FIU vs Missouri State 2025 CFB Betting Preview

**New Era Dawns: Missouri State Prepares for Historic FBS Debut Against FIU in 2025 CUSA Clash on ESPN2**

**MIAMI, FL –** The 2025 college football season will feature a landmark moment in Week 10 when the Florida International University (FIU) Panthers host the Missouri State Bears in a Conference USA matchup on Wednesday, November 5th. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Eastern Time at Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami, Florida, with national broadcast coverage on ESPN2, marking a significant milestone for the Missouri State program as they officially step up to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level.

This contest represents Missouri State’s debut season in Conference USA, transitioning from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Bears’ move signifies a new chapter for the Springfield, Missouri-based university, aiming to elevate its athletic profile and compete at college football’s highest echelon.

Early betting lines have highlighted the intrigue of this crossover game, with Missouri State opening as a slight 2.5-point favorite. However, some oddsmakers have listed the game as a pick’em, reflecting the anticipated competitive nature. The over/under for total points currently hovers around 52.5, suggesting expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.

**FIU Aims for Turnaround Under MacIntyre**

FIU, under head coach Mike MacIntyre, enters the 2025 season looking to rebound from a challenging 2024 campaign. The Panthers concluded last season with a 4-8 overall record, including a 2-6 mark within Conference USA. A primary concern for FIU was their offense, which struggled significantly, finishing 120th nationally in scoring.

Adding to the complexity, the Panthers have undergone key roster changes. They will be without their starting quarterback, Keyone Jenkins, and top receiver, Kris Mitchell, both of whom have departed the program. To address these gaps, FIU has brought in transfer quarterback Stone Norton, who will be expected to lead the offensive revamp, and wideout Arryon Mason, a highly-touted transfer tasked with bolstering the receiving corps. Norton’s ability to quickly adapt and connect with new targets will be crucial for MacIntyre’s squad to improve their offensive output.

**Missouri State’s FBS Leap Led by Strong Defense**

Missouri State, guided by head coach Ryan Beard, finished their final FCS season in 2024 with a respectable 4-7 overall record and a 3-5 ledger in the highly competitive Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Bears were particularly strong on the defensive side of the ball, ranking an impressive 43rd nationally in the FCS. This defensive prowess will be a foundational element as they make the leap to FBS competition.

Offensively, Missouri State returns quarterback Jacob Clark, a steady presence under center, and reliable running back J’onquaise Stone, who will be instrumental in establishing a ground game. While the Bears did lose their top two pass-catchers from the previous season, their disciplined approach and defensive strength are expected to provide a solid base for their FBS inauguration. The challenge for Coach Beard will be translating FCS success against a higher level of competition and ensuring their offense can consistently produce.

**The Significance of the Matchup**

For Missouri State, this game is more than just another contest; it’s a foundational moment. It represents their first true FBS test in a conference setting and an opportunity to make a statement about their readiness for the new level. A road win against an established (albeit struggling) FBS program would provide immense momentum for their inaugural CUSA campaign.

For FIU, hosting a new FBS member presents a critical opportunity to secure a home victory against a team still finding its footing in the new subdivision. A loss would be a significant setback for MacIntyre’s program, which desperately needs to build momentum and prove its ability to compete for bowl eligibility.

This Week 10 showdown promises a compelling narrative of a program embarking on a new journey and another fighting to redefine its identity. The national broadcast on ESPN2 ensures a wide audience will witness this pivotal game at Riccardo Silva Stadium.

SportsLine’s advanced projection model, renowned for its accuracy in college football selections, has already weighed in on this contest, providing expert picks on both the spread and the total, underscoring the early interest in this unique matchup. Fans of both programs, and college football enthusiasts generally, will be marking November 5th on their calendars for this intriguing CUSA clash.