Week 8 kickoffs on Tuesday night in the Conference USA as the Florida International Panthers look for their first league win against a tough Western Kentucky Hilltoppers team.
The Panthers hope to lean on their ground game in what’s an advantageous matchup on paper, hoping to keep things within striking distance.
See why I fancy the underdog with my Florida International vs. Western Kentucky predictions and college football picks for Tuesday, October 14.
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FIU vs Western Kentucky prediction
FIU vs Western Kentucky best bet: FIU +7.5 (-108)
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have been the better team this season, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to win by more than 7.5 points on Tuesday night. The records indicate that — WKU is 5-1, whereas the Florida International Panthers are 2-3 — and so does the spread.
Still, WKU hasn’t dominated teams. The Hilltoppers have won their last two games by an average of 4.0 points. They did beat a terrible Nevada team by 15 points, but were blown out 21-45 by Toledo before that.
WKU has one of the best passing attacks in the Group of Five, led by quarterback Maverick McIvor (284 passing ypg). FIU’s defensive strength lies in its secondary, which held each of its first four opponents to below 6.8 yards per pass attempt.
The lone demerit on the schedule was a big one, when UConn threw for 377 yards and four scores, but the Panthers were without two starters (Brian Blades II and Shamir Sterlin), who are expected back in Week 8.
FIU runs the ball well (48th in EPA per rush, 11th in rushing explosiveness) and should exploit a porous WKU rush defense (123rd in PFF’s rush defense grade, 124th in tackling).
FIU vs Western Kentucky same-game parlay
Matthew Henry is WKU’s go-to receiver, leading all pass catchers in snaps played, targets (34), and receiving yards (377). He’s recorded 172 receiving yards over his last two games and will be relied upon to lead the charge again in Week 8.
FIU should be able to find success on the ground against a WKU defense that has already surrendered 1,175 rushing yards, and the Panthers aren’t exactly trustworthy on defense lately after surrendering 37.8 ppg in their last four contests.
FIU vs Western Kentucky SGP
- FIU +7.5
- Over 57.5
- Matthew Henry Over 63.5 receiving yards
Our deep-ball SGP: Panthers pounce!
FIU’s best chance is to establish the running game early, keeping things close in the first half. WKU has the best passing attack in CUSA and should have more successful days than not in conference play, especially when playing at home against a reeling FIU defense.
FIU vs Western Kentucky SGP
- FIU +7.5
- Over 57.5
- Matthew Henry Over 63.5 receiving yards
- Macerick McIvor Over 290.5 passing yards
- FIU first half +6.5
- FIU second quarter +2.5
FIU vs Western Kentucky odds
- Spread: FIU +7.5 | Western Kentucky -7.5
- Moneyline: FIU +250 | Western Kentucky -310
- Over/Under: Over 57.5 | Under 57.5
FIU vs Western Kentucky trend to know
FIU is 5-1 ATS in its last six games as an underdog. Find more college football betting trends for FIU vs Western Kentucky.
How to watch FIU vs Western Kentucky
| Location | Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY |
| Date | Tuesday, October 14, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPNU |
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