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The FIU Golden Panthers (3-4, 0-4 CUSA) and the Sam Houston State Bearkats (0-6, 0-3) meet Wednesday at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FIU vs. Sam Houston State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
This is the 1st meeting between these new Conference USA foes.
The Golden Panthers are skidding hard, dropping 3 in a row after a 3-1 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) start. That includes an embarrassing 27-14 setback at home in Miami against UTEP last Wednesday as a 3.5-point favorite. The Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games for FIU.
The Bearkats have dropped all 6 games this season, an almost direct result of an offense just not up to FBS standards. Sam Houston has scored 16 or fewer points in 5 of 6 games, including a 27-13 loss at New Mexico State last Wednesday at a 4-point underdog.
The defense has been decent at times, including a total of 27 points allowed in the first 2 games against BYU and Air Force. The Under is 4-2 in 6 games overall.
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FIU at Sam Houston State odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 7:07 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): FIU +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Sam Houston State -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): FIU +5.5 (-110) | Sam Houston State -5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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FIU at Sam Houston State picks and predictions
Prediction
FIU 23, Sam Houston 19
Moneyline
FIU (+170) is worth a look as a moderate underdog on the road.
The Golden Panthers have experienced success this season, including a road win at UConn back on Sept. 16. The Golden Panthers have dropped 3 in a row, and the offense has gone south during the skid, averaging just 12.3 PPG. However, FIU should get well against a Sam Houston (-210) side with an equally inept offense.
Against the spread
FIU +5.5 (-110) is a decent play if you’re not quite feeling the Golden Panthers straight up. This is a big number for a winless Sam Houston -5.5 (-110) side to be laying.
The Bearkats have covered at a 1-0-1 ATS clip in 2 previous home games, so be careful. However, Sam Houston is 1-2-1 ATS in the past 4 games overall, and the defense has fallen apart in the past 4, allowing 27 or more points in 3 of those outings.
Over/Under
OVER 41.5 (-115) is the play, but go lightly.
This is a very low number, but FIU’s offense has struggled lately, and Sam Houston’s offense has struggled all season. However, both teams have been very giving on defense lately, and these moribund offenses should be able to find some semblance of success against each other.
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