Sam Houston vs. FIU Prediction, Picks & Odds: Week 9

Repping their "" uniforms, FIU is poised to give the fans at the time of their lives and put Sam Houston on the floor in a Tuesday night C-USA showdown.

• Our Sam Houston vs. FIU prediction expects the Panthers to feel this moment and cover as a 5.5-point underdog
• Bearkats' starting QB Hunter Watson is dealing with an injury that could have him, or his backup, going down and yelling timber against this FIU defense
• Panthers running back Kejon Owens has been running like a fireball as of late

In this first game of our Week 9 college football predictions, FIU is poised to make it a close game in Miami. 

Best Sam Houston vs. FIU picks

College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.

• Against the spread pick: FIU +5.5 () vs. Sam Houston ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• My best bet: Kejon Owens anytime touchdown scorer () ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sam Houston vs. FIU against the spread prediction: Week 9

FIU to cover the spread: +5.5 (-106) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sam Houston vs. FIU opening odds:

• Sam Houston: -7 (-110)
• FIU: +7 (-110)

This line has moved further in the Panthers' direction with it unclear whether or not Watson will suit up for the Bearkats. He left last week's loss to Western Kentucky in the first half and did not return.

Head coach K.C. Keeler said the team won't know his status until closer to game time, and said playing on a “short week doesn’t help.” Sam Houston didn't score a single point against the Hilltoppers once backup Jase Bauer came in -  and this is an offense that's just 98th in SP+ even when Watson's healthy.

FIU's defense has also been solid against the pass this season, ranking 61st in . The front seven is also capable of applying pressure with Eddie Walls III, Jamarrion Solomon, Travion Barnes all having a pass rush win rate of 12.7% or better, per .

Hucking it around the 305

The Bearkats' defense is nothing special and could struggle against a Panthers offense that's has two capable running backs in Kejon Owens and Lexington Joseph.

But Sam Houston won't be able to key in on them because of the threat FIU QB Keyone Jenkins poses. He's top 60 in the country in big-time throws (8) and 16th in the Group of Five in adjusted completion rate (73.7%). 

Given the QB situation for the Bearkats, I think FIU is capable of keeping it close and covering for the third time in four games. If they do, a $10 bet pays a $9.43 profit.

Best odds: -106 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 51.46%

Sam Houston vs. FIU best bet

Our NEW college football player prop odds tool can help you find the best odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your area!

Kejon Owens anytime touchdown scorer (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Owens leads the Panthers in touchdowns this season with five in seven games, which includes finding the end zone four times in the last four games. That touchdown production coincides with an uptick in usage, too. 

After averaging just seven touches per game over FIU's first three games, he's averaging 13.7 touches over the last four. He's also been an impactful tackle breaker with 219 yards after contact and 21 forced missed tackles this season.

With Owens being FIU's lead back and Sam Houston's defense just 89th in SP+ with 59 missed tackles, he should have the opportunity to score. If he does, a $10 bet pays a $9.09 profit.

Best odds: -110 via bet365 | Implied probability: 52.38%

Sam Houston vs. FIU odds

See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.

Sam Houston vs. FIU game info

• When: Tuesday, Oct. 22
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Pitbull Stadium (Miami)
• How to watch: ESPNU
• Weather: 81 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, wind 14 mph NE
• Favorite: Sam Houston -5.5 (-110 via BetMGM)

College football betting odds pages

Here are our best college football betting sites:

• Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUSDYW | Read our Caesars Review
• BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
• bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
• FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
• DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission

Related pages

• Best Sports Betting Sites | Best Sportsbook Promos (U.S. only)