- What: NCAA Football Regular Season Game
- When: October 29, 2024
- Who: New Mexico State vs. Florida International
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Pitbull Stadium (Miami, FL)
The FIU Panthers are back at Pitbull Stadium in Miami on Tuesday night to take on the New Mexico State Aggies in a Conference USA matchup.
New Mexico State will have played just one game (against FIU) over the past 24 days, marking the longest break of any team nationwide. A strange schedule quirk for New Mexico State.
After finishing last season with a perfect 4-0 record in midweek games, New Mexico State heads into Tuesday’s matchup at FIU with a 0-1 record this season.
New Mexico State
The Aggies must win four of their last five games to secure their third consecutive bowl appearance.
New Mexico State just won an exciting overtime victory over a strong Louisiana Tech squad. The 33-30 victory ended their five-game losing streak.
However, despite the win, the Aggies’ quarterback situation is unsettled. The Aggies have used four quarterbacks this season, Brandon Nuñez was the latest to showcase his skills in the victory against LA Tech.
He is now part of a rotation that includes Parker Awad, Santino Marucci, and Deuce Hogan, with each of them having at least five pass attempts.
Good to be back.
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???? @SIRIUSXM Channel 970#AggieUp x #RideForTheBrand pic.twitter.com/m9IrscJUs4— New Mexico State Football (@NMStateFootball) October 29, 2024
New Mexico State’s offense has not helped any of these quarterbacks. They are ranked 126th in the country in total offense averaging just 292.2 total yards per game. While their offense has been forgettable, their defense has been improving.
Defensive end Kale Edwards was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week following his impressive performance against LA Tech. In the victory, he recorded four sacks.
The New Mexico State defense will need to force the FIU offense into third downs. FIU converts third downs less than 27 percent of the time.
Despite struggling throughout the season with their run defense, the Aggies managed to limit Louisiana Tech to under three yards per carry. By stopping the run, the defense can better anticipate passing plays.
If New Mexico State can replicate this success in stopping the run, they will significantly increase their chances of covering this 7.5-point spread.
FIU
FIU lost to Sam Houston State 10-7 last weekend. It was their third consecutive loss and fifth loss in the last six games.
The Panthers’ offensive struggles caused them to change quarterbacks in the game. FIU QB Keyone Jenkins was benched after completing just one of nine pass attempts for 16 yards.
However, the FIU Panthers’ defense played well in the loss to Sam Houston. They only allowed 10 points. In addition, the defense only surrendered 76 passing yards and three yards per carry.
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— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) October 29, 2024
The FIU offense has struggled to say the least. FIU only averages 284.7 yards per game.
FIU is dealing with their own QB situation, replacing Jenkins with Chayden Perry last week. Perry had injured his shoulder the previous week against UTEP Miners.
With the quarterback situation for FIU uncertain, they’ll need to lean on their rushing attack. New Mexico State allows more than 230 rushing yards per game and has given up 22 total touchdowns.
While FIU has faced challenges in their running game, Kejon Owens has the potential to make some impactful plays.
Aggies-Panthers Best Bet
This has all the makings of a defensive slugfest. The only success both teams have had is due to their defense.
Both teams’ questionable quarterback situations lead me to take the points and New Mexico State. Seven and half points feel like way too many in a game where both teams might not crack 20 points.
New Mexico State +7.5 points at -115 odds is the best bet in this one.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
