FIU and Central Michigan meet in Miami on Saturday night to battle on the gridiron at Pitbull Stadium.
The Panthers didn’t get off to a great start to the season, losing at Indiana in their opener, 31-7.
Meanwhile, the Chippewas were dominant in Week 1, winning and covering the spread at home against Central Connecticut State.
Both teams would've had this one circled as a game to win in nonconference play, which should give us a great contest in South Florida.
Where does the betting value lie? Let's dive into my Central Michigan vs. FIU prediction.
Central Michigan vs FIU Prediction
- Pick: FIU +6.5
My Central Michigan vs. FIU bet is on the Panthers to cover the spread as underdogs, with the best line currently available at BetRivers, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Central Michigan vs FIU Odds
| Central Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 51.5 -110 / -110 | -175 |
| FIU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 51.5 -110 / -110 | +145 |
- Spread: Central Michigan -3.5 · FIU +3.5
- Total: Over/Under 51.5
- Moneyline: Central Michigan -175 · FIU +145
Central Michigan vs FIU Preview
Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview: Complete Team Performance in Opener
If you couldn’t tell by the final score, it was a complete team performance for CMU in the opener. In fact, every unit got in on the scoring act in the victory.
The Chippewas amassed 491 yards of total offense and scored nine touchdowns. They also registered scores on a punt return, interception and kickoff return.
Another top performer for Central Michigan was quarterback Joe Labas. In his debut, he completed 80% of his passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns.
Labas is one of the few newcomers on coach Jim McElwain’s offense that returns seven starters, including all running backs and wide receivers.
This will be a much bigger test for Chippewas, especially on the road. They'll be hoping that McElwain can get the program playing like it did in 2020-21 as opposed to the previous two campaigns.
Florida International Panthers Betting Preview: Are the Panthers Dangerous?
When coach Mike MacIntyre was hired at FIU, he was known as a guy who can turn losing programs around if he's given the time. He led San Jose State to a bowl game in Year 3 before it took four years to lead Colorado to a 10-win season.
However, it hasn't all clicked at Florida International for MacIntyre so far. The Panthers have won just eight games in his first two seasons.
MacIntyre made big changes to the roster in the offseason by bringing in 50 new faces to the 2024 team. With that said, he does bring back multiple starters on offense.
The headliner is at quarterback with Keyone Jenkins returning after his stellar freshman season. His 2,414 passing yards ranked fifth nationally among all freshmen.
Jenkins has four starting offensive linemen, both running backs and most of his receivers back again in 2024.
If MacIntyre can get the defense to match the offense, the Panthers could be a team to watch out for in Conference USA.
Central Michigan vs FIU Pick & Prediction
This may not be the first game you see in a loaded Week 2 college football card, but I do believe there's value in the home underdog in this spot.
With that said, my best bet is to take FIU on the spread (+6.5), which I would play down to +4.5.
I also don’t hate a sprinkle on the moneyline at anything +180 or better.
Yes, I understand that Central Michigan had the better performance in Week 1. However, you have to factor in the quality of the opponents.
The Chippewas were at home against an FCS opponent that's won a combined nine games in the last three seasons. Meanwhile, the Panthers were on the road against a Big Ten team that's a Group of Five All-Star team after the transfers the Hoosiers brought in.
I also don’t like how CMU has performed away from home in recent seasons. McElwain’s team has posted a 5-8 record against the spread on the road since 2022 and only won three of those games outright.
The oddsmakers are now asking this same squad to go on the road and cover a full touchdown. I just can’t get there with this number.
Another factor here will be a team from Michigan traveling to play in the Miami humidity. Even though this may be considered a night game, South Florida is predicted to have 79% humidity in the evening.
I won’t try to oversell you on FIU being a good team, but I just believe this is too many points on the road for a MAC squad to cover.
Pick: FIU +6.5 (Play to +4.5)
How to Watch Central Michigan vs FIU Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Pitbull Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 7 |
| Kickoff Time: | 6 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
Central Michigan vs FIU Betting Trends
- This game will be played at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, Florida.
- 92% of the bets are being placed on Central Michigan against the spread.
