Here is everything you need to know, from current college football betting odds to DFS picks and fantasy football players to play included in our UTSA vs. FIU prediction.
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UTSA vs. FIU Betting Preview
- Spread: UTSA (-32)
- Moneyline: UTSA (-10000); FIU (+3300)
- Over/Under: 64 points
- Game time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Riccardo Silva Stadium, Miami, FL
- Predicted weather at kick: 79 degrees, cloudy, 5 mph winds
UTSA has two losses at the halfway point this year — the same amount of losses they finished with in a historic 12-2 campaign in 2021. Even so, the Roadrunners remain in the driver’s seat in Conference USA play, with a 2-0 record against in-conference opponents. Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky both fell to Jeff Traylor’s squad, and now, the Roadrunners have the FIU Panthers in their crosshairs.
FIU is 2-3 on the year and 0-1 in conference play. The Panthers are coming off a 33-12 loss to UConn, but the most notable game on FIU’s résumé is their contest against Western Kentucky, in which FIU lost 73-0. That same Hilltoppers team, UTSA beat 31-28 just last week and carried a 24-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The transitive property says that UTSA should hold a clear edge in this one, but let’s dive in deeper.
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB Frank Harris, UTSA: $6,800
- QB Grayson James, FIU: $6,000
- QB Haden Carlson, FIU: $5,300
- RB Brenden Brady, UTSA: $6,000
- RB Lexington Joseph, FIU: $4,900
- RB Trelon Smith, UTSA: $4,500
- WR Zakhari Franklin, UTSA: $7,600
- WR De’Corian Clark, UTSA: $7,100
- WR Joshua Cephus, UTSA: $6,800
- WR Tyrese Chambers, FIU: $5,800
- WR Jalen Bracey, FIU: $4,100
- WR Kris Mitchell, FIU: $4,000
- TE Dan Dishman, UTSA: $3,000
If you’re going to target players from this game in DFS, target predominantly UTSA players. Florida International’s offense has not been reliably productive this season, and against a strong UTSA team, that’s not likely to change this week. Grayson James does have some rushing ability, and he’ll get lots of volume — presumably if FIU plays from behind. But the reliability isn’t there to justify the near-average price.
If you look at anyone from FIU’s offense, it’ll be Tyrese Chambers. Chambers has big-play ability, having averaged 23.9 yards per catch while amassing 1,079 yards and nine scores in 2021. We haven’t seen him produce at that same clip in 2022, but the game script could force the ball his way here. At $5,800, he’s a risky bargain if you’re in dire need of a buy-low option.
Lexington Joseph is also a potential buy-low at $4,900 if you need a cheap RB or Flex. Across his past two contests, he’s logged a total of 21 carries for 183 yards and a score, along with an additional six-yard touchdown reception. There’s enough volume and two-phase ability to generate modest interest here — but that’s where it ends on FIU’s side.
UTSA has the coveted talent for this DFS slate. Quarterback Frank Harris has been prolific both through the air and on the ground this year, with high touchdown density in both phases. And he has his receiving corps at full strength to help him out. Against an FIU defense that’s allowing 38.2 points per game (124th in the FBS), the Roadrunners’ high-octane offense should have plenty of opportunities to put up more numbers.
MORE: College Football Picks and Predictions for Week 7
Harris is an obvious value at $6,800 with his dual-sided passing and running ability. The tougher call is which of the UTSA receivers to target. Franklin at $7,600 may seem relatively overpriced, but he’s been the most consistent WR of the group, with at least five catches and 84 yards in every game this season, and at least one scoring catch in all games but two.
Cephus actually has the most receptions of the group, so if you need value, that’s a risk worth taking. Yet, it’s important to be cognizant of the fact that Cephus only has one touchdown catch. So while he’s seeing a lot of targets, the end-zone points are going to the other two. On the flip side, however, Cephus could be due for a positive regression in that department. It’s a judgment call on your part, but the upside is there with Cephus.
If you’re sitting on the fence with those two, De’Corian Clark is an equally enticing option. At 6’3″, 210 pounds, Clark is the big-play threat of the group. He’s averaging 15.8 yards per catch and also has the most yards (618) and touchdowns (7). Like Franklin, Clark also has at least one touchdown in every game but two. With his size, he’s a natural threat in the red zone. Combine that with his consistent target share, and Clark might be the best mix of security and upside of the three.
The bottom line is: All three UTSA receivers have seen consistent targets this year. So if you need to play it by the rest of your roster and how much cash you have available to spend, do that. There are reasons to select all three — enough where it’s a true call of discretion. If you’re looking to save some money and go with the value, however, Clark and Cephus have enough upside to get the nod over Franklin.
Prediction for UTSA vs. FIU
The spread of -32 in UTSA’s favor feels a little heavy. UTSA hasn’t been quite as dominant against C-USA teams as they were last year. The defense, while still strong, lost enough talent to allow some teams to trade blows.
But the Roadrunners are still a very good team. Inversely, the Panthers haven’t proven that they can consistently compete. Losses to Western Kentucky and UConn by 73 and 21 points, respectively, discourage bets in FIU’s favor. If those games are that lopsided, what is UTSA going to be able to do?
The Roadrunners also have significant holdovers on defense from 2021 like safeties Rashad Wisdom and Clifford Chatman, the latter of whom is a 6’5″ ball hawk with a career-high six pass deflections through six games. UTSA’s roster is well-coached and talented. More importantly, UTSA has a game-script advantage here. They can jump ahead early with their offense, and the pressure to keep up may invite mistakes on FIU’s side.
UTSA has 37.3 points per game — a strong number that’s weighed down by a 41-20 loss to a formidable Texas team. UTSA has scored at least 31 in every Group of Five game this year, and that should easily continue against FIU. However, the issue isn’t how much UTSA will score — it’s what the margin of victory will be.
FIU may put up 2-3 scores out of desperation, against a UTSA defense that’s regressed in 2021. UTSA should still be able to win by multiple possessions, but with a four-possession spread, the over in favor of FIU feels like a good balance.
Prediction: UTSA 45, FIU 21
