{"id":32131,"date":"2024-10-22T13:06:18","date_gmt":"2024-10-22T17:06:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/?p=32131"},"modified":"2024-10-22T13:07:02","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T17:07:02","slug":"sam-houston-vs-fiu-predictions-and-picks-college-football-week-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/college-football\/sam-houston-vs-fiu-predictions-and-picks-college-football-week-9\/","title":{"rendered":"Sam Houston vs FIU Predictions and Picks | College Football Week 9"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the\u00a02024-2025 college football season<\/strong>\u00a0continues, all eyes are on the\u00a0Sam Houston vs FIU<\/strong>\u00a0matchup, which promises to bring excitement to Tuesday night football. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sam Houston comes in as the favorite, currently favored by\u00a05.5 points<\/strong>\u00a0over\u00a0Florida International (FIU)<\/strong>. This Conference USA battle kicks off at\u00a07:30 PM Eastern<\/strong>\u00a0on ESPNU, and we\u2019re here to break down the key insights, predictions, and best bets for this game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sam Houston: Dominating the Ground Game<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0Sam Houston Bearkats<\/strong>\u00a0enter this game with a solid ground attack, averaging\u00a0220 rushing yards per game<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are a run-heavy team, accumulating more yards on the ground than through the air, and averaging nearly\u00a05 yards per carry<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This strength in the run game is expected to be a key factor against an FIU defense that has struggled to stop the run this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sam Houston\u2019s Offensive Edge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sam Houston\u2019s ability to control the game with their run game is significant, especially since FIU has allowed over\u00a0200 rushing yards per game<\/strong>\u00a0and nearly\u00a05 yards per carry<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bearkats should find success on the ground, giving them the advantage in this matchup. However, despite their offensive edge, the video points out that the\u00a05.5-point spread<\/strong>\u00a0might be too high, and the real value could lie elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIU: Keyone Jenkins\u2019 Return Could Spark the Offense<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Florida International (FIU)<\/strong>\u00a0has had an up-and-down season, and their most recent struggles were partly due to the absence of their starting quarterback,\u00a0Keon Jenkins<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jenkins missed the previous game due to injury, and FIU suffered a loss as a\u00a07-point favorite<\/strong>. The good news for FIU fans is that Jenkins is expected to return for this game, which should improve their offensive performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIU\u2019s Home Advantage and Offensive Potential<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

FIU has been strong offensively when playing at home, averaging\u00a037 points per game<\/strong>\u00a0on their own turf. With Jenkins back under center, FIU is expected to score points against a Sam Houston defense that has allowed\u00a025 points per game<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While FIU’s defense has struggled to stop the run, their offense has the potential to keep this game competitive, especially with their starting quarterback back in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Matchup: Sam Houston\u2019s Rushing Attack vs. FIU\u2019s Weak Run Defense<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The critical matchup in this game will be\u00a0Sam Houston\u2019s rushing attack<\/strong>\u00a0versus\u00a0FIU\u2019s defense<\/strong>. FIU has struggled to stop the run, and Sam Houston excels on the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Sam Houston can control the clock and maintain long drives with their run game, they\u2019ll be able to limit FIU\u2019s offensive opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the flip side, FIU\u2019s offensive production will depend on how well\u00a0Keon Jenkins<\/strong>\u00a0can perform after returning from injury. If FIU can find success through the air and score early, they may be able to challenge Sam Houston\u2019s defense and keep the game close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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