In week zero we get a rare conference matchup as Louisiana Tech hosts Florida International. Last season, the Panthers last win of the season came in a double overtime thriller against Louisiana Tech. From that point on Florida International lost their final four games by an average of thirty points. Take the revenge angle here on Louisiana Tech.

There were 131 FBS teams last year. FIU ranked 127th in scoring defense -- one spot above Louisiana Tech. That alone is persuasive for an Over. Add in new La. Tech QB Hank Bachmeier, a four-year starter at Boise State who piled up the passing yards there; ace WR Smoke Harris, who has caught passes in 32 consecutive game, and O-lineman Abraham Delfin in his seventh season, and the Bulldogs overflow with experience. Harris doubles as a killer return man. Forty points is within range for Tech, which leaves offensively challenged FIU not much work on its behalf to deliver an Over.

Fun little fact about this matchup. Since 2014, the over has hit in 59.2% of FIU's games. That's the highest rate in the country. Louisiana Tech has had the fifth-highest over rate in the country at 58.0%. That's not the reason I'm taking it in this game, but it doesn't hurt my confidence.