As Week 3 of the 2025 Regular Season unfolds, the Florida Atlantic Owls travel to Miami to take on the Florida International Panthers. The game is set to kick off at 6:00 PM under the lights of South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+. The Owls come into this matchup with a 1-1 record, having secured a dominant 56-14 victory over Florida A&M Rattlers in their last outing. Despite their strong home performance, they seek their first road win after falling to Maryland in Week 1. With both teams yet to open their conference play, the Owls will aim to build on their recent success. Meanwhile, the Panthers also hold a 1-1 record, rebounding from a 34-0 defeat against Penn State by overpowering Bethune-Cookman 42-9 in their home opener. Playing on their home turf again, they hope to capitalize on the home-field advantage. The Panthers are favored with a -2.5 spread in what is anticipated to be a closely contested game.
Florida International vs Florida Atlantic At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM
- Location: South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, FL
- Broadcast Information: Available on ESPN+
- Team Records: Both Florida Atlantic Owls and Florida International Panthers are 1-1 this season
- Betting Odds: Florida International is favored with a -138 moneyline
- Game Spread: Florida International is a -2.5 point favorite
Florida International Panthers Seek Redemption in Upcoming Game
Offensive Performance
Florida International Panthers have demonstrated potential on offense this season, ranking 50th with 42 points scored. Their passing game ranks 83rd with 382 yards, while their rushing attack stands strong at 46th with 365 yards.
First downs have been a bright spot, ranking 22nd with 42, indicating effective ball movement and time of possession. However, maintaining consistency across their offensive plays will be crucial in upcoming games.
Defensive Analysis
Defensively, the Panthers rank 33rd in points against, allowing 43 points this season. Their pass rush has been effective, with 4 sacks placing them 7th overall.
While they have recovered 1 fumble, ranking 5th, interceptions have been nonexistent, an area where they will need to improve to create more turnovers.
Recent Game Insights
The Panthers recently suffered a heavy defeat against Penn State Nittany Lions, losing 34-0. In this game, they struggled to move the chains with only 14 first downs and limited passing success, achieving just 149 yards.
Their rushing yards were also outpaced, managing 141 compared to Penn State’s 209. Moving forward, addressing these offensive inefficiencies will be key to future success.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Keyone Jenkins has thrown for 314 yards in two games, though he has yet to record a passing touchdown. Running back Kejon Owens leads the rushing attack with 149 yards and 2 touchdowns, demonstrating an ability to find the end zone.
On the receiving end, Eric Nelson and Kyle McNeal have been reliable targets, but none have found the end zone. Improvement in the passing game will be crucial for the Panthers.
Injury Concerns
Injuries could pose challenges, with several players including Aaron Armitage (DL) and Percy Courtney Jr. (LB) listed as questionable. Juju Lewis (WR) is also uncertain to play due to an undisclosed injury.
These absences could impact both sides of the ball, and the team will need to rely on depth to fill these gaps effectively.
Upcoming Challenges
The Panthers will host the Florida Atlantic Owls in their next game. With their offensive and defensive stats, they’ll aim to rebound from their recent loss.
This home game presents an opportunity for the Panthers to capitalize on their rushing game and improve their defensive turnover rate.
Team Betting Trends
- The Panthers are 1-1 against the spread this season.
- They have covered the spread in 1 out of their last 2 games.
- At home, they are undefeated in covering the spread this season.
Florida Atlantic Owls Set to Soar: Previewing the Upcoming Game
Offensive Insights
The Florida Atlantic Owls have demonstrated a strong passing offense in the early stages of the 2025 season, ranking 20th with 637 passing yards. This high-ranking passing game will be crucial as they continue to face challenging defenses.
However, their rushing game has room for improvement, sitting at 79th with 270 rushing yards. Balancing their offensive attack could be key to future success.
Defensive Standings
Defensively, the Owls have shown promise, allowing 53 points, which ranks them 43rd. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is notable, with 2 sacks placing them 9th overall.
Despite their strong defensive front, the Owls have yet to secure an interception or fumble recovery this season. These areas may need attention to create more turnovers.
Quarterback Performance
Caden Veltkamp has been a standout performer for the Owls at the quarterback position, ranking 24th in the league with 537 passing yards. His 6 passing touchdowns also highlight his efficiency in leading the offense.
However, with 4 interceptions, Veltkamp will need to focus on ball security to maintain his team’s offensive momentum.
Rushing and Receiving Dynamics
The rushing duties have been led by Gemari Sands, who has accumulated 127 rushing yards over two games. While his production has been decent, reaching the end zone would elevate his impact on the team.
In the receiving corps, Asaad Waseem and Easton Messer have emerged as key targets. Waseem has contributed with 125 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Messer leads the team with 19 receptions.
Recent Game Insights
The Owls experienced a significant win against Florida A&M Rattlers, with a 56-14 scoreline. This game showcased their offensive capabilities, particularly through the air.
Conversely, the opening game against Maryland Terrapins resulted in a 39-7 loss, highlighting inconsistencies that the Owls will need to address moving forward.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
Florida International vs Florida Atlantic Prediction: Florida International -2.5
In this Week 3 matchup, the Florida International Panthers are slight favorites at home against the Florida Atlantic Owls, with a spread of -2.5. The Panthers have shown some promising performances on their home turf, holding a 1-0 record at South Dade Kia Field this season. Considering their solid rushing attack, which has accumulated 365 yards so far, they could exploit Florida Atlantic’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Florida Atlantic’s road struggles are evident from their 0-1 record, and their defense has been susceptible, allowing 53 points over two games. The Owls’ offense, while capable in passing, might face challenges against FIU’s defense that ranks 33rd in points allowed. This combination of home advantage and defensive strength gives FIU an edge to cover the spread.
Historically, Florida Atlantic has dominated the head-to-head series, but recent form and home conditions favor the Panthers. With FIU’s effective ground game and defensive capabilities, they are well-positioned to control the pace of the game. This gives them a strong chance to not only win but also cover the -2.5 spread.
Projecting the outcome, a close contest is expected, with Florida International having the upper hand due to their home field and defensive strategies. The game could end with a scoreline that justifies their favoritism in the betting market.
- Florida International vs Florida Atlantic Prediction: Florida International -2.5
- Florida International vs Florida Atlantic Score: Florida International 28 – Florida Atlantic 24
