The 2025 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl features the Florida International Panthers (Conference USA) against the UTSA Roadrunners (American Athletic Conference) in a matchup of former conference rivals looking to cap their seasons with a win. FIU enters at 7-5 after a strong finish, while UTSA sits at 6-6 following an up-and-down campaign. This game revives a series tied 2-2 all-time. Below is a comprehensive breakdown.
Venue Location
Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas. This outdoor venue on the SMU campus seats about 32,000 and has hosted the bowl since 2019.
Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT). The game will be televised on ESPN.
Note: While the query specifies December 25, all official sources confirm December 26.
Weather Forecast
As an outdoor game, weather could play a role. Dallas’s forecast for December 26, 2025, indicates mild conditions with daytime highs around 57-79°F (forecasts vary, but expect mid-50s to low 60s realistically based on historical averages) and nighttime lows in the 40s-50s. Low chance of precipitation (around 10%), with winds at 8-9 mph. Partly cloudy skies are likely, but monitor for any late-December chill or scattered showers.
Injury Report
Both teams have navigated injuries, potentially impacting depth in this bowl.
- Florida International Panthers: Wide receiver Juju Lewis is out for the season with a knee injury. Linebacker Dwing Nunno suffered an early-season injury and remains sidelined. Quarterback Keyone Jenkins dealt with a groin issue mid-season, but backup Joe Pesansky stepped up with a 3-0 record in his starts. Chazulle (position undisclosed) is out for the year. Monitor for updates on any lingering issues in the secondary or line.
- UTSA Roadrunners: Cooper (position undisclosed) is out for the season. Linebacker C. Bryson II is questionable with an undisclosed issue. Safety J. Lewis is uncertain, and running back Jones is dealing with an undisclosed injury that may limit him. The Roadrunners have shown resilience but could be thin in the front seven if Bryson sits.
Key Player Matchups
This game could feature explosive offenses, with UTSA’s passing attack testing FIU’s vulnerable secondary.
- UTSA QB Owen McCown vs. FIU Pass Defense: McCown threw for 27 TDs and just 7 INTs this season, facing an FIU defense allowing 247.3 yards per game through the air (110th nationally). If McCown exploits this, UTSA could pull away.
- FIU QB Keyone Jenkins (or Joe Pesansky) vs. UTSA LB C. Bryson II: Jenkins/Pesansky combined for efficient play, but if Bryson (questionable) plays, his tackling could disrupt FIU’s rhythm in the middle.
- FIU RB Eric Rivers vs. UTSA DL Ken Robinson: Rivers powered FIU’s ground game; Robinson anchors UTSA’s line and must contain him to force passing situations.
- UTSA WR Willie McCoy vs. FIU CB Hezekiah Masses: McCoy’s speed could create big plays against Masses and a secondary prone to breakdowns.
Recent Team Forms
- Florida International Panthers (7-5, 5-3 CUSA): FIU averaged 29.25 points per game offensively but allowed 27.75 defensively. They started 2-2 with losses to Delaware and others but rallied with wins over FAU (38-28) and a strong conference finish, winning 5 of their last 7 for their first bowl since 2019. Momentum is high under coach Willie Taggart.
- UTSA Roadrunners (6-6, 4-4 AAC): UTSA showed flashes with blowouts like 61-13 over Rice but struggled in close losses (e.g., 27-21 to Temple). They averaged solid offense but were inconsistent defensively. Recent form: Won 4 of last 6, securing bowl eligibility late under coach Jeff Traylor.
Conference vs Conference
Conference USA vs. American Athletic Conference. The AAC holds a dominant historical edge, with a 108-44 all-time record against CUSA teams, reflecting superior depth and recruiting in cross-conference play.
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Series History
The series is tied 2-2 since 2014, with FIU holding a 2-game win streak from 2015-2018 before UTSA’s 30-10 victory in 2022. Home/away splits are even (1-1 each), and games have averaged moderate scoring. This is their first neutral-site meeting.
Betting Trends
- Florida International: 8-4 ATS overall; 2-0 ATS as 8.5+ underdogs; 6-6 O/U. Strong as dogs in non-conference games.
- UTSA: 6-6 ATS; 9-3 O/U, trending over in high-total games; 4-2 ATS as favorites of 7+ points.
- Game-Specific: Public on UTSA, but sharps on FIU +8.5; overs have hit in 4 of last 5 for UTSA in bowls.
Historical Betting Results
In the First Responder Bowl (formerly Heart of Dallas), favorites are 10-7 ATS since 2010, with overs hitting in 9 of 17 games. AAC teams like UTSA have covered in 3 of 4 appearances (e.g., Louisiana -14 covered in 2020 vs. UTSA). CUSA underdogs are 2-3 ATS in this bowl. Largest margin: +44 (Oklahoma State 58-14 over Purdue, 2013).
Game Odds
Florida International Panthers 59.5
UTSA Roadrunners – 6
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, December 25, 2025
