Middle Tennessee vs FIU Picks and Prediction for Tuesday October 20 2026
The week eight college football schedule will get underway when the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders visit the FIU Panthers. Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday October 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm EST. CBS Sports Network will be on the call from Pitbull Stadium. The Panthers are a hefty 10.5 point home favorite and the total is sitting at 45.5. Be sure to check out our free college football picks for more NCAAF predictions throughout the season.
Middle Tennessee struggling on both sides of the ball
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders have lost 28 games in the last three seasons and have never been ranked in the AP Poll. The Blue Raiders (3-3) have split their first two Conference USA games and are looking to make their first bowl appearance since 2022. On Tuesday, Middle Tennessee took advantage of 13 Delaware penalties during a 33-30 home victory.
Middle Tennessee trailed by four points at halftime, but Koraun Perdue caught an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second half. Senior QB Roman Gagliano threw for 291 yards and accounted for four touchdowns. Neo Clifton contributed 64 receiving yards and two scores for the Blue Raiders.
Middle Tennessee ranks last in Conference USA in total offense (321.5 ypg) and averages 22.8 points per game. Senior RB Antonio Martin leads the team with 433 rushing yards on 83 carries. The Blue Raiders rank near the bottom of the conference in total defense and are surrendering 28.3 points per contest.
FIU elite on defense
The FIU Panthers went to the First Responder Bowl in head coach Willie Simmons’ first season at the helm and are on track to go bowling again. The Panthers (3-3) held their first five opponents to 51 points total and have split their first two Conference USA games. On Tuesday, FIU committed 12 penalties for 100 yards during a 27-24 road loss against Jacksonville State.
FIU had a chance to send the game to overtime, but Robert Czeremcha missed a 49-yard field goal as time expired. J.J. Kohl completed 24 of 38 passes for 278 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Devonte Lyons added 73 rushing yards and a score for the Panthers.
The Panthers have shown out all season long on the defensive side of the ball. FIU leads the conference in total defense (266 ypg) and ranks ninth nationally in scoring defense (13 ppg). Junior WR Maguire Anderson leads the team with 534 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Middle Tennessee vs FIU Picks and Prediction
Pick: FIU -10.5
FIU has defeated Middle Tennessee in consecutive years, including a 56-30 thumping in Murfreesboro in 2025. Third year Middle Tennessee head coach Derek Mason has dropped 21 of 30 games and is squarely on the hot seat. The Panthers will be motivated coming off a loss. Take FIU to win and cover at home.
Pick: Under 45.5
In three road games this season, Middle Tennessee has been outscored by a 106-39 margin. FIU defeated Buffalo 33-20 in their home opener and then limited their next to visitors to three points each. The Panthers will be able to move the ball, but the Blue Raiders will be unable to do much against an elite FIU defense. Take the under.