| Florida International Panthers (7-5) at Texas-San Antonio Road Runners (6-6) | |||
| Game Details: Friday, December 26, 6 p.m. EST | |||
| Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas | |||
| Where to Watch: ESPN |
Matchup
The Florida International Panthers are riding high, storming into Dallas on a four-game winning streak that capped a 7-5 regular season. On the other sideline, the UTSA Roadrunners are looking to shake off the dust after a nearly month-long layoff since their heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Army on November 29.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida International Panthers | +5.5 | +184 | Over 60.5 |
| Texas-San Antonio Road Runners | -5.5 | -220 | Under 60.5 |
**Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports **
Tale of The Tape
| Florida International Panthers | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Texas-San Antonio Road Runners |
|---|---|---|
| 29.3 | Points Per Game | 33.6 |
| 218.7 | Passing Yards Per Game | 243.7 |
| 190.2 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 169.9 |
| 27.8 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 29.6 |
| 246.2 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 226.6 |
| 159.6 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 155.5 |
Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Florida International Panthers
Florida International arrives in Dallas playing their best football of the year, punctuated by a dominant 56-16 victory over Sam Houston to close out the regular season. That win showcased the explosive potential of their offense, particularly on the ground. The Panthers rank 28th in the FBS in rushing, averaging 190.2 yards per game. The rushing attack is headlined by Kejon Owens, who has been a force of nature with 1,298 yards and 11 touchdowns on 205 carries.
Quarterback Keyone Jenkins complements the running game efficiently, having thrown for 1,693 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He was sharp against Sam Houston, completing 62.5% of his passes for 291 yards and three scores. His primary target, Alex Perry, is a dangerous deep threat who has accumulated 816 yards and nine touchdowns on just 53 catches
Texas-San Antonio Road Runners
The Roadrunners possess a potent offense that ranks 41st in the FBS, churning out 413.6 yards per game. Owen McCown has been productive when on the field, tallying 2,695 passing yards and 27 touchdowns against just seven interceptions.
He is supported by a strong ground game led by Robert Henry, who racked up 1,045 yards and nine touchdowns on 151 carries. In the receiving corps, Devin McCuin has been a reliable target, hauling in 59 catches for 653 yards. The offense excels at controlling the pace, ranking 23rd nationally in time of possession with an average of 31:56 per game.
However, the Roadrunners will need to tighten up defensively, particularly when their backs are against the wall. The unit allows 382.1 yards per game but has struggled immensely in the red zone, ranking 128th in the FBS by allowing opponents to score on 92.3% of their trips inside the 20. Discipline has also been an issue, with the team averaging 63.4 penalty yards per game.
Prediction
Less travel and more to play for after a frustrating loss, look for UTSA to come out explosive and jump to a big lead on their way to a win.
