Florida International and UTSA are set to square off in the First Responder Bowl on Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. ET — a matchup that promises plenty of offense on both sides.

According to BetMGM, UTSA enters the game as an 8.5-point favorite. Against the spread, the Roadrunners are 6–6 this season, while FIU holds a stronger 8–4 mark.

UTSA: High-powered offense leads the way

UTSA ranks 40th nationally in total offense, averaging 413.6 yards per game, and sits 23rd in scoring with 33.8 points per contest.

Quarterback Owen McCown has been outstanding, throwing for 2,695 yards with 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while completing 67.7% of his passes.
Running back Robert Henry has added 1,045 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, and Devin McCuin leads the receiving corps with 653 yards and seven scores.

Defensively, UTSA gives up 382.1 yards per game — 76th in the FBS — and has struggled in the red zone, allowing opponents to score on 92.3% of their trips (128th nationally).

FIU: Balanced attack keeps them competitive

Florida International ranks 43rd in total offense at 408.8 yards per game and averages 29.3 points, good for 55th nationally.

Quarterback Keyone Jenkins has totaled 1,693 passing yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 63.1% of his throws.
Running back Kejon Owens powers the ground game with 1,298 yards and 11 touchdowns, while receiver Alex Perry has racked up 816 yards and nine touchdowns through the air.

On defense, FIU allows 406.3 yards per game — 105th in the nation — but performs better in the red zone offensively, converting 85.5% of its chances (62nd).

Recent results

UTSA is coming off a narrow 27–24 loss to Army, despite McCown throwing for 266 yards and two touchdowns.
FIU, meanwhile, dominated Sam Houston 56–16 behind 291 passing yards and three touchdowns from Jenkins, with Perry adding 140 receiving yards and two scores.