The Florida International Panthers take on the Penn State Nittany Lions in University Park, Pa. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. EDT on BTN.
Penn State is favored by 41.5 points on the spread. The total is set at 54.5 points.
Here’s my FIU vs. Penn State prediction and college football picks for Saturday, September 6, 2025.
FIU vs Penn State Prediction
- FIU vs. Penn State Pick: Penn State -41.5 (-110, BetMGM)
My Penn State vs. FIU best bet is on the Nittany Lions spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
FIU vs Penn State Odds
| FIU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+41.5 -105 | 54.5 -110o / -110u | - |
| Penn State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-41.5 -115 | 54.5 -110o / -110u | - |
- FIU vs Penn State point spread: Penn State -41.5 (-110), FIU +41.5 (-110)
- FIU vs Penn State over/under: 54.5 (-110o / -110u)
FIU vs Penn State Preview
Florida International Panthers Betting Preview
FIU kicked off its 2025 season with a dominant effort in a 42-9 win over Bethune-Cookman.
However, their win was not as dominant as the final score appears.
The Panthers outgained BCU by just 100 yards, which does not adequately reflect the final score.
They certainly have their hands full this week against the Nittany Lions as six-touchdown underdogs.
The metrics may appear great heading into the matchup, but I would take all those stats with a grain of salt.
The Nittany Lions may have lost some NFL players on their defense, but I expect FIU’s offense to struggle mightily throughout the afternoon.
Quarterback Keyone Jenkins is a great athlete, but despite this being his third year, I still doubt his ability to throw the ball consistently.
I still have significant questions about FIU’s offensive line, which is filled with FCS transfers.
Playing against Conference USA opponents is one thing, but facing off against one of the nation's best teams is a massive leap.
Jenkins could be under constant duress throughout the matchup, leading to many mistakes from the Panthers' offense.
I like FIU’s secondary, but I’m unsure how it’ll hold up against Penn State’s talented receivers. Of greater importance, I have significant questions about the defensive line, which could get bulldozed by Penn State’s front five.
It will be a long afternoon for the Panthers, who are outclassed and overmatched.
Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview
We all know how frustrated head coach James Franklin was last weekend when their team failed to cover against the Nevada Wolfpack.
At least the Nittany Lions will have another crack at it on Saturday, as they are huge favorites at home against the Panthers.
It is egregious if you are reading this and believe that college coaches are unaware of the spread of these matchups. Franklin was so frustrated with the officials at the end of the game that you would have thought the Nittany Lions had lost the matchup on a last-second score.
Not only is it a significant aspect of the handicap, but the Nittany Lions have positioned themselves to dominate against the Panthers.
Offensively, Penn State should have no issues marching up and down the field, as long as it avoids self-inflicting wounds.
After Week 1, the Nittany Lions are among the best teams in the country in Defensive Line Yards and EPA per Play allowed.
They get a delicious matchup against a questionable FIU offensive line, which should generate many mistakes and negative plays.
Ultimately, Penn State’s defense should provide excellent field position for the offense, where Drew Allar and Co. should generate explosive plays throughout the afternoon.
FIU vs Penn State Pick, Betting Analysis
I'm laying the points with Penn State.
After last week, I know Franklin is going to go above and beyond to get the alumni a cover.
Not only that, but this is also a massive mismatch for the FIU Panthers. Their offensive line is full of question marks and will struggle to hold up against Penn State for the entire game.
I like the Panthers as a dark horse in CUSA, but this is not the time to back them. I expect numerous mistakes all afternoon, leading to a complete beatdown by Penn State.
Pick: Penn State -41.5 (-110, BetMGM)
