FIU vs. Sam Houston odds, line, spread: 2023 college football picks, Week 8 predictions from proven model

The Sam Houston Bearkats (0-6) host the FIU Panthers (3-4) on Wednesday night in a Conference USA matchup. The Panthers have struggled mightily in conference play, losing eight straight conference games dating back to last season. Six of those eight losses were by double figures. Meanwhile, Sam Houston is looking to secure its first win after joining the FBS level this season. 

Kickoff from Elliot T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville is set for 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. The Bearkats are 5.5-point favorites in the FIU vs. Sam Houston odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points is 41.5. Before making any Sam Houston vs. FIU picks, you need to see the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of more than $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed the model has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Sam Houston vs. FIU and identified its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model’s CFB picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for FIU vs. Sam Houston:

• FIU vs. Sam Houston spread: Bearkats -5.5
• FIU vs. Sam Houston over/under: 41.5 points
• FIU vs. Sam Houston money line: Bearkats -218, Panthers +178
• SHSU: Hit the game total under in last two games
• FIU: Hit the 1H money line in three of last five away games 
• FIU vs. Sam Houston picks: See picks at SportsLine
• FIU vs. Sam Houston live stream: fubo (try for free)

Why FIU can cover

The Panthers have a solid and versatile backfield. FIU averages 121 rushing yards per game and has totaled nine rushing touchdowns. Sophomore Shomari Lawrence is a powerful runner with good vision. Lawrence is leading the team in carries (68) and rushing yards (388) with three touchdowns. In his last outing, the Florida native had 12 rushes for 65 yards.

Sophomore running back Kejon Owens brings a different pace to the ground game. Owens has great contact balance and elusiveness to evade defenders. The Florida native has 297 yards and ranks first on the squad in rushing touchdowns (4) and yards per carry (6.6). He’s recorded 50-plus rush yards in three games this season. In the Week 7 loss to UTEP, Owens amassed 10 rushes for 82 yards and one score. See which team to back here.

Why Sam Houston can cover

Senior quarterback Keegan Shoemaker has impressive pocket presence. Shoemaker enters this game with 1,016 yards and six passing touchdowns. He’s notched at least 250 passing yards and two passing scores in three straight matchups. On Oct. 11 versus New Mexico State, Shoemaker went 32 of 48 for 285 yards and two passing touchdowns.

Junior receiver Noah Smith has built a good rapport with Shoemaker. Smith has good awareness of coverages and consistently gets open. The Texas native ranks first on the team in receptions (38), receiving yards (308), and touchdowns (3). He’s snagged eight-plus catches in three straight contests. On Oct. 5 against Liberty, Smith had 13 catches for 97 yards. See which team to pick here.

How to make Sam Houston vs. FIU picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning Under the point total, predicting 33 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread is the better value. You can see the model’s picks at SportsLine. 

So who wins FIU vs. Sam Houston, and which side of the spread is the better value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has notched a profit of more than $2,000 on its top-rated college football spread picks, and find out.