College football bowl season continues with a Friday night showdown in Dallas as the FIU Panthers take on the UTSA Roadrunners in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. This matchup features two programs looking to cap their 2025 seasons with a postseason victory.
1. Game Overview
- Matchup: FIU Panthers vs. UTSA Roadrunners
- Event: SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
- Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- TV Schedule: The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
2. Team Form and Analysis
FIU Panthers: The Panthers enter the bowl game with a 7-5 record. Under head coach Willie Simmons, FIU has built a capable offense that averages 29.3 points per game. One of their key wins this season came against Jax State, a 27-21 victory where their defense was able to force crucial fourth-quarter turnovers. They will look to end their 2025 campaign on a high note with a bowl game win.
UTSA Roadrunners: The Roadrunners, led by head coach Jeff Traylor, are making their sixth consecutive bowl game appearance, a testament to the program’s consistency. Described as a “battle-tested” team, UTSA has experience in the postseason spotlight. While their full season record is not available in the provided data, their consistency in reaching bowl games and the presence of key players like Owen McCown highlight a program with a winning pedigree. They are looking to secure their seventh bowl appearance in program history with a victory.
3. Injury Report
Based on the provided search results, there are no significant player injuries reported for either the FIU Panthers or the UTSA Roadrunners that are expected to impact their availability for the First Responder Bowl.
4. Betting Odds Breakdown
The betting market has established the following lines for this contest:
- Point Spread: UTSA -5.5. This indicates that the Roadrunners are favored to win the game by more than 5.5 points. For a bet on UTSA to win, they must win by 6 or more points. A bet on FIU would win if they win the game outright or lose by 5 or fewer points.
- Total (Over/Under): 60.5 points. Bettors can wager on whether the combined final score of both teams will be over or under 60.5 points. Some sportsbooks have a slightly different total listed at 59.5.
- Moneyline: Moneyline odds were not available in the provided data.
5. Prediction
UTSA enters this matchup as the favorite, and their experience in postseason play gives them a distinct advantage. Making a sixth straight bowl appearance under coach Jeff Traylor demonstrates a level of stability and expectation that is difficult to ignore. While FIU has a solid offense, the Roadrunners’ reputation as a “battle-tested” squad suggests they are prepared for a tough contest. The 5.5-point spread acknowledges a competitive game, but UTSA’s consistency should allow them to secure a victory by at least a touchdown.
Prediction: UTSA 34, FIU 27
Sources:
FIU Athletics Football History vs Florida Atlantic University
UTSA set to face FIU in SERVPRO First Responder Bowl – UTSA …
Willie Simmons – Head Coach – Staff Directory – FIU Athletics
2025 First Responder Bowl Preview: FIU Panthers vs. UTSA …
Willie Simmons Named FIU Football Head Coach – FIU Athletics
FIU accepts invitation to play in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl …
2025-26 CFP, bowl picks: We predicted every postseason game …
NCAAF – FIU Panthers vs UTSA Roadrunners | Odds Shark
Bo’s Bits Vol. 3: FIU’s Simmons, UTSA’s Traylor Provide Expert …
Florida International vs. UTSA: Time, Date, TV Channel, 2025 First …