In one of many rivalry games this weekend, the Shula Bowl returns to South Florida with Florida Atlantic and FIU set to battle on Saturday night in Boca Raton.
The Owls have struggled out of the gates, dropping their opening two contests to Michigan State and Army.
Meanwhile, the Panthers recovered from a loss at Indiana by overpowering Central Michigan last week.
This series has been dominated by FAU, who has won the past six meetings. However, I feel this could be a great spot for revenge by the road underdog. Let's get to my FIU vs. FAU prediction.
FIU vs Florida Atlantic Pick
- Pick: FIU+5.5
My FIU vs FAU best bet is on the Panthers spread with the best line currently available at BetMGM, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
FIU vs Florida Atlantic Odds
| FIU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -112 | 45 -112 / -108 | +145 |
| Florida Atlantic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -108 | 45 -112 / -108 | -175 |
- FIU vs Florida Atlantic Point Spread: FIU +4 (-112) · Florida Atlantic -4 (-112)
- FIU vs Florida Atlantic Total: Over/Under 45
- FIU vs Florida Atlantic Moneyline: FIU +145 · Florida Atlantic -175
FIU vs Florida Atlantic Preview
FIU Betting Preview: Is the Turnaround Coming?
When coach Mike MacIntyre was hired at FIU, he was known as a guy who could turn losing programs around if given the time. He led San Jose State to a bowl game in his third year before leading Colorado to a 10-win season in four years.
Unfortunately, it hasn't all clicked in Miami for MacIntyre as 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 quarterback Keyone Jenkins. His 2,414 passing yards ranked fifth nationally among all freshmen a season ago.
In the win over Central Michigan, the defense that stole the show by forcing six turnovers, FIU's most since a game against UAB in 2014. If MacIntyre can get his defense to match the play of the offense, this could be a solid year at FIU.
FAU Owls Betting Preview: Owls Need to Get Back on Track
After a disappointing debut season in 2023, this year is already off to a tough start for coach Tom Herman. Last season was Herman’s first losing campaign as a head coach, and he now faces an uphill climb to avoid consecutive disappointing seasons.
The loss at Michigan State is understandable, especially with the Owls covering the spread on the road against a Big Ten opponent. However, the defeat to Army wasn’t competitive.
FAU was gashed on the ground by the Knights, giving up over 400 yards rushing and two scores. Army also finished with just about double the amount of total yards as the Owls, which is not good for a home opener.
On the offensive side of the ball, Herman is still trying to figure out how to get the best out of transfer quarterback Cam Fancher. A big performance by the former Marshall signal caller here could get the season back on track.
FIU vs Florida Atlantic Prediction
Rivalry games are ones that teams raise their levels for, which can lead to very close contests. Once you add in my negative thoughts toward the home team, I can only look at backing one team in this spot.
With that said, my best bet is to take FIU at +5.5 at FanDuel, which I would bet down to +4. I also don’t hate a sprinkle on the moneyline at +150 or better.
Yes, I understand that the Panthers can consider themselves pretty lucky last week to register six turnovers that led to 31 points. However, that doesn’t mean we should be expecting Fancher to be much better at quarterback.
He's had his most success as a passer when he's been able to lean on a strong rushing attack, which I just don’t believe he has at FAU.
Coming into the year, the Owls lost their top three running backs, four starting offensive linemen and a 1,100-yard receiver. So, I struggle seeing Fancher improving this offense without much around him.
On defense, I’m not sure Florida Atlantic can fix its issues stopping the run in just one week. FIU has multiple backs, plus a mobile quarterback.
With all of the negatives, this feels like too many points for the Owls to cover. So, I’m back on the Panthers to cash us a winning ticket for a second straight week.
Pick: FIU +5.5 (Play to +4)
How to Watch FIU vs Florida Atlantic Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | FAU Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 14 |
| Kickoff Time: | 6 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
FIU vs Florida Atlantic Betting Trends
- 69% of the bets are on FIU against the spread while 56% of the money is on the same side.
- 89% of the bets are on the over while 91% of the money is on the same side.
FIU vs Florida Atlantic Weather
