FIU Panthers Prowl

New FIU Baseball Uniforms

FIU will wear eight different uniforms during the 2017 baseball season, which begins next Friday, Feb. 17 at home against Jacksonville State. Six brand new uniforms have been incorporated in the Panthers' rotation and two uniforms from last year will also be worn. Here's a look at the eight uniforms (CLICK on each photo to enlarge it): 

Dominic LoBrutto is wearing the new home whites with Panthers in block letters similar to the current Pittsburgh Pirates home uniform.

Irving Lopez is wearing one of three road gray uniforms -- two of the three road grays are new. Below is Chris Mourelle in the other new road gray with Florida International in script across the chest.

FIU is bringing back the powder blue that has become popular in college baseball of late. It's a similar blue to what the FIU Sunblazers used to wear when baseball started at FIU in 1973. It's also a very similar light blue to the road uniforms of Major League teams in the 1970's and 1980's. Here is Eddie Silva in the powder blue uniform that will be worn for Sunday home games.

Another new throwback style uniform that FIU will wear this season is a cream-colored uniform similar to the style FIU wore recently. Except this new one that Ricardo Pozo is wearing has Panthers across the chest as opposed to FIU across the chest in the old cream-colored uniform FIU used to wear.

FIU has a new alternate top that it can wear with either white or gray pants for home and road games. JC Escarra and C.J. Witkowski are wearing the two combinations. The new alternate uniform has FIU in block letters on the blue top with gold sleeves.

The Panthers will keep two uniforms from last season, including the popular throwback-like that FIU wore on Sundays the last two years. Jack Schaaf is wearing the uniform inspired by an old Chicago White Sox look.

FIU will also keep the lead pipe gray uniform that the Panthers have had for a few seasons now. Christian Khawam wears the third gray uniform that FIU can use away from home.

And here's a look at all the uniforms together.

 

2017 National Signing Day Recap

Twenty new players comprise FIU coach Butch Davis's first Panthers signing class. Davis and his staff addressed almost every position with the 2017 class and in his press conference this afternoon, the new FIU coach said he likes to keep some scholarships open in case players emerge late. Davis cited the example of Russell Maryland, the first overall pick in the 1991 NFL draft, as someone that was signed after national signing day. Maryland had an illustrious pro career winning three Super Bowls and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

FIU signed 18 players today and already had two early enrollees (Brandon James and AJ Sattinger) to make up the signing class of 20. The Panthers welcomed 10 offensive players and 10 defensive players as part of their signing class. 

FIU lost four defensive linemen to graduation and added four defensive linemen on Wednesday with Rashad Colson and Tevin Jones both from Miami Norland, Noah Curtis (Delray Heritage), and Kevin Oliver (Davie Western).

Colson, 6-6, 295 pounds, is a big body that FIU defensive coordinator Brent Guy said looks like he's already played four years of college football. Colson is also fast showing that quickness covering kickoffs for Norland. Jones is another tall defensive lineman at 6-4, who started playing football less than two years ago. Jones played basketball at Norland and the multi-sport athlete is something Davis and his staff like a lot in prospects.

Curtis is another big man at 6-6 and with room to fill on his 230 pounds. Oliver had the honor of being the first FIU player signed by Davis when he sent in his national letter of intent just shortly after 7 a.m. this morning. FIU defensive line coach Kenny Holmes cited Oliver's work ethic when he noted that Oliver works on pass rushing moves by himself on the golf course in Oliver's backyard late at night.

FIU added three linebackers to its talented corps. Joining defensive stalwarts Treyvon Williams and Anthony Wint as part of the unit are Romelo Brooks (Miami Killian), Jamal Gates (Palm Beach Dwyer) and Brandon James (Miami Southridge). All three have size, which is something you will notice with this FIU class. Gates, 6-2, comes in at 220 pounds and Brooks (6-0, 200) and James (6-3, 205) can pack on some weight. FIU lost Davison Colimon to graduation.

With 6-5 Dorian Hall (South Broward), the Panthers have a potential safety or cornerback with uncommon height for a player in the secondary. Hall is listed as an athlete because he can play so many positions. Hall is another of those multi-sport athletes that FIU signed. Davis said on our National Signing Day Live show this morning that he was very impressed with Hall when the FIU coach went to see him play basketball at South Broward.

FIU signed two other secondary members in twin brothers Richard and Rishard Dames from Miami Booker T. Washington -- two of four Tornadoes inked by the Panthers Wednesday. The Dames brothers combined for 11 interceptions last season, including three picks by Richard in an all-star game. Richard projects as a safety and Rishard as a cornerback -- both stand at 5-11 but Richard is five pounds heavier at 175.

FIU lost two of its top offensive linemen from last season in Michael Montero and Dieugot Joseph. The Panthers added three O-linemen Wednesday and all three hail from Miami. Cody Bowes (6-4, 275, Southridge), Mershawn Miller (6-3, 315, Central) and Willa Pierre (6-3, 290, Booker T. Washington) all have size ready to compete in August.

Davis mentioned Bowes's character as a possible future team leader when he recounted how Bowes told a plethora of schools calling him in the last few days that he was sticking to his commitment to FIU. Among the 16 teams chasing Bowes were Ohio State, Louisville, Kentucky, North Carolina, Central Florida and South Florida. Watching film of Miller and Pierre you see how the pair drive defenders down the field. There's some serious strength there.

FIU added some speed with the four receivers it signed Wednesday. Bryce Singleton (Hilton Head, S.C.), Shermar Thornton (Hallandale), DeAndre Williams (Miami Booker T. Washington) and Jacob White (Charlotte) each stand at 6-0 and each can run. Singleton scored 24 touchdowns in three different ways (10 receiving, 11 rushing and three returns). Like Singleton and Thornton, White can beat you in the passing game and returning kicks. White, who FIU flipped from Florida Atlantic, showed some terrific separation on his kick returns when you see his film.

Sattinger gives FIU versatility being able to play tight end and H-back. The 6-2, 225-pounder is a graduate transfer from Coastal Carolina, who enrolled earlier this semester at FIU, and counts toward the 2017 class. With the departure of Jonnu Smith to likely play Sundays in the NFL, Sattinger joins A.J. Branisel at tight end. Branisel emerged last season when given the chance to play.

In the offensive backfield FIU added quarterback Kaylan Wiggins, who is the son of a coach and who had to play in two different offensive systems in the final two years of his high school career. That exposure to different offenses will only help Wiggins under FIU offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Rich Skrosky, who likes to use multiple formations. Wiggins is a dual-threat quarterback accounting for 29 touchdowns last season (22 passing, seven rushing). 

D'Vonte Price is the lone running back in the 2017 class but he has a chance to be special. Price is a tall back at 6-3 and weighs 195 pounds. He has good hands catching the ball out of the backfield and adds another dimension to the FIU running game. Returning backs Alex Gardner and Anthony Jones join a healthy Napoleon Maxwell along with the bulky Shawndarrius Phillips and now Price.

If you like to go by the star system, then you will appreciate that more than three-fourths of FIU signees were three-star recruits. Davis and his coaching staff signed these type of players in less than two months time. Imagine what the class will look like next February.

FIU Baseball Stadium Renovations

FIU opens baseball practice later this month and the 2017 season at home against Jacksonville State on Feb. 17. But before those days arrive the FIU ballpark is getting some renovations done. Take a look:

The batting cages are being furnished with new carpeting and new netting. The new netting can be rolled back so that the cages can be used for fielding drills.

The outfield wall is being redone with new graphics to honor the retired jerseys of FIU players (Toti Mendez, Mike Lowell and Oriol Perez) and former coach Danny Price. Mendez and Price are on the left field corner. Lowell and Perez are on the right field corner.

Panther eyes are being displayed on the left center field wall and right center field wall.

The infield, which has had a rocky surface in the 5.5 hole (area between shortstop and third base) for years, has been resurfaced.

The backstop to the field has a new design.

And the Panthers will have new indoor batting cages to practice in under the first base stands.

 

FIU vs. Old Dominion Game Preview

FIU wraps up its 15th football season against Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers (4-7, 4-3 Conference USA) look to add to their program-best in Conference USA wins if they can defeat the Monarchs. ODU (8-3, 6-1 C-USA) is playing for much more, specifically a possible spot in the conference championship game. If ODU beats FIU and Marshall upsets Western Kentucky, then ODU would face Louisiana Tech for the C-USA championship the following Saturday.

FIU encounters an ODU team that has made an impressive turnaround from last season when the Monarchs were 5-7 overall and 3-5 in the conference. The Panthers waxed the Monarchs 41-12 in Miami last season. What makes you take notice of the turnaround is that this is pretty much the same ODU team from last season.

One reason for the ODU improvement has been the development of quarterback David Washington, who made his first career start last season against FIU. Washington is a dual-threat quarterback that has thrown for 2,507 yards and 26 touchdowns with just three interceptions this season. Washington is very mobile and can hurt FIU with his feet. The Panthers faced a similar quarterback earlier this season in Charlotte's Hasaan Klugh and did a good job containing him.

Washington is just one part of a potent ODU offense. The Monarchs also feature running back Ray Lawry, who is sixth in the conference with 928 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Lawry averages 6.1 yards per carry. Receivers Zach Pascal (792 yards, 7 TDs) and Jonathan Duhart (666 yards, 8 TDs) are ODU's top threats through the air. Both have good size with Pascal at 6-2 and Duhart at 6-3.

ODU has the fourth best offense is C-USA averaging 35.5 points per game. This is not the type of team FIU wants to get into a shootout with considering the Panthers are last in the conference with 23.6 points per game.

Therefore FIU needs to establish its run game like it did last week against Marshall when the Panthers rushed for 259 yards and had Anthony Jones (121 yards) and Alex Gardner (119 yards) each go over 100 yards in the same game for the second time this season.

The Monarchs feature the second best scoring defense in C-USA allowing 27.8 points per game and the fourth best run defense with opponents rushing for 161.5 yards per game. 

The Panthers might need to hit several passes of mid to long range to soften up the Monarch defense and keep them from stacking the box to stop the FIU run.

The city of neon lights thinks ODU is a Dan Fouts jersey number better than FIU. That might be a bit high but when you consider the stakes and atmosphere for ODU in Norfolk you could see the reason for the number. This game will be like a playoff game for ODU, who has been bowl-eligible for a while now. WKU and Marshall don't play until Saturday night so the Monarchs won't have to scoreboard watch during their game.

FIU has a chance to spoil any hope of a C-USA title for ODU and more importantly the Panthers are looking to do what new FIU coach Butch Davis asked -- go on a two-game winning streak heading into 2017.

5 Questions on Old Dominion

FIU takes on Old Dominion in the 2016 season finale Saturday in Norfolk. The Monarchs (8-3, 6-1 Conference USA) are a much-improved team having already three more wins than last season and are headed to a bowl game. 

The Panthers had no trouble with the Monarchs last season defeating ODU 41-12 at FIU Stadium. So what happened in Norfolk to spark such a turnaround? Here is Virginian-Pilot ODU beat writer Harry Minium to explain as he answers 5 Questions on Old Dominion. You can follow Harry on Twitter for all ODU football news @Harry_MiniumVP.

1. What's been the story with ODU's great turnaround? They may get the chance to play for the conference title after this weekend.

HM: Being picked to finish sixth in the East Division by the media gave them some incentive, but so did the loss to FAU (33-31) in the final game last season, which knocked them out of a bowl game. They really want to go to a bowl, the first in their history. They had experienced players back, with 17 starters returning from last season. The team has played with a lot of emotion and a lot of heart. They also don't beat themselves. They lead the nation in turnover margin. They don't make a lot of mistakes.

