Florida International vs. UTSA Prediction: First Responder Bowl Preview
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Florida International is making its first appearance in a bowl game since 2019 thanks to a late-season surge to cap off coach Willie Simmons’ debut in Miami. The Panthers’ opponent in the First Responder Bowl is UTSA, which will be making its sixth consecutive bowl trip under coach Jeff Traylor.
Both offenses appear to be in good shape as FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins, who returned for the season finale, and Owen McCown are both expected to play. Simmons teased the idea of starting either Jenkins or Joe Pesansky, who started while Jenkins was sidelined.
The Panthers and Roadrunners should also have their 1,000-yard rushers available in Kejon Owens and Robert Henry Jr., respectively. But on defense, both teams are in a bad place, with several starters in the transfer portal. That explains why this game has one of the highest over/under totals of bowl season.
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A win for FIU (7-5) would match its second-best season in program history. UTSA (6-6) is gunning for a sixth consecutive winning season. The all-time series between these teams is tied, 2-2, with the most recent matchup taking place in 2022.
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: FIU vs. UTSA Odds, Details
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas
Kickoff: Friday, Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: UTSA -6.5
Over/Under: 59.5
Announcers: Anish Shroff, Andre Ware
FIU vs. UTSA: Keys to Victory
Why Florida International Will Win
Jenkins’ return was a shot in the arm for the Panthers’ offense, which matched a season-high 56 points last time out against Sam Houston. Jenkins accounted for four touchdowns, and he could maintain a high level of production against a shorthanded Roadrunners defense that has already struggled against mobile quarterbacks. Owens has also put together back-to-back 100-yard games on the ground, and so has wide receiver Alex Perry. That trio gives FIU a shot at winning a shootout, which would be its first bowl win since 2018.
The Panthers will have to weather significant turnover in the secondary due to opt outs. However, All-Conference USA first-team linebacker Johnny Chaney Jr. is set to play for a disruptive defense that forced 21 turnovers this season. A takeaway or two could open the door for an upset.
Why UTSA Will Win
McCown is a matchup nightmare for a secondary that’s down so many starters. His 27 touchdown passes were tied for the 12th most in the country. And while FIU’s defense is adept at causing chaos, the Roadrunners take exceptional care of the ball. McCown, an experienced starter, is also surrounded by American Conference first-teamers in Henry and wide receiver Devin McCuin. Henry hasn’t had a 100-yard game since mid-October, but this is his last opportunity to impress NFL evaluators — and it’s against a defense that has struggled to stop the run.
Similarly to the Panthers, FIU’s secondary will be depleted in the bowl game. But standout linebacker Shad Banks Jr. is expected to play, which could help keep Jenkins contained. The Roadrunners’ defense has been up and down for much of the season, but their biggest letdowns came against potent passing offenses, such as North Texas and South Florida. FIU is not necessarily on that level.
First Responder Bowl Prediction: UTSA 34, FIU 27
Traylor’s teams have a track record of success in bowl games, and the Roadrunners are 2-0 with McCown starting in the postseason. The Panthers won’t roll over, though, especially considering how they played toward the end of the regular season. Expect plenty of points in front of what should be a UTSA-friendly crowd.
ATS: UTSA -6
O/U: Over 59.5
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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