Getting a win and covering the posted spread will be the goals for the Hilltoppers on Saturday when they take on the Golden Panthers at FIU Stadium in Week 9 action.

The Golden Panthers sit at 1-7 (3-5 ATS) on the season; in comparison, the Hilltoppers are currently 5-2 (6-1 ATS). Looking to wager on the totals? Florida International is 6-2 OU, and Western Kentucky is 4-2 OU.



View Western Kentucky vs Florida International Odds and Stats.

Betting Line: Bettors looking to side with the Golden Panthers in this one found them as 7-point underdogs at Sportsbook. The over under number was slated to open a short time later.

Power Rankings / Prediction: The Golden Panthers - Hilltoppers odds would favor the Hilltoppers if the lines were set according to power ranks. Florida International is rated No. 109 in our latest OddsShark poll, while the Hilltoppers sit at No. 11. Math models based on recent stats and predictive formulas point to a 37-20 win for the Hilltoppers.



How They Match Up:
Offensively, the game matches up Florida International's No. 70-ranked offense (26.9 PPG) against a Hilltoppers defense that ranks No. 55 at 25 PPG. The Golden Panthers passing attack has averaged 245.2 yards per game, more than the Hilltoppers give up through the air (205.6 YPG on average).

In comparing defenses, the Hilltoppers own the league's No. 15-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 97.8 yards per game when on the road. Florida International, on the other hand, rates No. 64 this week in generating rushing yards at home.

Last time out for Western Kentucky, they were a 43-42 loser as they battled Louisiana-Monroe at home. Western Kentucky failed to cover in the match as a 3-point favorite, while 85 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors. In Western Kentucky's last outing, Kawaun Jakes threw for 308 yards in a losing cause against the Warhawks, 43-42 at L.T. Smith Stadium.

Last time out for Florida International, they were a 38-37 loser as they battled Troy on the road. Florida International covered in the match as a 7-point underdog, while 75 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors. Jake Medlock's 316-yard performance through the air wasn't enough last time out, as Troy earned a 38-37 win over Florida International on Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium.


Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Trends:
When playing in October are 6-4
When playing on turf are 9-1
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing within the conference are 9-1

Florida International Golden Panthers Trends:
When playing in October are 4-6
When playing on turf are 3-7
After being outgained are 3-7
When playing within the conference are 4-6

A few Hilltoppers at Golden Panthers trends to consider:
Western Kentucky is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Western Kentucky's last 5 games
Western Kentucky is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Western Kentucky is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida International
Florida International is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Western Kentucky
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida International's last 8 games
Florida International is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Florida International is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home


Next up:
Western Kentucky home to Middle Tennessee, Thursday, November 1
Florida International at South Alabama, Saturday, November 3