Bethune-Cookman and FIU square off at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, FL, on Friday, August 29. This game kicks off at 7 p.m. ET and can be streamed on ESPN+.
FIU is slated as a 30.5-point favorite in the contest with a total set at 54.5 points.
Here’s my Bethune-Cookman vs. FIU prediction and college football picks for Friday, August 29.
Bethune-Cookman vs FIU Prediction
- Bethune-Cookman vs. FIU Pick: FIU Team Total Over 41.5
My Bethune-Cookman vs FIU best bet is on the Panthers team total over. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Bethune-Cookman vs FIU Odds
| Bethune-Cookman Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+30.5 -110 | 54.5 -110o / -110u | +2200 |
| FIU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-30.5 -110 | 54.5 -110o / -110u | -8000 |
- Bethune-Cookman vs FIU point spread: FIU -30.5
- Bethune-Cookman vs FIU over/under: 54.5 points
- Bethune-Cookman vs FIU moneyline: Bethune-Cookman +2200, FIU -8000
Bethune-Cookman vs FIU Preview
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Betting Preview: Questions Surround Team in Opener
Bethune-Cookman enters the season off a disappointing 2-10 record, which included three blowout losses and a loss to a D-II program in Clark-Atlanta.
The Wildcats are unsettled at quarterback as last year's two starters, Luke Sprague and Cam’Ron Ransom, return, along with Timmy McClain and Amari Jones, who enter via the portal.
All four players have taken first-team reps. Bethune-Cookman looks to replace its starting running back and two of its starting wide receivers, and is retooling its offensive line, which battled injury and inconsistent play last season.
Defensively, five starters return from a unit that allowed 470 yards per game on the road, along with 5.8 yards per carry on the ground. This defense struggled on third down and in the red zone last season, allowing a whopping 6.5 yards per play, despite playing against weak SWAC competition.
Jeremy Greaves Jr. and Adrian Hall Jr. return along the defensive line.
The linebacker room appears shored up with a couple of starters back from last year, along with Mercer transfer Isaiah Washburn, who's expected to contribute.
Florida International Panthers Betting Preview: Back Offense to Light it Up
FIU has made quite the splash in hiring Willie Simmons, who had a successful run at Florida A&M before taking the job coaching running backs at Duke last season.
Simmons couldn't be more different from Mike MacIntyre from an energy standpoint and has quickly been able to connect with his players and the administration.
There's a buzz around this program after the sponsorship deal with Pitbull was finalized, along with retaining quarterback Keyone “Lights-Out” Jenkins this offseason.
FIU was able to effectively replace departing talent last via the portal, and the big grabs were wide receiver Alex Perry (Hawaii) and running back Anthony Carrie (Georgia Tech).
The running back room should operate by committee this year, which is likely to mean fresh legs in the fourth quarter. But the success of this offense will be determined by how the offensive line comes together.
Defensively, FIU returns three starters from a group that played pretty well last season against the pass and on third down.
Defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt, who was retained by Simmons, will have his work cut out for him this season, as nine of the top 10 tacklers from last season and all but one in the secondary depart.
Bethune-Cookman vs FIU Pick, Betting Analysis
I'm going to look to bet FIU’s team total over in this matchup.
This is an opportunity for Simmons to really assess what he has here and get a ton of reps for his guys.
Situationally, the offensive group will need these reps to prepare for the rest of its season, as it's unlikely to gain any value out of the trip to Penn State next week, before hosting rival FAU after that.
I would expect Jenkins to come out of the shoot sharp and fully locked in on developing chemistry with his new bunch of receivers.
The ground game should find success throughout, and Jenkins will also contribute with his legs. The offensive line needs to develop, and we should see the first teamers deep into this game.
BCU camp reports show that the defense completely dominated the offensive unit in its most recent controlled scrimmage, forcing several turnovers and getting off the field quickly.
I don't believe the Wildcats' offense will be able to sustain drives and stay on the field, and I would look for quick possessions and short fields for FIU.
Bethune has a very poor special teams unit and is breaking in a new punter and return specialists, thus a special teams gaffe wouldn't surprise me.
There's a new attitude at FIU, which was desperate for a culture change after three uninspiring seasons under the previous regime. I would fully expect max effort here as motivation to get the fan base excited. Expect tons of points for the Panthers, and Bethune-Cookman will almost certainly oblige.
Any number under 44, grab the team total over for FIU.
Pick: FIU Team Total Over 41.5 (Play to 43.5)
