Free College Football Picks Today: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Florida International Panthers 9/24/22

The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers (2-1, 1-0 Home) welcome the Florida International University Panthers (1-1, 0-1 Away) at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on Saturday as both teams open Conference USA play. The Hilltoppers are 31-point favorites, and the total is 65.5.FIU is coming off a deflating 41-12 loss at the hands of Texas State at Jim Wacker Field at Bobcat Stadium on September 10. Grayson James was 30 of 47 for 196 yards and two interceptions. He also ran eight times for 18 yards. Tyrese Chambers caught 10 passes for 72 yards. Western Kentucky lost 33-30 to Indiana at Memorial Stadium last Saturday. Austin Reed threw for 329 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Kye Robichaux carried 14 times for 135 yards. Daewood Davis scored once. He had five receptions for 77 yards.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Hilltoppers won the only game between the teams last season, a 34-19 victory in October, their third straight win against FIU. Bailey Zappe threw three touchdowns for Western Kentucky, as Jerreth Sterns scored twice.

TALE OF THE TAPE

The Panthers are averaging 25.0 points per game so far this season, 98th in FBS, and they are facing a Hilltoppers defense that has surrendered 25.7 PPG (70th). Meanwhile, Western Kentucky has scored 39.0 points a game this season, 33rd in the nation, and FIU is allowing 39.0 PPG (122nd).The Panthers rank as one of the nation’s worst teams in rushing yards per game (64.5, 125th), while they are 35th in passing yards (280.5). The Hilltoppers are 102nd in passing yards allowed per game (264.0) and 54th against the run (123.7).Western Kentucky is 30th in the country in passing yards per game (292.0) and 81st in rushing (154.7). FIU’s defense has been most beatable through the air, as the Panthers are 120th in the country in passing yards allowed per game (287.5). Against the run, the Panthers are 101st (173.5).

TOP PERFORMERS

Through two games, James has thrown for four touchdowns (2 INT) and 201.5 yards per game to lead FIU in passing. EJ Wilson Jr. leads the team in rushing with an average of 30.5 yards a game over two games. He has one touchdown on the ground. Chambers is the Panthers’ leading receiver with 79.0 yards a game and two TDs. Reed has nine passing touchdowns (3 INT) with 292.0 yards per game through three games to lead Western Kentucky. In one previous home game this season, he threw for four TDs (1 INT) and 276 yards. Robichaux has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 67.3 yards a game through three games. He has one touchdown. Davis has been a key target in the Hilltoppers’ aerial attack. He has two touchdowns and a 93.0 yard per game average through three appearances.

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our college football hub page for all your college football needs!

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.