2. How has QB David Washington improved and what are some of the other strengths of the offense?

HM: David has only started 15 games at quarterback, and each game he seems to get better in figuring out where to throw the ball, when to run and when to go down. Last season he was injured four times and missed games. He hasn't been injured this season. ODU has three wide receivers - Zach Pascal, Travis Fulghem and Jonathan Duhart - all 6-foot-2 or taller and they're all making tough catches this season. Running back Ray Lawry, who led the conference in rushing last season, has recovered from ankle and hamstring injuries and is fifth in the conference in rushing now after not being in the top 10 a month or so ago. Jeremy Cox, a sophomore, has been an outstanding runner. 

3. The ODU defense is second in scoring defense in C-USA. How have they gotten better?

HM: Over the last couple of years, they've recruited bigger and better players and redshirted most of them. It took them a while to recruit true FBS players -- they were an FCS team just three years ago -- and those guys are now sophomores and juniors and playing well. Their defensive line, anchored by 6-6, 315-pound tackle Rashaad Coward, is especially good.  

4. Are there areas of concern for ODU's offense and defense, if so what are they?

HM: The offensive line is young and has at times struggled to block well. Senior Troy Butler is out this week with a sprained ankle, and other than Butler, two sophomores and three freshmen have been in the rotation. The defense has largely been good, but given up a lot of points in their three losses (31, 44 and 59, respectively). Their linebackers are good but undersized.

5. Your thoughts on the FIU/ODU game and prediction?

HM: I suspect that FIU will try to control the clock with its running game. The key for ODU will be stopping the run. This is a game FIU could win -- the Panthers crushed ODU last year in Miami. Las Vegas has made ODU a 13 1/2-point favorite. I think it will be closer. ODU 34, FIU 27. 

Marshall vs. FIU Game Preview

 
Five years ago Marshall and FIU met in a bowl game for the first time. The Thundering Herd defeated the Panthers 20-10 in the St. Petersburg Bowl. Saturday night at FIU Stadium there will be no bowl berth on the line for either of these 3-7 teams. Instead MU and FIU will be playing to see who can finish the 2016 season better with one more game to go for each team after Saturday. The Panthers are 3-3 in Conference USA play. The Herd is 2-4 in the conference.

Much like that first matchup between Marshall and FIU, Saturday's game could be a run-heavy contest for both sides. This season each team has an offense that relies on the run game setting up the pass. Marshall's running game and offensive line have struggled throughout the season. The Herd is 119th in the NCAA in rushing with just 113 yards on the ground per game. FIU is a little better at 101st in the nation in rushing with 143 yards per game. Marshall and FIU rushers could see daylight Saturday because each team's run defense allows nearly 200 yards per game. The Herd gives up 194 rushing yards per game. The Panthers allow 199.5 rushing yards per game.

Despite the run game struggles, Marshall scores 30 points per game and a big reason has been the play of quarterback Chase Litton, who has thrown for 2,311 yards and 22 touchdowns. But if FIU can shut down any kind of Herd running game, the Panthers can go after Litton. However, getting pressure on the quarterback has been a task for FIU this season. The Panthers have just 14 sacks in 2016.

It will be a game-time decision has to who gets the start under center for FIU. Alex McGough is working his way back from injury and could play. Maurice Alexander, who started last game at Western Kentucky, showed what he can do with his legs leading FIU in rushing with 62 yards and a touchdown. But you don't want your quarterback being your leading rusher. Alexander was 14 of 23 for 129 yards and two interceptions against the Hilltoppers. FIU has to establish the run no matter who starts at quarterback.

FIU will look to get running back Alex Gardner going again. Since opponents started stacking the box, Gardner has not reached the century mark in rushing in the last four games. Charlotte, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee and WKU all held Gardner under 100 rushing yards. Gardner (2,100 yards) enters Saturday's game 96 rushing yards away from the career FIU rushing record held by Rashod Smith (2,195 yards).

The city of neon lights thinks Marshall is one number less than T.Y. Hilton's FIU jersey number better than FIU. The Panthers have never beaten the Herd in four games. Weather will be chamber of commerce type with 72 degrees and just a five percent chance of rain at the 7 p.m. kickoff. Which might be the complete opposite next Saturday in Norfolk, Virginia for FIU's season finale against Old Dominion.

5 Questions on Marshall

FIU is down to its final two games of the 2016 season with Marshall coming to town Saturday and then the Panthers traveling to Norfolk, Virginia the day after Thanksgiving for a Saturday game against much-improved Old Dominion.

 

This year's Thundering Herd is not your father's Thundering Herd. Marshall has fallen on hard times at 3-7 and will not go to a bowl game for the first time since 2012 when the Herd finished 5-7. So like FIU, Marshall is playing for pride in its final two games.

 

So what the hell happened to Marshall this season? Here is Grant Traylor, the Marshall beat writer for the Herald-Dispatch, to provide some answers for 5 Questions on Marshall. For all things Marshall, you can follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantTraylor

 

1. You probably have been asked this question by many others but what the hell is going on with Marshall this season? The Herd is usually the cream of the C-USA crop.

 

GT: Marshall lost many key players coming into the 2016 season, but no one expected there to be the impact that was left from those exiting players. Also, key injuries at critical positions, such as offensive line, have hindered the Herd offense from getting on track. Against Middle Tennessee last week, the Herd showed the promise that everyone thought would be present throughout the 2016 season, but it just hasn’t panned out. There is plenty of talent, but chemistry issues, plus depth and injury issues have kept the Herd from getting back to that contender status in C-USA’s East Division that was anticipated.

 

2. I've noticed the Herd defense has given up some big points in some games this season like 65 to Akron and 38 to North Texas. Has the defense been the weak spot on this team and if so, why?

 

GT: Honestly, the defense was a weak point early as they grew together, but the problem in the middle of the year was that the offense wasn’t performing well, which kept the defense on the field for long periods of time, such as the North Texas and Southern Miss games. The Old Dominion game was just a poor effort all the way around, but it was followed up last week by a strong performance against Middle Tennessee.

 

3. Chase Litton seems to be having a good season but what can you say about the rest of the Marshall offense?

 

GT: Marshall’s offensive line has struggled, which has left the Herd essentially one-dimensional due to the lack of a rushing threat. Just how big is the running game? Look at last week against Middle Tennessee. Marshall established the rushing attack early, which allowed Litton to get more open throws en route to a 250-plus yard performance with four touchdowns and no turnovers. Without that rushing presence, teams have teed off on Litton, which hasn’t allowed time for routes to open up and the pressure has gotten to him.

 

4. Who is a key Marshall offensive to keep an eye on in this game?

 

GT: Offensively, the tandem of running backs Anthony Anderson and Tony Pittman will be crucial for Marshall’s success this week. If the two can net 150 rushing yards between them, the Herd’s chances of winning go up exponentially. Without that rushing presence, the Herd will be hard-pressed to get the win featuring only a pass-heavy setup.

 

5. Your thoughts on Saturday's game and prediction?

 

GT: The performance against Middle Tennessee last week showed Marshall’s players what they could be, which resonated into the week following the ceremony to honor the 1970 plane crash. FIU’s offensive line has struggled, which allows Marshall to be aggressive in its defensive scheme – especially with a young quarterback under center. Given Marshall’s carry-over from last week’s game and FIU’s turnover issues, I think the Herd gets out of Miami with a 37-24 win over FIU.

FIU vs. WKU Game Preview

FIU has the blueprint for dealing with a team with an explosive offense. After all the Panthers will be playing their third consecutive game against a powerful, high-scoring offense Saturday when they visit WKU. FIU hung in against Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee the last two weeks but with very little margin for error the Panthers couldn't close the deal in either game.

WKU scores 41.6 points per game and averages 506 total yards per game. Those are similar numbers to the Panthers' two previous opponents, LA Tech and Middle Tennessee.

In each of the two previous contests, FIU slipped up somewhere that decided the two competitive games. Against LA Tech, FIU allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown and a long interception return inside the FIU 5 that resulted in a touchdown. Against MT, the Blue Raiders jumped to a 21-0 lead before FIU could respond and a late pick six was the deciding touchdown. But like I mentioned before FIU lost the game to MT when neither the Panthers offense or defense had an answer in the first six minutes of the game when the Blue Raiders scored 21 unanswered points.

Now comes WKU argubaly one of the top three teams in Conference USA along with LA Tech and MT. FIU must have forgotten to send a Christmas card to the C-USA office last December for the Panthers to have a 2016 schedule that featured these three teams in a row.

The blueprint for the Panthers to win at WKU, again will be similar to the LA Tech and MT games: run the ball effectively to not only take pressure off of quarterback Alex McGough but to control the clock and limit possessions by the very good WKU offense. It won't be easy because WKU has one of the best run defenses in the league allowing just over 100 yards per game. Several three-and-outs on offense could turn the game into a rout if WKU executes offensively as it has all season. 

The FIU defense cannot allow WKU the chunk plays or quick strike touchdowns. The Panthers defense must make the Hilltoppers work for every yard. Getting pressure or hitting WKU quarterback Mike White several times will help a lot. FIU hasn't been able to deliver much QB pressure for the majority of the season. 

The last part of the blueprint has to do with FIU getting some kind of spark on special teams whether it be a long return or causing a WKU turnover to not only keep the WKU offense on the sideline but possibly set up the FIU offense in good field position. 

Weather should be no factor whatsoever in Bowling Green, Kentucky on Saturday afternoon. Temperature is expected to be a high of 69 degrees with sunny skies and just a 10 percent chance of rain.

The city of neon lights thinks WKU is the number in October that Halloween falls on better than FIU. That might be too high. Yes, WKU is a terrific offense and Houchens Stadium is a tough place for a road team to win at and FIU hasn't had much success there, but the Panthers offense has done well since Ron Cooper became the interim head coach. FIU seems to be playing with more confidence and looser. We'll see if FIU can spring a trick or two on WKU and come home to Miami with the treat of an upset win.

5 Questions on WKU

FIU and WKU have been playing each other since they were Sun Belt Conference rivals. The Panthers visit the Hilltoppers Saturday for the first time since 2011 when FIU had its program-record eight-win season and went to the St. Petersburg Bowl. 

The Panthers (3-6) need to win their final three games if they want to go bowling again. The first of their final three games will be the toughest against one of the top teams in Conference USA.

For more on WKU, here is their longtime beat writer Chad Bishop, formerly of print journalism and now a broadcast journalist at WBKO-TV. You can follow Chad for all WKU news on Twitter: @MrChadBishop.

1. WKU has played Middle Tennessee and LA Tech this season. FIU is playing these three teams in a row. These are arguably the three best teams in Conference USA. How would you say the Hilltoppers offense is different from Middle's and LA Tech?

 

CB: As much as WKU gets lumped into the "spread offense" category, I would argue the Hilltoppers play a more balanced, pro-style spread than those two teams. Western's strength is its offensive line, which allows it to effectively run the ball and to run plays out of a power formation. Coach Jeff Brohm can run a bubble screen followed by Student Body Right followed by a play-action bootleg to his tight end at any given moment.

 

2. I know he has some big shoes to fill with Brandon Doughty done at WKU, but was this type of production expected from Mike White when he transferred from USF and why do you think he's had such a good season?

 

CB: Well, it certainly wasn't expected from me – at least not this quickly. White and Doughty have the same offseason QB coach (Ken Mastrole) and grew up in the same neck of the woods in Florida, so there was certainly some expectation the former had the capability to perform as well as the latter. White's ability to move the pocket and keep plays alive with his feet has been the pleasant surprise – that's something Doughty struggled with for a long time. (Having Taywan Taylor and Nicholas Norris as receivers doesn't hurt, either).

 

3. The Hilltoppers allow just over 100 rushing yards per game. Is that the strength of their defense and who are some of WKU's top defensive players?

