FIU (0-1) vs Central Michigan (1-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 6:00 pm (South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium)
The Line: Betting Odds: FIU +6.5 / Central Michigan -6.5 — Over/Under:
The Central Michigan Chippewas and the Florida International Panthers meet Saturday in college football action from FIU Stadium. Here’s a Central Michigan vs FIU prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Central Michigan vs FIU pick. We will examine:
The Central Michigan Chippewas’ recent form and player performance
The Florida International Panthers’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Central Michigan Chippewas
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Florida International Panthers
Recent betting trends in games played between Central Michigan and FIU
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Central Michigan vs FIU game
Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview
The Chippewas managed to go 5-7 overall last year with a 3-5 record in the Mid-American Conference. Central Michigan would land ahead of only Ball State and Western Michigan in the West Division and failed to qualify for a bowl game.
Central Michigan didn’t have any issues in their first matchup of the new season versus Central Connecticut. The Chippewas scored 28 points in the second quarter on the way to a 66-10 blowout win. QB Joey Labas posted 342 yards with three scores in the victory.
FIU Panthers Betting Preview
Over on the FIU side, they had an even worse campaign in 2023. The Panthers logged a rough 4-8 run overall and went only 1-7 in Conference USA matchups. FIU would finish in last place among the standings behind Louisiana Tech.
Matched up against Indiana in their first game, the Panthers were outscored 10-0 in the second half during a 31-7 loss. QB Keyone Jenkins had 129 yards, one TD, and a pick. Dean Patterson led the receivers with five catches for 28 yards.
Why the Florida International Panthers will win
- Central Michigan has lost each of its last three games as a road favorite.
- Florida International has won each of its last three home openers.
- Central Michigan has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games as a favorite.
- The home team has covered the spread in five of Central Michigan’s last six games.
Why the Central Michigan Chippewas will win
- Florida International has lost eight of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Central Michigan has won seven of its last eight September games as a favorite.
- Florida International has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games at Pitbull Stadium.
- The road team has covered the spread in six of Florida International’s last seven games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Central Michigan’s last four games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of Florida International’s last eight games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Central Michigan rank T1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Central Michigan rank T1st among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage this season (1.000).
Central Michigan vs FIU Prediction
I might try Central Michigan. The Chippewas essentially played a warmup game versus Central Connecticut last week, notching 491 total yards (378 passing) and 22 first downs in a blowout win. CMU held the Blue Devils to 285 total yards (91 passing) and 16 first downs. FIU will be a tougher opponent, though.
Speaking of FIU, in Saturday’s game the Panthers didn’t look great against a superior Indiana team, notching just 182 yards (129 passing) and 13 first downs. FIU gave up a whopping 234 yards on the ground and 23 first downs as well. The Panthers should look better this week but I don’t think they’ll quite cover.