The American Athletic Conference and Conference USA are on a collision course this weekend in Dallas. The First Responder Bowl pits FIU against UTSA in a primetime college football clash. Both squads will be eager to cap off successful seasons with a postseason triumph.
In this Friday night matchup, which players are poised for a big game? These are the top prop bets to consider at DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday’s First Responder Bowl showdown between FIU and UTSA.
The Roadrunners enter this contest as 6.5-point favorites (-115) over the Panthers, with the over/under set at 61.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. UTSA is favored at -258 on the moneyline.
FIU vs. UTSA best prop bets
Owen McCown 242+ passing yards (-115)
Owen McCown, son of former NFL QB Josh, put together a solid season for UTSA. Over 12 games, the junior threw for 2,700 yards and 27 touchdowns while giving up seven interceptions. In the process, he led the Roadrunners to an average of 33.8 points per game, 21st-best in college football. Thanks to a dominant run game, McCown wasn’t always asked to air it out. However, he did enjoy five different games with at least 240 passing yards.
Florida International was already suspect when it came to limiting opposing quarterbacks. FIU has allowed 246.2 passing yards per game, the third-worst mark in Conference USA. Now, the Panthers will be without four different starters in their secondary. That’s not exactly a recipe for success tonight against a quality signal caller. McCown suffered through some nagging injuries throughout the regular season. A month of rest should do the pocket passer plenty of good this week. UTSA’s leading man should cap off his season with a terrific showing in Dallas.
Kejon Owens 92+ rushing yards (-117)
It’s been a stellar year for seven-win FIU, the school’s best record since 2018. Leading the charge is star running back Kejon Owens. Through 12 games, the senior gained 1,298 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. In addition, he led Conference USA with an incredibly efficient 6.3 yards per carry. Owens churned out at least 120 yards in five of his appearances this season. During what will be his final collegiate performance, the speedster will look to make his presence felt on Friday.
UTSA is an offensively-minded squad. On the other side of the ball, this is a group that can be beaten. That’s especially true up front, where the Roadrunners will be without standout edge Kenny Ozowalu. As a unit, Texas-San Antonio surrendered 4.35 yards per rush to opponents this season. That’s only good enough for seventh-best in the American Athletic Conference. Given the stakes for Owens, a potential NFL prospect, those numbers shouldn’t dissuade bettors. Florida International should give their best player every opportunity to make an impact in this one.