 

CB: Yes without question. Western is young and inexperienced in the secondary and senior safety Marcus Ward was lost for the season due to a knee injury in the Alabama game. The Tops are very deep and experienced, however, on the defensive front and its three linebackers – T.J. McCollum, Keith Brown and Joel Iyiegbuniwe – could be considered the best trio in the conference. Tackles Chris Johnson and Omarius Bryant have been a nuisances all season.

 

4. WKU is a huge favorite in this game. Do the Hilltoppers have a weakness and if so how does FIU pull the upset?

 

CB: Western Kentucky has been beat two different ways this season (I'm not counting the Alabama game because my goodness who beats them anyway?). Vanderbilt played tremendous defense, ate clock, and wore down the WKU defense with a physical running game. Louisiana Tech went the shootout route, built a massive lead, and hung on for a three-point win.

 

One thing both those games had in common? Turnovers. If FIU can force takeaways and be incredibly efficient with all of its offensive possessions, it certainly has a chance. 

 

5. Your thoughts and prediction on Saturday's FIU/WKU game?

 

CB: I picked Western to win 50-20. That may seem like a lot given the Panthers' resurgence in recent games, but this WKU team is rolling. And they've been virtually unbeatable both at home and in November the past three years. I'm just not sold the FIU offense will be able to keep pace.

1st Look FIU vs. WKU

The Conference USA gauntlet continues for FIU Saturday in Bowling Green, Kentucky when the Panthers take on another juggernaut offense in the WKU Hilltoppers. WKU averages 41.6 points per game and 506 yards of total offense per game. Another staunch test for the FIU defense.

The last two weeks against explosive offenses in Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee, the FIU defense bent but didn't break. The Panthers held their own and gave the FIU offense a chance. They'll need to do the same or better against WKU.

Mike White has ably replaced Brandon Doughty at quarterback for WKU. Doughty, who set just about every WKU passing record, is now on the Miami Dolphins practice squad. White has been almost as good as Doughty throwing for 2,783 yards (2nd in C-USA) with 23 touchdowns and five interceptions.

WKU can beat you on the ground or through the air. Running back Anthony Wales leads C-USA with 13 touchdowns and has rushed for 825 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. The Hilltoppers have two receivers that have combined for 19 touchdowns. Taywan Taylor (1,077 yards, 9 TDs) and Nicholas Norris (868, 10 TDs) have caught the bulk of White's passes.

Middle Tennessee jumped on FIU last week for 21 quick points in the first six minutes of the game. The Panthers cannot have a repeat of that, especially on the road. Just remember in the season finale last year, WKU smoked FIU 63-7.

Give the FIU defense credit last week. The Blue Raiders had 209 total yards after scoring those 21 points with nine minutes left in the first quarter. FIU allowed just 256 total yards the rest of the game -- that would be the final 54 minutes of the game.

Still, FIU needs a fast start at WKU. Like the game plan has been the past two weeks, FIU also needs to establish the run game. The Panthers ran for 203 yards against the Blue Raiders and by doing so limited the possessions of the MT offense. FIU doubled MT in time of possession 40 to 20 minutes last week. More of that will be needed in Bowling Green.

WKU has the top scoring defense in C-USA allowing 26.1 points per game and the top rushing defense in the conference yielding 108 yards per game. The Hilltoppers allow 280 passing yards per game, near the bottom of the conference. FIU might have to test that area of the WKU defense.

With the loss last week FIU (3-6) will need to win out to become bowl-eligible. It's certainly a tall order with WKU being the first of the final three games of the regular season. But if the last two weeks against two of the better teams in the conference is any indication, the Panthers will battle and compete. FIU just has to limit the mistakes and get off to a better start at WKU.

Middle Tennessee vs. FIU Game Preview

Thanks to winning its first three Conference USA games this season FIU is in a good spot atop C-USA's East Division tied with WKU at 3-1. With four division games left in the regular season, the Panthers (3-5 overall) control whether they win the division and a spot in the C-USA championship game or become bowl-eligible by notching six victories.

That is what's at stake in the remaining four games of the regular season but it won't be easy by any means for FIU starting with Saturday's opponent. The four-game season-closing gauntlet begins with Middle Tennessee, then a game at WKU, followed by hosting Marshall and closing the season at Old Dominion.

Middle Tennessee (2-1 C-USA) is on a roll as it comes to Miami and just half a game back of FIU and WKU for the division lead. The Blue Raiders upset SEC member Missouri 51-45 last week on the road. MT exploded for 595 yards of total offense with 311 of those yards on the ground. Defending the run has not been the forte of the FIU defense this season. FIU did keep Louisiana Tech under its season yardage averages last week but the Panthers defense has given up more than 200 rushing yards in a game in five of eight games this season. MT running back I'Tavius Mathers leads C-USA in rushing with 940 yards and has 11 touchdowns.

FIU will have to deal with more than just the Middle Tennessee run as you might expect from the conference's top offense. Quarterback Brent Stockstill is right up there statistically with LA Tech QB Ryan Higgins. Stockstill is second to Higgins in C-USA averaging 338.7 passing yards per game. Receiver Richie James is third in C-USA with 129 receiving yards per game. James has 905 receiving yards and six touchdowns on the season.

With an offense as vaunted as Middle Tennessee's, FIU has to limit the big plays. The Panthers did that for the most part last week against LA Tech. I don't include the kickoff return touchdown and long interception return here because the defense wasn't on the field for those two. Last week's game would have been a 30-24 LA Tech win instead of 44-24 without those two plays. I know hindsight is 20/20.

The Blue Raiders' season-low in rushing was 96 yards at Vanderbilt (47-24 MT loss) and their season-low in passing was 278 yards at Bowling Green (41-21 MT win). Other than those two games, MT (5-2) has rushed for 158 yards or more in its other six games and thrown for 284 yards or more in those games. So MT is going to get its yards against anyone but the Panthers have to make the Blue Raiders work for it and not give up the easy scores.

Unlike last week and two weeks ago against Charlotte, FIU MUST get its running game going. The 49ers and Bulldogs stacked the box defensively against the Panthers and stuffed the run. FIU will have to loosen up the MT defense with some completed passes to give Alex Gardner and company some running room. And with success rushing also comes the added bonus of controlling the clock and keeping the MT offense on the sideline. FIU has to sustain long drives and convert third downs.

As you might expect with Middle Tennessee having the top offense in the conference, the City of Neon Lights thinks MT is a Ryan Tannehill jersey number better than FIU. Weather could be a factor in Saturday's game. The forecast for Saturday's 7 p.m. kickoff calls for isolated thunderstorms (30 percent chance of rain) and 78 degrees. Rain could make handling the football tricky and possibly help to slow down the MT offense.

You can catch Saturday's game on The Ticket 790 AM with Josh Appel and myself calling the game. At the start of last week's game, The Ticket had the wrong stream on-line but got our game on there shortly after the kickoff after some fans tweeted me that they weren't hearing the game.

5 Questions on Middle Tennessee

For the second straight week the top offense in Conference USA comes to FIU Stadium. Last week it was Louisiana Tech, which at the time had the most total yards per game in the league. That was until the FIU defense kept the Bulldogs under their average and allowed Middle Tennessee to vault to the top of the C-USA offensive statistics.

Now the Blue Raiders present the latest challenge for the Panthers defense. MT has an explosive offense led by quarterback Brent Stockstill and is coming off an upset of Missouri on the road in which the Blue Raiders rushed for more than 300 yards.

For more on Middle Tennessee, here is Blue Raiders beat writer Aldo Amato of the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal to answer 5 Questions on Middle Tennessee. For all Blue Raiders news you can follow Aldo on Twitter: @Aldo_Amato.

1. FIU just saw an explosive Louisiana Tech offense. I think Middle Tennessee's offense is just as good. With you having seen both LA Tech and Middle's offenses this season how would you say they are different?

 

AA: When they both played in Murfreesboro, it was an old-fashioned shootout. Both are fast in tempo and often produce explosive plays. However I think MTSU has a better run game with I’Tavius Mathers. We all know what Brent Stockstill is capable of in the passing game with his favorite receiver Richie James. But Mathers has added a dangerous element this year in the run game. He’s 60 yards away from the 1,000-yard mark and statistically is one of the best in the country. That has added more balance to MTSU’s offense this year and he’s also helped out in the pass game.

 

2. What would you say is the weakness of the Blue Raiders offense?

 

AA: To be honest, not much. The dropped passes have been killer but that is due to MTSU breaking in new receivers after losing four starters (Terry Pettis, Demetrius Frazier, Shane Tucker and Joc Bruce) early this season. The only way this offense shows a weakness is if it gets in its own way.

 

3. What does Middle do well defensively and who are some of their better defenders? Where are the Blue Raiders vulnerable defensively?

 

AA: The Blue Raiders have been susceptible to the run this season and anytime an offense has been able to be balanced, it’s come back to bite the defense. The loss at WKU showed that. But the second half defense has been the biggest strength and although MTSU doesn’t have a Top 25 rated defense, they make the stops when they have to. Look for linebacker D.J. Sanders, who has three forced fumbles this season, 10th in the nation.

 

4. How are Middle's special teams? What's their strength and weakness?

 

AA: Middle broke in a new kicker this year in Canon Rooker. He’s hit more than 80 percent of his field goals but has missed three already this season. Punter Matt Bonadies really hasn’t been on the field all that much this year. Richie James struggled early on as a punt returner but has played smart over the past few games. This unit doesn’t really dazzle you. But it’s quietly effective in all facets.

 

5. Your thoughts on Saturday's game and prediction?

 

AA: I think Middle will take care of business Saturday. When their offense is operating at the right tempo and avoids making mistakes, it is one of the best in the nation as we saw at Mizzou. I don’t see a blowout because FIU is still a talented team and last year, special teams is what kept it close in Murfreesboro. But MTSU is red-hot right now and I can’t see FIU slowing them down. Give me 42-17 MTSU.

1st Look at Middle Tennessee vs. FIU

Coming off facing one offensive juggernaut in Louisiana Tech last week, FIU gets another one this week when Middle Tennessee comes to town. The Blue Raiders are second in several offensive categories in Conference USA.

However, Middle Tennessee now has the top offense in C-USA in total yards thanks to the Panthers keeping the Bulldogs under their yardage average last week. The Blue Raiders are averaging 548.9 yards per game which is tops in C-USA. MT is second in the conference in rushing (194.4 yards per game) and second in passing (354.4 yards per game). The FIU defense will have its hands full Saturday.

It should come as no surprise that the Blue Raiders have a rusher (I'Tavius Mathers - 134.3 ypg, 1st), passer (Brent Stockstill - 2,371 passing yards, 3rd) and receiver (Richie James - 129.3 ypg, 3rd) in the top three among the C-USA stat leaders. 

The FIU defense made some stops last week against LA Tech to give the Panthers offense a chance. If you take away the LA Tech interception return to inside the FIU 5 and Carlos Henderson's kickoff return for a touchdown and the game score is 30-24.

I know, if ifs and buts were candies and nuts we'd all have a party. But the point being that the Panthers defense made some plays to keep the score within reach. Yes, the FIU defense also gave up plays. What the defense will need this week against MT that they didn't get last week is at least one turnover to limit the Blue Raiders possessions.

There were times last week when the FIU offense moved the ball well against LA Tech, particularly on the opening drive, the drive near the end of the first half and some drives in the second half. But the Panthers couldn't get anything going on the drives in the first half between their two scores and that cost them any chance of staying with LA Tech.

FIU needs to capitalize on as many drives as possible against MT and the Panthers might get the chance. The Blue Raiders are in the middle of the pack defensively in C-USA. MT allows 175.4 rushing yards per game and 253.6 passing yards per game. Last week in MT's upset of Missouri, the Blue Raiders allowed more than 300 yards rushing.

