FIU vs UTSA Prediction, Odds & Picks: First Responder Bowl

• The FirstResponder Bowl used to be the TicketCity Bowl

• The bowl always includes two G5 teams 

• UTSA enters as a near touchdown favorite against FIU

FIU and UTSA were rivals in Conference USA, but that rivalry has since diminished since UTSA joined the American Conference. FIU enters at 7-5, compared to UTSA at 6-4.

Despite the difference in records, the Roadrunners are a near-touchdown favorite. This will be their seventh consecutive bowl appearance under head coach Jeff Traylor. 

This bowl game is still early, so there should be fewer opt-outs than in bowl games that occur after the portal opens. Here, we will break down the matchup and give our pick for the contest on FanDuel Sportsbook.

FIU vs UTSA Odds

FanDuel Sportsbook is the perfect choice for bowl season. New customers who join FanDuel today and bet $5, can claim $250 in bonus bets if the initial wager wins. Find more info on this offer in our FanDuel Sportsbook review.

If you're in a state where FanDuel Sportsbook is not yet legal, we recommend playing at Underdog Fantasy. Read our Underdog Fantasy Review and sign up below with promo code WSNPLAY.

FIU vs. UTSA My Pick

• My Pick: UTSA -5.5 (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook 

UTSA wins this game because of the number of playmakers on its roster. They have four reliable options who can go off at anytime, and this will be a lot for the Panthers to account for over four quarters. 

FIU has only one player who can win this game: Kejon Owens. While he is fantastic, he isn’t worthy of being favored over the stars for the Roadrunners. 

Neither defense will make many stops in this game, so it will come down to who can score more consistently over four quarters. The over is a viable betting option in this game, but I’ll lean on the Roadrunners to cover the 5.5 points.

Win a $5 Wager at FanDuel, Get $250 in Bonus Bets

FIU vs. UTSA Prediction

FIU Preview

When you think of FIU, a dominant rushing attack should come to mind. The team doesn’t have a solid option at quarterback, which is why they’ve had to focus on the run game. 

They have one of the best backs in the country with Kejon Owens. Owens has made plays all year for the Owls’ offense, and they have helped bail out the defense multiple times in 2025. 

Owens has led the Panthers in rushing in every game this season, and barring any injuries, he should lead them once again. The running back has totaled nearly 1300 yards on the year, which is the most in school history.

The biggest issue for the Owls is their defense. The defense ranks over 100th nationally in yards allowed per game, and much of this has come on the ground. 

Their lackluster effort and physicality in the trenches have been their issue. When they have gotten an occasional pass rush, it has helped their secondary make plays. 

Nevertheless, four of UTSA's starting defensive backs have opted out, so UTSA should have plenty of opportunities to attack the second level. 

Get $250 in Bonus Bets at FanDuel With a $5 Winning Wager

UTSA Preview 

UTSA will have a short trip to Dallas, where this game is taking place. They will have a large home crowd, which should help their chances of crowd noise in the stadium. 

UTSA has struggled on the road, so they must have the crowd factor in the game. UTSA has been successful due to the improvement of its quarterback, Owen McCown. 

McCown has thrown for 2700 yards and 27 touchdowns on the season. This will be his third straight bowl start, so he should be ready for the moment. 

McCown’s biggest asset is his efficiency, as he has completed nearly 70% of his passes on the season. This has led him to a 2-0 bowl record, and he will look to stay undefeated on Friday. 

The Roadrunners aren’t a dominant defensive team, but they have numerous skill players who can turn a short catch into a touchdown. If UTSA can limit Owens on defense, they set themselves up nicely to win.

Bet $5 at FanDuel, Get $250 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

FIU vs. UTSA Injury Report

FIU

• Brian Blades (DB) - Out (undisclosed)

• Mister Clark (DB) - Out (undisclosed)

• Jessiah McGrew (DB) - Out (undisclosed)

• Victor Evans (DB) - Out (undisclosed)

UTSA

• Chidera Otutu (DL) - Out (undisclosed)

• Daemian Wimberly (DE) - Out (undisclosed)

• KK Meier (DB) - Out (undisclosed)

FIU vs. UTSA: Best Promos and Sportsbooks

I used FanDuel Sportsbook to place a bet on FIU vs. UTSA, but many other betting platforms also offer lines and odds for the game. Caesars Sportsbook is a great option where you can double your winnings on your next 20 bets by wagering $1 after signing up with our promo code WSN20X. 

BetMGM is also a great wagering platform. You can get up to $1,500 second-chance bet* when you sign up with code WSNSPORTS.

Find more info in our table below.

*21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

How to Watch FIU vs. UTSA

• When: Friday, December 26 @ 8:00 PM EST

• Where: Geral J. Ford Stadium (Dallas, TX)

• How to Watch: ESPN