Florida International vs. Louisiana Tech Betting Odds & Pick: Will Panthers, Bulldogs Rely on Ground Games?

Florida International is looking to right the ship when it travels to Ruston, La., to take on Louisiana Tech in a Conference USA opener (8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network). The Panthers have been disappointing so far this season and without quarterback James Morgan. La. Tech looked decent against Texas but struggled to put away Grambling in a 20-14 win before blowing out lowly Bowling Green.

The latest betting odds have Louisiana Tech listed as a touchdown favorite over Florida International, with the total at 51.5.

Florida International vs. Louisiana Tech Odds

• Spread: Louisiana Tech -7
• Over/Under: 51.5

Wilson's Model Prediction for FIU vs. Louisiana Tech

Collin Wilson uses an oddsmaker-style approach to creating his own power ratings that can set a point spread between any two teams on a neutral field. 

EDGE members can get his projections for every Week 4 game, and his full power ratings for all 130 teams here.

• Spread: Louisiana Tech -4.7
• Over/Under: 44.8

One Key for Florida International

Quarterback.

Starter James Morgan, who missed last week with an ankle injury, is expected to return, though we haven't gotten official confirmation.

Kaylan Wiggins is much more of a dual-threat but a less polished passer than Morgan. He ran for 187 yards last week in a win over New Hampshire.

Without Morgan, expect FIU to keep things on the ground. With him, expect the Panthers to push the ball down the field a little bit more, though he hasn't been great in limited action this season.

One Key for Louisiana Tech

The running game.

Louisiana Tech is averaging just 3.61 yards per carry this season, 101st in the nation. That needs to improve because the Bulldogs don't seem interested in abandoning the run all together.

Fortunately, FIU has been porous against the run, allowing 5.3 yards per carry (118th of 130 teams).

Collin's Pick on FIU-Louisiana Tech

Action EDGE members can get access to all of Collin Wilson's favorite bets for the weekend here, plus his pick on FIU-Louisiana Tech. Now that the game has kicked, you can get his picks free in The Action Network app.

The spread may continue to drop if Morgan is announced as the starter for Florida International, so I'd recommend grabbing anything at +7 or better now if you like FIU.

I, for one, will be riding with the underdog here.

Even with its talented receiver crew, Louisiana Tech put just 20 points up against Grambling State. Skip Holtz has relied on a number of running backs in the stable this far in the season, a trend that points toward the under this game. La. Tech hasn't abandoned the run despite its struggles in that department.

Keep a look out for news on Morgan’s availability for the Panthers, but expect this game to be a grind on the ground. — Collin Wilson

Picks: FIU +7, Under 51.5