What FIU will have to figure out is how to get the running game going again like it had against Florida Atlantic and UTEP. In the last two weeks, Charlotte and LA Tech limited FIU to a total of 106 rushing yards -- 39 rushing yards against Charlotte and 67 yards against LA Tech. The 49ers and Bulldogs stacked the box and dared FIU to beat them through the air.

The Panthers threw the ball well against the 49ers late in the game and had some success passing against the Bulldogs, but also had some empty series against LA Tech. FIU will have a tough time keeping up with Middle Tennessee's offense if it strictly relies on the passing game.

FIU (3-1) is currently tied with Western Kentucky for the lead in C-USA's East Division. Middle Tennessee and Old Dominion are half a game back at 2-1. The final four games for the Panthers are all division games (MT, WKU, Marshall and Old Dominion).

Throughout the FIU/Middle Tennessee series history, which began in 2005 with FIU safety Kent Henderson knocking down a Hail Mary pass in the end zone on the final play to preserve a 35-31 win, there have been some wild and high-scoring games. Just two years ago, FIU rallied from a 21-3 deficit against MT to win 38-28. With two teams that can score points, Saturday's game could be another wild one.

Louisiana Tech vs. FIU Game Preview

Like many a college football games these days, Saturday's tilt between FIU and Louisiana Tech could be decided by which team has the football last, kind of like a basketball game. 

The Bulldogs come to Miami as the top offense in Conference USA averaging 41.6 points per game and 550 total yards per game. Since Ron Cooper took over as FIU's interim head coach, the Panthers are scoring 31.6 points per game. Yes, for those who look at the glass half empty, FIU scored those points against the bottom tier of C-USA in Florida Atlantic, UTEP and Charlotte but the Panthers still had to move the ball downfield and didn't do that against lowly UMass.

FIU is riding the momentum right now with its first three-game winning streak since 2011 when those Panthers opened the season 3-0 and had another three-game win streak late in the season before going to the St. Petersburg Bowl. But these Panthers will need more than momentum to take down the Bulldogs, arguably the best team in Conference USA.

FIU needs to execute offensively, especially on third down. Last week against Charlotte, the Panthers were just 3 of 11 on third down conversions. That conversion rate will not get it done against La. Tech. FIU must do better in order to not only get in a position to score but to also keep the Bulldogs high-powered offense on the sideline.

The Panthers will need to run the ball as proficiently as they did against Florida Atlantic and UTEP. FIU had its most and second most rushing attempts in a game this season in those two contests. The Panthers rushed 49 times against the Owls and had 44 attempts against the Miners. It's no coincidence the rushing success in those two games led to FIU wins.

Last week, FIU had to rely on its passing game to comeback and defeat Charlotte. This might be the case against La. Tech. By now the Bulldogs have seen film of that game and saw the 49ers have success stacking the box against FIU rushers. The Panthers had just 39 rushing yards on 21 attempts last week. It won't be easy against La. Tech. The Bulldogs have the second best rushing defense in C-USA allowing 142 yards per game.

I have a feeling that La. Tech's defensive game plan will be to make FIU beat them through the air. Therefore quarterback Alex McGough and FIU receivers will need to play like they did in the fourth quarter last week when the Panthers rallied from 13 points down in the final 7:12 of the game. The Bulldogs can be thrown on as they allow 293 passing yards per game which ranks 10 of 13 teams in C-USA.

The FIU defense, especially the secondary will be tested by La. Tech quarterback Ryan Higgins (No. 2 in the nation with 2,353 passing yards) and stalwart receivers Trent Taylor (No. 1 in the nation with 987 receiving yards) and Carlos Henderson (No. 3 in the nation with 884 receiving yards). The trio is the main reason the Bulldogs have the No. 4 total offense (550 yards per game) in the nation -- only Louisville, Texas Tech and Toledo put up more yards per game than La. Tech. The Bulldogs also have the No. 2 passing offense in the nation (383 yards per game), only Texas Tech (510.8 yards per game) has more passing yards per game.

Although the passing game is the bread and butter of the La. Tech offense, FIU cannot forget about running back Jarred Craft, who averages 6.7 yards per carry. The Panthers have struggled defending the run most of the season having allowed more than 200 rushing yards in five of their seven games.

I'm not so sure FIU can get into a points-fest with La. Tech. That's why I think the Panthers have to have success running the ball, controlling the clock and keeping Higgins and company off the gridiron.

Weather for kickoff Saturday night at 7 p.m. will be chamber of commerce type weather -- 76 degrees, no chance of rain. By the way, I'll be doing the FIU football radio broadcast Saturday with Josh Appel on 790 AM The Ticket. 

The City of Neon Lights thinks La. Tech is a Joe Montana jersey number better than FIU which is probably more indicative of how good the Bulldogs offense is than anything else. This will be the best offense that the FIU defense will see all season. Prediction here, if FIU beats La. Tech then the Panthers will get at least two more wins in their final four games and go to a bowl game.

5 Questions on Louisiana Tech

Louisiana Tech brings the top offense in Conference USA to FIU on Saturday. The Bulldogs score the most points (41.6) per game and total the most yards (550) per game in the conference. Overall, the Bulldogs are eighth in total defense and second in rushing defense in C-USA. 

Of the seven games FIU has played thus far this will be the toughest one. La. Tech is probably the most complete team that the Panthers will have played this season through seven games.

For more on the Bulldogs here is Sean Isabella, the La. Tech beat writer from The News Star newspaper, to answer 5 Questions on Louisiana Tech. You can follow Sean on Twitter for all La. Tech things: @ST_IsabellaTNS

1. Is there a weakness on the La. Tech offense and if so what is it? 

SI: Turnovers. Tech has been able to run and throw the ball seemingly at will behind a solid offensive line yet can't get out of its own way at times. The Bulldogs scored 56 points at UMass, but they had four turnovers, with two coming in the red zone. Tech coach Skip Holtz hates turnovers. He can't stand them. He even mentioned he could bench some starters if they keep fumbling.

 

2. What makes the passing game of Ryan Higgins with Trent Taylor and Carlos Henderson so good?

 

SI: It starts with Trent Taylor, who is the best slot receiver in the country you've never heard of. The guy just finds ways to get open and he catches everything in sight. His consistent play (it seems like he gets 10 catches a game) has provided favorable matchups for Carlos Henderson. Defenses can't defend both, so it's kind of pick your poison. The offensive line is key, too. Higgins is playing within the system, playing turnover-free ball for the most part and getting time in the pocket from the OL.

 

3. What is the Bulldogs approach on defense and who are some of their top defenders?

 

SI: Of late it's kind of getting back to the bread-and-butter which is an aggressive style of play. I think DC Blake Baker is more confident in his players and thus more confident as a play-caller. Tech blitzed a ton against UMass and came up with seven sacks. This isn't a great coverage team, so teams exploit the passing defense when the pressure isn't there. Defensive end Jaylon Ferguson is playing well coming off a 2.5-sack game. Xavier Woods is Tech's best defensive back with three picks.

 

4. How does La. Tech beat FIU? How does La. Tech lose to FIU?

 

SI: Tech's offense should be fine, so it's going to once again fall on the defense to generate pressure and stop the run. Do that and it should be another October win for Holtz and his gang. Special teams and turnovers are problematic, so if FIU can force some turnovers and create short fields in special teams, this game could have a much different outcome.

 

5. Your thoughts on the game and prediction?

 

SI: I'm a bit conflicted. In the preseason, I thought this was a sure-fire trap game for Tech because I expected FIU to finally make a move in C-USA. Then FIU starts 0-4, fires the coach and it's looking like a cupcake for Tech. Now comes three straight wins, but I'm not sure I'm sold since the wins have come against the bottom of C-USA. However, I do believe teams often have new life under an interim coach. I think this game may be closer than some think. I'll say 38-28 La. Tech.

1st Look at Louisiana Tech vs. FIU

They say you need to win three games in a row for it to count as a winning streak. Well, consider FIU on a winning streak after its 27-26 comeback win against Charlotte last Saturday in the Tar Heel State. The Panthers (3-4, 3-0 Conference USA) are the current East Division leaders with Old Dominion (2-0 in C-USA) one-half game behind. 

Although some will argue the Panthers have won three games against some of the worst teams in the conference, you still have to win those games and that's what FIU has done. Now come Saturday, FIU will be tested like they haven't been tested all season with the arrival of Louisiana Tech.

The Bulldogs have the best offense FIU will have seen on its 2016 schedule to date. La. Tech averages 41.6 points per game and 550 total yards per contest.

La. Tech can hit a defense with a strong running game and/or its aerial show comprised of quarterback Ryan Higgins (2,353 passing yards, 22 TDs, 3 INTs) and dynamic receivers Trent Taylor (987 yards, 8 TDs) and Carlos Henderson (884 yards, 10 TDs), who just piled up 326 receiving yards and five touchdowns against UMass last week. The same UMass team that FIU could only score 13 points against.

Gone is La. Tech running back Kenneth Dixon to the NFL and replacing him is Jarred Craft, who has rushed for 722 yards (6.7 yards-per-carry) and four touchdowns. The Bulldogs average 167 yards on the ground per game which is not good news for an FIU defense that has allowed more than 200 rushing yards per game in five of its seven games this season, including last Saturday when the 49ers ran for 232 yards.

Say this about the FIU defense's bend-but-don't-break performance last week, the Panthers made the stops when they had to and for the most part contained running quarterback Hasaan Klugh. 

This week the onus will be on the FIU secondary against Taylor (5-8, 175 pounds) and Henderson (5-11, 185 pounds), who are not the biggest receivers but they are quick and shifty. FIU's secondary hasn't really been challenged much this season because opponents have been able to run on the Panthers. That will change against La. Tech because the Bulldogs love to throw the ball around.

One effective way to combat the vaunted La. Tech offense is of course to score more points than the Bulldogs. However, if FIU can run the ball and control the clock that will help as well. It won't be easy.

Charlotte used eight and nine-man fronts against FIU and effectively shut down the FIU run to the tune of just 39 yards rushing. La. Tech's run defense has been better of late allowing 113 yards per game in the last three. This was after South Carolina State (156 yards), Texas Tech (196 yds) and Middle Tennessee (197 yds) ran at will against La. Tech.

The Panthers had to rely on the passing game to rally against Charlotte. Quarterback Alex McGough (315 yards) spread the ball to eight different receivers against the 49ers, including another good game from Thomas Owens (11 catches, 148 yards). More of the same may be needed against La. Tech. The Bulldogs are allowing 330 passing yards per conference game thus far, including 356 yards at Middle Tennessee. 

FIU showed some moxie against Charlotte not panicking in the final seven minutes of the game while down 13 points. The players kept their heads up and the sideline had plenty of energy, an intangible that has helped this team in the last three games. FIU has trailed in each of its last three games and were down twice in the Shula Bowl against Florida Atlantic before winning the game. There is a quiet confidence in this team, a team that will have its most stern test come Saturday.

FIU vs. Charlotte Game Preview

FIU goes for three wins in a row Saturday when it visits Charlotte. The 49ers are coming off a big win at Florida Atlantic, their first Conference USA win in their short history. Despite Charlotte being in just its second season in C-USA this game is by no means a gimmee for the Panthers. First of all, FIU is not the New England Patriots that can just show up and win, plus the 49ers are better than you might think.

The switch from Kevin Olsen to Hasaan Klugh at quarterback for the 49ers improved their offense. Klugh can throw and run which presents more issues for a defense. The Panthers have struggled against running quarterbacks in the past and Klugh is exactly that. The FIU run defense limited UTEP to 139 yards on the ground last week, with 49 of the yards coming on the Aaron Jones touchdown run. However, that was just the second time in six games this season that FIU has allowed less than 200 rushing yards in a game. The Panthers will need a strong run D against the 49ers. Charlotte runs a spread offense that could be a problem for a defense struggling to stop the run.

