Free Pick | NCAA | Wednesday | Oct. 11

#108 Florida International 1st Half -0.5 over UTEP 6:30 PM CT

Cade McConnell, #4 on the initial UTEP quarterback depth chart is expected to start this game due to a rash of injuries at the position for the Miners. In his first collegiate action last week he completed 4 of 11 passes for an average of 4.4 yards per attempt as the offense for the Miners is likely to be greatly limited Wednesday night. UTEP has already been a great disappointment this season as a group many felt could be a contender in Conference USA. In its three road games the Miners have scored 14, 7, and 10 points in losses. Florida International is 3-3 on the but all three losses have come in conference play. The Panthers have faced three of the better teams in the league with two of three losses on the road. Against New Mexico State the Panthers competed well last Wednesday with near-even yardage and a tie game into the 4th quarter before the Aggies pulled away for a misleading final score. Last season in El Paso, Florida International had a humiliating late season performance, beaten 40-6 while managing only 76 total yards of offense. That should be enough to give the Panthers some extra focus this week and while the numbers for FIU are not impressive, Mike MacIntyre has a better track record than most likely recall and the effort in his second season with the Panthers has been evident, allowing for three wins already despite dire preseason projections. While FIU is difficult to trust for 60 minutes, some good energy at home in a key revenge spot while going up against an incredibly inexperienced quarterback could lead to a positive start early in this game for the Panthers.