is on their way, and they exceeded expectations early with a true freshman at quarterback, but WKU has the potential to run this one up here. Western Kentucky can further solidify their bowl position with a victory here, so let’s back them this weekend in South Beach.
Corey’s Pick WKU to Cover
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