On the other side of the ball, FIU has run like a team on a mission of late. With 528 rushing yards in the last two games the Panthers have controlled the clock and were more physical than FAU and UTEP. The running game has helped quarterback Alex McGough relax and given him time to throw. Alex Gardner, Anthony Jones and the offensive line will be key again in this game. Even though the defensive front seven is considered Charlotte's strength, it can be run on. The 49ers allow 172 yards on the ground per game. 

It was good to see Thomas Owens have a T.O.-like game last week against UTEP with seven catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. McGough distributed the ball around a lot more as tight end A.J. Branisel played a big part in the UTEP win. The 49ers are little banged up in the secondary and have been susceptible to the deep ball allowing nearly 300 passing yards per game.

This might sound strange for a 2-4 FIU team but this might be the type of game that you could call a "trap game". The Panthers are going on the road, having won two straight, facing a second-year C-USA team that they beat handily 48-31 last season and Louisiana Tech is on deck at home next week. However, I think interim coach Ron Cooper and the coaching staff will have the Panthers ready to go and keep them grounded. Cooper and the staff seem to have the pulse of the team and the players are responding.

Case in point, in a practice earlier this week, a player fumbled a punt return. Near the end of practice, the player was asked to field a punt in front of the team with FIU strength coaches tugging at his jersey and Cooper spraying water on the player as he was trying to catch the punt. With so many distractions around and on the player, the player kept his concentration and fielded the punt cleanly to which his teammates watching along erupted in cheers. The point was if you could field a punt with people grabbing your jersey and water sprayed on your face, you can field a punt anytime. Lately, it's been those kinds of moments in practice that the Panthers have embraced and are enjoying learning from.

The City of Neon Lights thinks FIU is a Jay Cutler jersey number better than Charlotte. Something tells me the game will be closer than that. The 49ers like the Panthers have some momentum going into this game. Weather should not be a factor in Charlotte. Game time temperature will be a high of 71 with just a 10 percent chance of rain. A win Saturday would give FIU its first three-game winning streak since 2011 when the Panthers won three straight near the end of that season and three straight to start that season. That year was also the last time FIU went to a bowl game.

5 Questions on Charlotte

The Charlotte 49ers are in their second season as a Conference USA football team. The 49ers did not look like a second-year program last week going on the road and defeating Florida Atlantic. In that win the 49ers switched quarterbacks and it paid off with a more mobile and athletic signal caller. FIU visits Charlotte Saturday night after defeating the 49ers in Miami last season.

 

For more on the 49ers here is Bill Kiser, the 49ers beat writer for the Charlotte Observer newspaper, to answer 5 Questions on Charlotte. You can follow Bill on Twitter for all things 49ers: @BKiser_CLTObs

 

1. What does Charlotte do best on offense and how do you think the switch to Hasaan Klugh at QB will affect the team?

 

BK: The 49ers run a spread offense, but like to balance out their passing game with the running game. Having Klugh (who replaced Kevin Olsen as the starting QB last week) running the show will certainly improve both aspects of Charlotte's offense. Not only can he throw the ball (223 yards, three TDs in the win over Florida Atlantic), he can also run with it (54 yards and a score on 14 carries), allowing the 49ers to extend plays and/or compliment career rushing leader Kalif Phillips.

 

2. What do the 49ers do well on defense and where are they vulnerable? Who are some of their defensive playmakers?

 

BK: The strong suit of Charlotte's defense is its front seven, led by preseason all-C-USA nose tackle Larry Ogunjobi (14.5 career tackles for loss) and inside linebacker Nick Cook (sixth in total tackles with 57). However, their secondary has been hurt by the absence of cornerback Terrance Winchester due to a separated shoulder. While cornerback Kedrick Davis (a North Carolina transfer) is tied for the league lead in interceptions (three) and Winchester's replacement, Anthony Covington, is tied for second in passes defended (seven), the 49ers have also given up several deep balls on play-action passes.

 

3. What was that last play like against FAU, the "Fail Mary" and do you think a shorter week of prep for FIU will affect Charlotte?

 

BK: The "Fail Mary" was a heartstopper for Charlotte, and a heartbreaker for Florida Atlantic -- even 49ers head coach Brad Lambert said he was worried about how the review would turn out, because of the legalities of the review process. The short week, as it were, shouldn't affect Charlotte's preparations too much after having to play Florida Atlantic on Sunday. The 49ers flew back to North Carolina on Monday morning, and were back on campus watching game tape by lunchtime. One thing that works in Charlotte's favor is the school's fall break, which gave the players Monday and Tuesday off from classes.

 

4. How is the 49ers football program's development going? 

 

BK: If you look at just wins and losses, one would think Charlotte's development is crawling along at a snail's pace -- and that snail may be moving backwards. However, I don't think that's the case, especially this season, the 49ers' fourth as a Division I program. Sure, they've had setbacks (and the season opening loss to then-No. 19 Louisville can almost be ignored -- there have been much better teams savaged by the Cardinals and quarterback Lamar Jackson, a legit Heisman Trophy candidate) but they've also had injuries to key personnel (Winchester, offensive lineman Jamal Covington and even Phillips, who missed a couple games with hamstring issues). Now that the quarterback situation appears to be settled (and Phillips is back at 100 percent), I don't see many more blowouts (especially in C-USA games) coming the rest of the season.

 

5. Your thoughts on Saturday's game and prediction?

 

BK: You've got two teams coming off big wins this past weekend -- FIU is now 2-0 in the C-USA East Division, while Charlotte ended its nine-game conference losing streak -- and are pretty close to each other in most of the conference's team statistics. But getting that C-USA monkey off the 49ers back should give them a needed boost for this weekend's game. It's not going to be a blowout, though -- Charlotte 27, FIU 24.

1st Look at Charlotte vs. FIU

FIU visits Charlotte for the first time in its football program history Saturday. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 48-31 last season at FIU Stadium. FIU (2-4, 2-0 Conference USA) comes into Saturday's game at Jerry Richardson Stadium having won its last two games. Charlotte (2-4, 1-1) defeated Florida Atlantic 28-23 in Boca Raton on Sunday.

After rushing for 258 yards against UTEP last Saturday, FIU has now run for 528 yards in its last two games. The FIU offensive line has opened up holes for Alex Gardner and Anthony Jones. The success running the ball has lit a fire under the FIU offense and allowed quarterback Alex McGough more time to throw the ball. FIU's running prowess also kept the Panthers defense off the field in the high-altitude environment of El Paso. FIU controlled the clock for 35 minutes on Saturday.

The Charlotte defense is yielding nearly 500 total yards per game with 172 yards per game coming on the ground. So it could be another successful Saturday for the FIU running game. 

The 49ers made a switch at quarterback against FAU benching Kevin Olsen, formerly of the Coral Gables school, and inserting the more mobile Hasaan Klugh. FIU defenses have had trouble in the past dealing with quarterbacks that can run and Klugh should pose that challenge Saturday. He averages 5.9 yards per carry. Klugh can also throw the ball. He is a very efficient 32 of 44 (73 percent completion percentage) for 376 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. 

Like FIU, the 49ers can run the ball. They have three running backs averaging 4.7 yards per carry or more. Kalif Phillips leads the backs rushing for 336 yards on the season. Robert Washington (293 yards, 3 TDs) and Ben Lemay (165 yards) are the other two running backs. All three Charlotte backs have good size which could be a problem. Phillips weighs 221 pounds, Lemay is 216 and Washington is 220.

FIU did a good job stopping the UTEP run last Saturday allowing 139 yards with 49 of those yards coming on Aaron Jones's touchdown run. Jones, who is one of the top backs in Conference USA, was held to 73 yards. It marked just the second time in six games this season that the Panthers held the opponent to less than 200 rushing yards in a game. That will have to continue with the triple threat 49ers backs.

Austin Duke (32 receptions, 408 yards, 3 TDs) and T.L. Ford (22 rec., 315 yds, 3 TDs) are the two main receivers with Ford having good size at 6-3. Duke is 5-9, 161 pounds.

FIU's secondary played well against UTEP allowing just 191 passing yards. Isaiah Brown got his first career interception and almost had two picks when a pass earlier in the game just eluded him. Brown's size (6-1) might come into play Saturday if he's assigned to cover Ford.

Once again you saw a more animated FIU sideline in El Paso. You can't emphasize enough how much of an intangible that is for the Panthers on the field. FIU is playing with a lot more confidence and belief that is translating on the field.

Although the Panthers' confidence is up, FIU coaches are keeping the team from getting too overconfident especially facing a 49ers team that is just in its second season of Division I college football. FIU interim coach Ron Cooper said the Panthers just have to look at yesterday's game in Boca Raton where Charlotte defeated FAU. During the taping of FIU Football Weekly this morning, McGough said offensive coordinator Steve Shankweiler reminds the team that they are "not the New England Patriots" that they can't take anyone lightly and have to go out and play hard every game.

FIU vs. UTEP Game Preview

FIU will be dealing with the natural elements this weekend. First, the Panthers are leaving behind hurricane-soaked Miami and landing in El Paso on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, FIU will play at the historic Sun Bowl, which is 3,800 feet above sea level. The high altitude in El Paso could be an issue for opposing teams who are not used to playing in such conditions.

The conditions won't make any kind of difference if the same FIU team that took it to Florida Atlantic in Don Shula Bowl XV shows up in El Paso. Those Panthers rushed for 270 yards, controlled the line of scrimmage and made key plays on defense when they had to. A similar effort will be needed against a physical UTEP team.

Behind their humongous offensive line, which averages 320 pounds, their workhorse running back Aaron Jones, plus a head coach in Sean Kugler -- who was the Pittsburgh Steelers former offensive line coach when the Steelers last appeared in the Super Bowl -- it's no secret what the Miners want to do, run the ball. And if UTEP can successfully run the ball, it also has the help of the thin air in El Paso to wear down defenses.

This will be a huge challenge for the Panthers run defense, which has allowed 200 or more rushing yards in four of their first five games this season. FIU must battle and win the line of scrimmage against that big UTEP offensive front to help free the talented Panthers linebackers to stop the run. Should the FIU defense get pushed around by the UTEP offensive line it could be a long Saturday night in Texas. 

To help the challenge that awaits the FIU defense, the FIU offense must do its part sustaining drives and controlling the clock. And included in those sustained drives is the scoring of points by the Panthers offense. 

A steady dose of running backs Alex Gardner, Anthony Jones and company, plus the nifty running of quarterback Alex McGough last week is just what the doctor is ordering for FIU on Saturday. UTEP allows 226 rushing yards per contest, including 426 against Army, which everyone in the college football world knows running the ball is a key feature of Army's offense.

McGough was 15 of 30 for 199 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions, including a pick six last week. The junior quarterback will have to be more efficient going forward. Last season against the Miners, McGough was splendid completing 13 of 17 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns.

FIU rolled to a 42-3 halftime lead on UTEP last season in Miami before finishing off a 52-12 victory over the Miners. This is a much better UTEP team than the 2015 version.

Weather could be a factor in El Paso Saturday. A high of 75 is expected with a 60 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms.

The City of Neon Lights thinks UTEP is a Donovan McNabb jersey number better than FIU. Nothing wrong with that number with the Panthers being on the road and off to a 1-4 start. But this is also a different FIU team than the one from the first four games of this season. 

Last week when FIU got down twice to FAU, the Panthers might have folded earlier in the season. But there is a visible renewed energy to this team with interim coach Ron Cooper that started in the week of practice leading to the Shula Bowl and was seen on the sideline last Saturday. Cooper told the players and everyone on the FIU sideline to be involved in the game, cheer your teammates on the field during the game. You witnessed that in the Shula Bowl and I think it's something that will carry on the rest of the season.

