- Matchup: FIU Panthers vs UTSA Roadrunners
- Event Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
- Venue: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds: Roadrunners (-5.5)
- Total Points: 59.5
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On Friday, December 26, 2025, the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl will take place at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, featuring the UTSA Roadrunners (6-6) against the FIU Panthers (7-5). The Panthers enter as 5.5-point underdogs, with a set total of 59.5 points.
The FIU Panthers are enjoying a solid season with a record of 7-5. In their most recent game, they dominated the Sam Houston Bearkats, winning impressively with a score of 56-16. Defensively, the Panthers allowed 196 rushing yards on 38 attempts, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. In the air, they conceded 16 completions from 33 attempts for 163 yards, marking a completion percentage of 48.5%. FIU showcased their offensive prowess with 64 plays total, accumulating 594 yards, including a powerful ground game resulting in 303 rushing yards on 40 carries for an impressive average of 7.6 yards per run.
This season, the Panthers have achieved a total of 4,906 offensive yards. In terms of scoring, FIU has recorded 18 touchdown passes and 26 rushing touchdowns, but they have also committed 19 turnovers. The Panthers have gained 246 first downs while incurring 80 penalties for a total of 684 yards. With an average of 190.2 rushing yards per game, they rank 27th in Division 1 football. Overall, FIU boasts an average of 29.3 points per game.
Defensively, the Panthers are positioned 89th nationwide, allowing 27.8 points per game. They average 4.7 yards allowed per rush, conceding 159.6 rushing yards on average this season. Over 12 games, they’ve allowed a total of 1,915 rushing yards. When it comes to passing defense, they’ve given up 2,954 total yards, placing them 110th in Division 1, with an average of 246.2 yards permitted per game and a completion percentage of 61.0%. Overall, they are surrendering 405.8 yards per contest, ranking them 105th. They’ve conceded 23 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing touchdowns during the season.
The UTSA Roadrunners bring a 6-6 record into this matchup. Their last outing ended in a narrow loss to the Army Black Knights, with a final score of 27-24. In that game, UTSA averaged 4.8 yards per carry and compiled 116 rushing yards on 24 carries, while their overall offense finished with 386 yards from 66 plays (5.8 yards per play). Defensively, they limited opponents to a 45.5% completion rate, allowing just 70 yards through the air on 5 completions out of 11 attempts while conceding 233 rushing yards on 50 attempts (4.7 yards per carry).
The UTSA offense averages 413.6 yards per game, ranking them 37th nationally. However, they have accumulated 760 penalty yards through 84 infractions, ranking 36th in Division 1. Their ground game averages 169.9 rushing yards per game, totaling 2,039 yards for the season. They have thrown 7 interceptions and lost 5 fumbles, while accumulating 258 first downs. In terms of scoring, the Roadrunners are ranked 21st in D-1 with an average of 33.8 points per game. They have also accumulated 2,924 passing yards, averaging 243.7 passing yards per contest, placing them 54th nationally.
Defensively, the Roadrunners allow 29.6 points per game, ranking 100th in college football. They’ve given up a total of 1,866 rushing yards (155.5 yards per game) along with 16 rushing touchdowns this season. In the passing game, they have surrendered 24 touchdowns and an average of 226.6 yards per game, ranking them 82nd in Division 1. The Roadrunners’ defense has been on the field for 774 plays, situating them 30th in Division 1, with a total of 7 fumble recoveries and 10 interceptions this season, leading to a total of 355 points allowed.
Who will dominate tonight in the college football battle between the Panthers and Roadrunners?
Prediction: Back the Panthers +5.5
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