5 Questions on UTEP

FIU makes its second visit to El Paso, Texas in the 14-plus year history of the program on Saturday to take on UTEP. The Miners (1-4) like the Panthers (1-4) had preseason bowl aspirations and like FIU still have plenty of season to play. The Panthers lost 33-10 at UTEP in 2013. Due to injury, the Miners have a quarterback change for Saturday's game. For more on that and other UTEP questions here is Bret Bloomquist, the UTEP beat writer for the El Paso Times. You can follow Bret on Twitter for all things UTEP @Bretbloomquist.

1. Is the UTEP offense mostly centered around Aaron Jones or what other offensive players could figure to play a big role against FIU?

BB: Before last week, he was about all they had, but against Louisiana Tech they finally rediscovered their superb tight end, Hayden Plinke. A true freshman, Eddie Sinegal, also broke out at wide receiver. Quarterback Ryan Metz made some plays, but now he is doubtful with a concussion.

 

2. What's the quarterback situation with the Miners? Looking at the stats three quarterbacks have started at least one game.

 

BB: Ryan Metz won the starting job last week, but was knocked out late in the game and has been rule out with a mild concussion. It will be Zack Greenlee, the starter in three of the first four games. Kavika Johnson, who started against Texas when Greenlee got hurt in the opener, is the Wildcat guy and also a receiver.

 

3. The UTEP defense has allowed 226 rushing yards per game. What seems to be the issue there and who are some of the top UTEP defensive players?

 

BB: They played three superb quarters against the run against Louisiana Tech, then collapsed in the fourth quarter. They also collapsed against Army in every phase. They've been OK the rest of the time and what would really help is getting back star middle linebacker Alvin Jones (Aaron's twin). He missed the Army and Southern Miss games and wasn't in in the fourth quarter against Louisiana Tech. He's their best player and he should be better this week. Two other linebackers, Nick Usher and Dante Lovilette, and safety Devin Cockrell are the other best players.

 

4. What were the preseason expectations for the Miners and if they were expected to be better than 1-4 right now do you think they can still achieve that goal?

 

BB: They thought they were going to be an eight-win team, though being 2-3 at this point was probably realistic, then Army ended up being much better than they were supposed to be. If they play like they did this past week against La. Tech they can start beating people left on their schedule, which was certainly frontloaded, but they are in a hole right now.

 

5. Your thoughts and prediction for Saturday's game?

 

BB: They made definite progress against Louisiana Tech, though part of that was finding the right quarterback and now he's out. Also, Aaron Jones should be healthier than last week and that's helpful. I think this will be a bit higher scoring than each team's season average. I think along the lines of UTEP 30, FIU 27, but an FIU win would barely be considered an upset. This game is a coin flip.

1st Look at UTEP vs. FIU

Like FIU, UTEP is 1-4 heading into Saturday's matchup at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. The Miners defeated New Mexico State, a former Sun Belt Conference foe of FIU, 38-22 to open the season and then lost four straight -- two against some of the better Conference USA teams in Southern Miss and Louisiana Tech. UTEP also lost to nationally-ranked Texas and was rolled by Army 66-14.

Despite the record and what Bill Parcells says about records, UTEP is not that bad. The Miners have one of the best running backs in C-USA, weapons at receiver and tight end and some good linebackers. And until late in last week's game against Louisiana Tech, the Miners had found their quarterback in Ryan Metz until he was knocked out with a concussion against the Bulldogs. Metz has been ruled out for the game against FIU. Zack Greenlee, who started three of five games for UTEP, will start. Greenlee has completed 35 of 63 passes (55 percent) for 504 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions on the season.

Regardless of who is under center for the Miners, their offense revolves around running back Aaron Jones, who is averaging 132 rushing yards per game, has totaled 660 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the season. Jones averages 6.9 yards per carry. Last season the Panthers didn't have to face Jones in their 52-12 win over UTEP at FIU Stadium. Jones was lost for the season with an injury after the second game of 2015. Two years ago as a sophomore, Jones rushed for 1,321 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Jones might be licking his chops looking at FIU's rush defense numbers.

Part of what makes Jones and the UTEP offense so good is the massive offensive line. The Miners have three starting offensive linemen weighing 325 pounds or more. Right tackle John De La Rosa (325 pounds), right guard Jerrod Brooks (330), and left guard Will Hernandez (330).

The Panthers are allowing 222 rushing yards per game and have allowed 200 or more rushing yards in four of their five games this season. Only UMass's 116 yards on the ground keep the rushing defense stat from being five of five. FIU has to do a better job or Jones will run all over FIU in the Sun Bowl.

Should FIU contain Jones, the Panthers will also have to stop freshman receiver Eddie Sinegal and tight end Hayden Plinke. Each player has 12 catches to tie for the team lead. Plinke, who is a load to bring down at 6-4, 265 pounds, has three scores.

The UTEP defense can be run on. The Miners are allowing 226 yards on the ground per contest, including a season-high 426 rushing yards against Army, who features the run more than the pass in its offense. Still, with two struggling run defenses meeting in El Paso Saturday, the game could be one of the fastest of the season in time also because their is no television broadcast for the game.

FIU used the one-two punch of running backs Alex Gardner and Anthony Jones effectively against Florida Atlantic in the Shula Bowl. The Panthers seemed to employ more of a spread-type offense in their first game under interim coach Ron Cooper. FIU ran the ball 49 times and threw the ball 30 times. It appeared quarterback Alex McGough got the ball out quicker to the skill players. McGough also took his shots downfield. I liked how FIU tried some long passes near the end of the first half instead of taking a knee. 

The strength of the Panthers defense is the linebackers, same goes for UTEP. The Miners are led by linebacker Alvin Jones (Aaron Jones's twin brother). Dante Lovilette and Nick Usher are the other two linebackers. Lovilette and Usher are one-two on the team in tackles. Alvin Jones would be up there too but he has missed two games to injury and is probable for Saturday.

Another factor that FIU may have to deal with Saturday is playing 3,800 feet above sea level in El Paso. FIU has only played twice in high-altitude cities in its 14-plus year history and that could come in to play if the FIU defense is on the field for long stretches. Back in 2004 the Panthers lost 56-31 against New Mexico State (same team UTEP beat in its season opener) at Las Cruces, New Mexico (elevation 3,908 feet). FIU lost to UTEP 33-10 in El Paso in 2013. El Paso is 3,800 feet above sea level. Of course, if the Panthers do their job then that number won't matter a bit.

Don Shula Bowl XV Preview: FAU vs. FIU

Both Florida Atlantic and FIU begin Conference USA play Saturday when they meet in Don Shula Bowl XV. The Panthers will play their first game under interim head coach Ron Cooper as FIU seeks its first win of the season. FAU is 1-3 and looking to keep the Shula Bowl Trophy in Boca Raton for another year after defeating FIU 31-17 last season at FAU Stadium.

When the Panthers and Owls get together you might as well throw the records out the window because strange things happen in this series that will turn 15 years old Saturday. Having been a part of every Shula Bowl since its inception, whether as the Miami Herald FIU writer or now endorsing an FIU check, I can tell you something usually pops up out of the ordinary in the Shula Bowl.

For example, in 2005 FIU tied an NCAA record with four interceptions returned for touchdowns in a 52-6 rout of FAU in Shula Bowl IV. In Shula Bowl VII in 2008, the teams played a double-overtime marathon that FAU won 57-50 and denied FIU its first postseason bowl game. FAU and FIU combined for 1,037 total yards of offense and each team scored 28 points in the fourth quarter alone in that game.

In 2010 at Shula Bowl IX, FIU had the superior team coming into the game but the Owls held the Panthers to three field goals in a 21-9 win. FIU went on to win the Sun Belt Conference title and Little Caesars Pizza Bowl that season. The following season in Shula Bowl X, T.Y. Hilton took a punt from his own 3-yard line 97 yards for a touchdown. And in 2012, Richard Leonard had the first of his two 100-yard returns for a touchdown in the Shula Bowl series. Leonard had another 100-yard score in 2014. FIU won both games that Leonard had those long returns.

Saturday will mark the second Shula Bowl with an interim coach on either side when Cooper leaves the coaches box as the defensive coordinator and moves down to the sidelines. FAU's Brian Wright was an interim head coach in Shula Bowl XII after Carl Pelini was fired on Oct. 30 that year.

While an interim coach in this series is notable it normally wouldn't be a factor in a typical football game. However, this week in practice the Panthers have been working with a renewed energy and there seems to be a different vibe around the team. Part of it from some tweaks to practice that Cooper installed such as stopping practice to have the team run through Oklahoma drills. Not sure how much of it will play out in Saturday's game but don't be surprised if FIU comes out with more of a bounce in its step.   

Of course, the Panthers will need more than a bounce in their step to defeat the Owls and bring the Shula Bowl Trophy back to Miami. FIU needs to finally get its offense on track the way its capable of doing. The FAU defense can be attacked for chunks of yards. The Owls are allowing 246 rushing yards per game and 250 yards through the air per contest -- that's 496 yards of offense FAU is allowing per game. FIU running backs Alex Gardner, Anthony Jones and Shawndarrius Phillips, who debuted last week against Central Florida, should have running lanes. Whether it's Alex McGough or Maurice Alexander under center, FIU should be able to throw the ball and have Thomas Owens and/or Jonnu Smith have the 100-yard game each is more than able to collect.

The FIU defense, like FAU, has had its share of issues stopping opposing offenses. The Panthers D is yielding 219 yards on the ground per game and 245 passing yards per game. Those numbers are a little better than FAU but you still could see Shula Bowl XV turn into a basketball game -- last team with the ball wins the game. With Cooper as the interim head coach now, secondary coach Bobby Babich takes over calling the defense. Babich has the defensive play-calling genes in the family, his father, Bob, is a long-time NFL defensive assistant and former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator. Special teams coach Kirk Doll will help out with the linebackers and tight ends coach Jason Brooks helps coach the secondary as a result of the coaching switches. There may be some tweaks to the FIU defense.

The Owls have a pretty good running back in Greg Howell, who has rushed for 304 yards (4.6 yards per carry average) and four touchdowns this season. FAU quarterback Jason Driskel has thrown for 898 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions this season. Driskel is the brother of quarterback Jeff Driskel, who had a terrific game against FIU last season at Louisiana Tech. Driskel's favorite target is Kalib Woods, who has more than double the amount of receptions (23) than any other Owl.

The City of Neon Lights thinks FAU is a John Elway jersey number better than FIU going into Shula Bowl XV. That's not much of a surprise because the Panthers haven't really gotten off to the start many expected. But this is the Shula Bowl so Elway's jersey number and the C.o.N.L. really don't factor into this game.

Weather is not expected to be a problem. As of this writing, the forecast for Saturday's 7 p.m. kickoff is expected to be mostly cloudy with 82 degrees and just a 10 percent chance of rain.

5 Questions on Florida Atlantic

Don Shula Bowl XV will be played Saturday at FIU Stadium. Yes, it has been 15 years of the Shula Bowl -- the annual rivalry game between Florida Atlantic and FIU, schools separated by 57 miles and that started their football programs in 2001 and 2002, respectively.

The Owls lead the Shula Bowl series 10-4, with the Panthers getting three wins in the last five meetings. And by the way, while some don't really care for the name of the rivalry, I think it is a terrific and original name for the rivalry of two South Florida schools because after all when you think of football in South Florida the first name that comes to mind is Don Shula and if it doesn't come to mind, it should.

FAU is off to a 1-3 start with its lone win in the season opener against Southern Illinois. FIU (0-4) is looking for its first win of the season as interim head coach Ron Cooper makes his debut on the sidelines after spending the first three games in the coaches booth as FIU's defensive coordinator.

For more on the Owls here is their radio play-by-play broadcaster Ken LaVicka to tell us more about FAU. You can follow Ken on Twitter: @KLV1063

1. What were the expectations for the Owls this season and how do you think the season has started for them at 1-3?

KL: The expectation is postseason. Three recruiting classes under Charlie Partridge with the most talented roster in FAU history, and expectations are high. Coach Partridge wasn't willing to go out and declare postseason, but this was, and still is, a confident group despite the start. 1-3 is not where they want to be and puts FAU in a familiar hole, but conference goals and the 6-win goal is still ahead of them and very realistic. Hopefully they don't end up looking at the late Ball State loss as what keeps them out of a bowl game.

 

2. What does FAU do well on offense and who are some of their playmakers?

 

KL: Against Ball State, FAU finally found tempo to its no-huddle offense. Redshirt sophomore QB Jason Driskel had the best day of his college career and rebounded excellently off of what was his worst college outing the previous week against Kansas St. Junior RB Buddy Howell has four TD's this year, three of those 37 yards or more and junior WR Kalib Woods is the leading receiver. He's a big, long body with soft hands. The offensive line has suffered immense injury problems including starting LT Reggie Bain to an off-the-field accident a week before the season. The Owls have had to play the 11th and 12th linemen on the roster at points, so that has not helped.

 

3. The FAU defense has allowed 40 points per game thus far. What has been the issue with the D for the Owls and who are some of their top playmakers?

 

KL: Florida Atlantic has struggled with gap assignments according to the coaching staff, and this week, worked on taking angles to the ball. The secondary has been the best unit of the defense with corners Raekwon Williams and Shelton Lewis leading the way. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson was second in the nation in sacks last year and has been a finger-tip away from at least four or five more than his current 1.5 sack total this season. USA Today freshman All-American Azeez Al-Shair anchors the LB's in his second season.

 

4. How does FAU beat FIU? How does FAU lose to FIU?

 

KL: Florida Atlantic beats FIU by maintaining a steady offensive tempo and letting Buddy Howell and the stable of RB's (freshmen Kerrith Whyte and Devin Singletary) be the main component of the offensive attack. Defensively, if FAU contains the run, the back seven should hold up well against FIU's passing game. If Florida Atlantic can't clean up its tackling, continues to allow significant yards after contact and runs into the some of the road blocks that plagued it offensively against Miami and Kansas State, then FIU can find its way into the win column.

 

5. Your prediction for Saturday's Don Shula Bowl XV?

 

KL: FAU 24, FIU 20

UCF vs. FIU Game Preview

 
Saturday's fifth meeting between FIU and Central Florida (the intrastate series is tied 2-2) is likely to come down to who can control the tempo of the game. UCF, under first-year coach Scott Frost, employs a fast break, read-option system that Frost brought from Oregon where he was the offensive coordinator last season. The Knights will go after the Panthers with the no-huddle attack and hope to wear down the FIU defense.

UCF freshman quarterback McKenzie Milton, who ran this offense at Hawaii's Mililani High the last four years, was recruited to Oregon by Frost and followed him to Orlando. Milton, who is the first Hawaii native to play at UCF, will be making his second start Saturday after passing for 260 yards and two touchdowns last week against Maryland in his collegiate debut. Milton has replaced starting quarterback Justin Holman, who missed last week with an injury. Holman is healthy now but apparently has lost his job.

Last season when UCF went 0-12 in former coach George O' Leary's final season the Knights averaged 65 offensive plays a game. This season through the first three games under Frost, UCF is averaging 83.3 plays per game. Last season UCF averaged 13.9 points per game, 81.2 rushing yards per game and 187.2 passing yards per game to total 268.4 yards per game.

This season in their new offense through three games (against South Carolina State, Michigan and Maryland) UCF is averaging 25.3 points per game, 222.3 rushing yards per game and 193.7 passing yards per game to total 416 yards per game. Not too shabby an improvement.

It will be imperative for the FIU defense to get off the field as soon as possible or this lightning-quick UCF offense could run the Panthers out of their own building. With the no-huddle scheme that UCF runs, FIU won't have time to substitute unless it calls time out or there is an injury. FIU improved its run defense last week against UMass allowing 116 yards after Indiana and Maryland struck for 246 and 239 yards on the ground, respectively.

The FIU offense has to help the FIU defense by sustaining drives and keeping that high-powered UCF offense on the sidelines. The Panthers cannot accumulate three-and-outs and expect their defense to hang in there the whole game. Getting the running game going with someone else helping leading rusher Alex Gardner will be crucial. FIU has to control the clock.   

The FIU passing game which has not been up to par the first three weeks of the season has to have some consistency Saturday night. If the Panthers can't get the Knights to respect the pass then UCF will stack the box against Gardner and shut down the FIU offense. FIU has to not only string together completions for positive yardage but connecting down the field on a few passes would most definitely provide some running room for Gardner and company. The Panthers have to make the Knights wary of the downfield throw and not just worry about the underneath pass.

Last season FIU won a 15-14 defensive slugfest with UCF after Darrian Dyson blocked a last play field goal. Saturday's contest is expected to be more of a points-fest where FIU might have to keep up with UCF by scoring touchdowns and not relying on field goals despite the solid start to the season by kicker Austin Taylor.

The City of Neon Lights thinks UCF is half of a Tom Brady jersey number and a half better than FIU. The Panthers thus far haven't shown the offensive pop to dispute that and the UCF offense might be the biggest challenge of the season thus far for the FIU defense.

Weather this time of year in Miami could play a factor in Saturday's game. For the 7 p.m. kickoff the temperature is expected to be 82 degrees with a 35 percent chance of rain and 78 percent humidity. UCF is used to the heat since they are located in the Sunshine State, but the possible rain could factor into each team's offense holding on to the ball and how the game might swing.

5 Questions on UCF

FIU defeated Central Florida last year 15-14 to open the 2015 season in Orlando. The Knights are a much different team now with
first-year coach Scott Frost, who has brought the Oregon offense east to Florida. Frost was the Ducks offensive coordinator last season and has implemented a fast-paced, spread-option attack that will challenge a defense's conditioning and mental stamina.

For more on what else is new with the Knights, here is Orlando Sentinel UCF beat writer Shannon Green to answer 5 Questions on UCF:

1. How has the UCF program culture changed under new coach Scott Frost? What's different about the 2016 Knights?

SG: There’s been a 180-degree shift in culture under first-year head coach Scott Frost. From blasting music at practice to the new uniforms and of course a new offense and defense, guys are enjoying the change after enduring a disastrous season. The main difference for players this year is how much fun they’re having playing football again. Guys have a swagger again and are eager to prove last season was a fluke.

 

2. Freshman McKenzie Milton stepped in nicely at quarterback last week. What's the story with him? Is he viewed as the quarterback of the future at UCF or is Justin Holman going to get his job back?

 

SG: Considering Milton is a freshman and Holman is a senior, there’s no question Milton is the future for UCF. Frost really likes this kid and his attitude and talent reminds him of his former Oregon protégé Marcus Mariota. Coincidentally, both Milton and Mariota are from Hawaii. Frost said Holman was completely healthy this week at Monday’s press conference so it appears he wants to move forward with Milton. While the rookie quarterback helped UCF into six fumbles against Maryland, he also made the kind of big plays necessary to put the Knights in position to take the game into double overtime. Holman faced an uphill battle with learning a new offense that Milton had already been running for four years in high school.

 

3. How have the Knights adjusted to Frost's Oregon-style offense and who are some of their top playmakers?

 

SG: They adjusted pretty well so far as UCF has already surpassed last season’s total number of rushing touchdowns with five. Last year, they had just four for the entire season. The run game is solid and after the switch to Milton at quarterback, the team saw more success in the pass game. Key playmakers so far would be Tre’Quan Smith (WR), Adrian Killins (RB), and Dontravious Wilson (RB).

 

4. What does UCF do well on defense and who are some of the team's top defenders?

 

SG: I don’t think the mission changes for UCF much this week. As always, they’ll be looking to create more turnovers with disruption up front and will look for the secondary to disrupt the pass game. Top defenders: Jamiyus Pittman (DL), Demetrie Brim (LB), Shaquem Griffin (LB), and Shaquill Griffin (CB).

 

5. Your thoughts on Saturday's game and prediction?

 

SG: I think UCF will be very motivated to pull off a win after losing a close one to Maryland and battling through a hard-fought loss to Michigan the week before that. I think freshman RB Jawon Hamilton will be looking for his first 100-yard rushing game. Hamilton was a former FIU commit and is from Miami.

1st Look at UCF vs. FIU

FIU wraps up its non-conference schedule Saturday at home against UCF. The Panthers and the Knights know each other well from not only their intrastate series but many of the players on each side played with or against one another in high school. However, at this point that may be as much as these two teams have in common right now.

UCF (1-2) is coming off a 30-24 double overtime loss to Maryland, who defeated FIU 41-14 two weeks ago. The Panthers (0-3), still trying to find offensive consistency, lost to UMass 21-13 last weekend. 

The Knights are led by first-year coach Scott Frost, who has brought the Oregon offense east with him. Frost was Oregon's offensive coordinator last season. UCF features a no-huddle fast break read-option offense and if the Panthers aren't careful defensively it could make for a long Saturday night.

This season UCF has rushed for 197 yards against South Carolina State (38-0 win for the Knights), 275 yards at Michigan (51-14 loss) and 195 yards against Maryland. Those are some pretty damn good rushing numbers. The FIU defense yielded 246 rushing yards against Indiana, 239 yards against Maryland and 116 against UMass.

UCF starting quarterback Justin Holman was injured against Michigan and missed the Maryland game. Normally, when your starting quarterback is out it's not good news but talking to several people that cover the UCF program this was not the worst news because Holman wasn't playing well.

Freshman quarterback McKenzie Milton stepped in last week and threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Milton also gained 62 yards on the ground but when you factor in the three sacks he took Milton had a net rushing gain of seven yards. Speaking with some Orlando folks, Milton is athletic, has tremendous pocket awareness and is a member of Company Jones. Milton is also the first player ever from Hawaii to play at UCF -- the connection comes from Frost, who coached former Oregon quarterback and Hawaii native Marcus Mariota, who is now the Tennessee Titans quarterback.

UCF uses four running backs to orchestrate its Oregon offense to keep each back fresh in the frenetic, fast-paced attack. Jawon Hamilton leads the backs with 157 yards. Tre'Quan Smith leads the Knights in receiving with 179 yards.

FIU struggled against Maryland's read-option style of offense and the Panthers will see more of that on Saturday. The Panthers front seven has to stay disciplined in defending the UCF read-option. The Panthers defense also has to get off the field after three downs because if UCF extends drives and FIU can't substitute then the FIU defensive tank will be empty come the second half.

As potent as the UCF offense has been early on, FIU's offense has not. The Panthers need to find an offensive spark other than running back Alex Gardner and freshman receiver Stantley Thomas. Right now FIU is not in sync in the passing game and if that continues teams will start stacking the box and take away the run. Knowing what UCF brings offensively it would behoove FIU to control the ball and thus the clock to keep its defense from being on the field for long stretches.

UCF's defense can be run on as the Terrapins showed by getting 246 yards on the ground. Michigan had 119 rushing yards but threw for 328 yards. The Knights defense has been vulnerable early in games allowing 21 points and 23 points in the first and second quarters this season, respectively. UCF's D does clamp down in the second half having allowed just 17 points and seven points in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.

We'll have more on the Knights when Orlando Sentinel UCF beat writer Shannon Green joins us to answer 5 Questions on UCF later.

FIU vs. UMass Game Preview

 
Either FIU or UMass will have its first win of the season by Saturday night in Amherst, Massachusetts. The Panthers and Minutemen enter Saturday's game each at 0-2. UMass earned its first win of 2015 against FIU, 24-14 in Amherst. However, as you might imagine these are different teams in a different season.

FIU comes to the Bay State trying to establish some consistency with its offense after averaging 13.5 points per game against Indiana and Maryland to start the season. Although UMass is not a Big Ten team, the Minutemen have a good defense that won't make it easy for the Panthers. The UMass defense kept Florida and Boston College in check until a couple of late game touchdowns by the Gators and Eagles gave UF and BC breathing room against the Minutemen.

Alex Gardner helped FIU get its running game going last week with 109 yards and a touchdown. Now another Alex as in quarterback Alex McGough and the Panthers receivers seek to get the aerial part of the offense moving forward. McGough has thrown four interceptions this season, including three pick sixes. He had only eight interceptions all of last season. FIU receivers have dropped passes and at times run the wrong route. So the passing game struggles aren't pinned on any one player.

FIU will need to get its running game going to help against the UMass pass rush on McGough. If not the Minutemen will tee off with their pass rush and make it a long afternoon for the FIU offense. Gardner, Anthony Jones and possibly the debut of burly freshman running back Shawndarrius Phillips can help neutralize the UMass pressure.

Outside of running back Marquise Young, who rushed for 1,004 yards and seven TDs last season, the Minutemen are starting anew with their offense. Gone are top playmakers, quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and receiver Tajae Sharpe, who took it to FIU last season. Frohnapfel threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns against FIU. Sharpe had 159 receiving yards and a score against the Panthers.

Like FIU, UMass has struggled to find its footing on offense thus far with new sophomore quarterback Ross Comis throwing for 141 yards against UF and 145 yards against BC. Young rushed for just 59 yards against UF and 27 yards against BC. But FIU yielded 246 and 239 yards on the ground to Indiana and Maryland, respectively. Yes, UMass is not on the same level as Indiana and Maryland but FIU has to treat the Minutemen running game like it is a Big Ten attack or the Panthers could get run over.

With two offenses trying to get going, Saturday's game might be a low-scoring contest which could be decided by which defense makes a momentum-shifting type play or possibly a special teams play decides the second of four meetings between FIU and UMass.

The City of Neon Lights feels the same way of how this game might play out. Wayne Newton's adopted hometown thinks FIU is a Garo Yepremian jersey number better than UMass. Weather should not be a factor at all for the 3:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday where the temperature is expected to be 75 degrees, sunny and a 0% chance of rain. Nice fall weather in Massachusetts and the Panthers hope for a nice plane ride back to Miami.

5 Questions on UMass

FIU returns to UMass on Saturday for the second game of a four-game series between the two teams. It's not often that the first two games of a series are at the same venue but that is the case here. UMass will come to FIU for two games in the near future. The Minutemen defeated the Panthers 24-14 last season in Amherst with a much more experienced offense. This season the Minutemen defense seems to be the strength of the team. For more on the UMass Minutemen we turn again to their beat writer Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette to answer 5 Questions on UMass:

1. UMass seems to have a good defense after they hung in with Florida & Boston College. Is that the strength of the Minutemen and what does UMass do well on defense?

MV: Their defense has been better than expected. They've done a really good job of not allowing big plays. The pass rush, which was a weakness last year, hasn't produced many sacks, but it has forced opposing QB's to get the ball off quicker and hurry some bad throws.

2. I know top offensive players Blake Frohnapfel and Tajae Sharpe are gone from the UMass offense and they hurt FIU last year. How would you describe the UMass offense through the first two games and who are some of their top playmakers?

MV: Sophomore running back Marquis Young was UMass' best offensive player down the stretch last year, but he's been bottled up so far this year. I think UMass is still waiting for playmakers to emerge. The lack of them so far is why they've only scored 14 points.

3. Leading into this game what's the mood or thought among the Minutemen regarding FIU and do you think they take anything from last year's game?

 

MV: I think UMass is glad to be playing a non-Power 5 after the last two weeks. I'm sure FIU is glad to see someone who isn't in the Big Ten. I'm expecting a good game between two hungry football teams. I'm not sure last year's game matters too much to either side. Both teams just don't want to be winless anymore.

4. How does UMass beat FIU? How does UMass lose to FIU?

 

MV: UMass wins if its defense plays the way it has and the offense finds ways to finish and sustain drives more than it has. FIU wins if the Minutemen have to punt often and turn the ball over. 

5. Your thoughts on Saturday's game between UMass & FIU and prediction?

 

MV: I'm expecting it to be competitive. I think it'll be close at halftime and the first team to make a key play - forced turnover, big special teams play - grabs momentum and holds on to it. Because UMass is at home I'll take the Minutemen to win 21-17.

1st Look at FIU vs. UMass

FIU is done with its Big Ten schedule for 2016 and now turns its attention to UMass, whom the Panthers played for the first time last season. The Minutemen won 24-14 in a game that FIU struggled to develop any consistency on offense.

UMass opened up a 17-7 halftime lead. FIU narrowed the lead to 17-14 on a touchdown run by Alex Gardner but that was as close as the Panthers would get. FIU had only 188 total yards against UMass with 73 yards on the ground and 115 yards passing. That won't get it done in many football games.

Going back to Amherst, Massachusetts this weekend the Panthers find themselves in a similar situation. FIU has averaged just 13.5 points in its first two games and have not had much offensive consistency to start the season. Yes, the first two games were against Big Ten teams but the Panthers offense did not have much flow to it.

FIU did get its running game going last week against Maryland led by Gardner's 109 yards. The Panthers rushed for 202 yards against the Terrapins after gaining just 63 yards on the ground against Indiana.

Now let's see if FIU can get its passing game going against UMass after struggling against two Big Ten secondaries. Quarterback Alex McGough hasn't gotten off to the start that many expected completing 28 of 56 passes for 302 yards and four interceptions. McGough left the Maryland game with a back injury but coach Ron Turner said he is doing better. Redshirt freshman Maurice Alexander did a decent job in his first game going 9 of 18 for 131 yards with a touchdown pass and he ran for 30 yards. 

The UMass defense has held its own through their first two games against Florida and Boston College. The Gators led 10-7 into the fourth quarter before getting two field goals and a touchdown to finish the Minutemen 24-7. The Eagles had a 13-7 lead on the Minutemen into the third quarter until, like Florida, they got two field goals and a touchdown to end any hopes for UMass in a 26-7 win.

So despite playing a former MAC team, UMass is now an Independent, this Saturday will not be an easy game for the FIU offense. Defense is the strength of the Minutemen.

Offensively, UMass lost its two top playmakers in quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and receiver Tajae Sharpe to graduation. Sophomore Ross Comis is the new quarterback and he threw for 141 yards against UF and 145 yards against BC. Running back Marquis Young is the featured ballcarrier but he also didn't get much going on the ground in the first two games. No receiver has yet to emerge as a consistent threat for UMass.

The FIU defense had its issues against the run in the first two games surrendering 246 yards to Indiana and 239 yards to Maryland. Saturday's game against UMass should be a better barometer to see where the Panthers' run defense stands. Both the Hoosiers and Terps did well through the air gaining 240 and 238 yards, respectively. FIU's secondary should have a more favorable matchup Saturday. 

FIU was clearly the underdog in its first two games against more experienced and deeper Big Ten teams. Against UMass, FIU gets a matchup that is more to its level right now in college football. The game against UMass should provide a better assessment of where the Panthers are in 2016.

Maryland vs. FIU Game Preview

For those of you who weren't a fan of the nearly four-hour game last week due in part to the 8,766 commercials that ESPN ran, Friday's game between FIU and Maryland might be more up your alley because you might see a run-heavy type of game.

Running the ball is what Maryland does best offensively and what FIU has to be more consistent doing in order to have its offense flowing.

The Panthers ran for just 63 yards on 21 carries last week in the season opener against Indiana. The lack of a run attack allowed the Hoosiers to get after quarterback Alex McGough and turn the Panthers into a one-dimensional offense. The inability to establish the run last week had FIU possessing the ball for 26 minutes -- seven minutes less than Indiana had the ball. The Hoosiers in turn ran for 246 yards and kept the ball for 33 minutes which eventually took a toll on the FIU defense in the fourth quarter.

Maryland soundly beat Howard last week 52-13 and held the Bison to 69 yards rushing. However, the Terrapins do have some inexperience in their defensive front seven and could be run on. FIU doesn't have to pound the ball on the ground for 200 yards against Maryland. The Panthers just need to make the Terps respect the run enough to open up the FIU passing game. Controlling the ball and thus the clock better will also help the FIU defense against what is expected to be a pretty darn good rushing team in Maryland. Indiana's size kind of wore the FIU defense down a bit in the fourth quarter last week. Maryland presents a similar size issue with only three of its 16 offensive linemen weighing less than 300 pounds.

Maryland rushed for 317 yards last week and got rushing touchdowns from six different players. The Terps run a fast-paced offense and use a variety of backs -- almost like the old Sun Belt Conference type of offenses that FIU used to face. And like those SBC offenses, quarterbacks and receivers get in the run game action as well. Maryland quarterback Perry Hills can run the ball off of option plays. The Terps like to use the inside zone read which will test the discipline of the FIU defense. If FIU reads, no pun intended, the inside zone wrong it can spring some big plays for the Terps.

The Terps use a lot of short pass plays but also take some chances deep. If Maryland is successful with the run and has FIU focused on that, the Terps may go long. 

 

As of this writing, weather is not expected to be a factor at kickoff Friday night. The temperature is expected to be 82 degrees with a 30 percent chance of rain and 79 percent humidity, which could factor in to whichever defense is on the field longer. 

 

The city of neon lights again is wearing the Eli Manning jersey number against FIU in this game. The thought out west might be what Indiana did last week rushing for 246 yards and especially taking control late in the game. FIU has to control the tempo of this game, be more efficient offensively and stay disciplined defensively against a solid Maryland run game. Do that and the Panthers even their record on the season.

5 Questions on Maryland

FIU takes on Maryland for the fifth time in program history on Friday night. The Terrapins have taken the first four meetings with the closest game occurring in the first game back in 2006. Ten years ago in College Park, MD, the Terps escaped with the four-point win after picking off Josh Padrick at the Maryland 2 on the final play of the game.

This will be Maryland's second trip to Miami to play FIU. The previous time Maryland played FIU in Miami was in 2007 in the Orange Bowl -- FIU's home stadium that season when FIU Stadium was being renovated. The Terps won 26-10.

FIU seeks a different result Friday as it looks to even its record on the season. Here to tell us more about the Maryland Terrapins is Zack Kiesel, the senior Terrapins analyst on Baltimore Sports and Life. You can follow Zack on Twitter: @BSLZackKiesel.

1. What are the offensive strengths of the Terps & where do they need to improve?

ZK: The biggest strength for Maryland's offense this season is the running game. Six different players scored rushing touchdowns for the Terps in their season opening win over Howard. New offensive coordinator Walt Bell likes to run his offense very quickly, and will rotate about five to six different running backs into the game to keep them fresh. Sophomore Ty Johnson leads the pack, but Virginia Tech transfer Trey Edmunds and former fullback Kenneth Goins, Jr. will also get carries along with the two true freshmen Jake Funk and Lorenzo Harrison.

 

Starting quarterback Perry Hills is also a threat to run the ball off of the various option plays that Bell employs. Wide receivers will also get into the rushing mix on jet sweeps, which Bell likes to use a lot. Most of Maryland's rushing yards will come on the inside zone read, the staple of this offense. Once a defense is biting on that play, Bell will sprinkle in some runs to the perimeter with his speedier running backs and slot receivers.

 

The weakness for this offense is the passing game. While Maryland's quarterbacks did enough to win their game against Howard last week, it wasn't much of a challenge. Perry Hills struggled mightily last season, but Bell's offensive scheme seems to fit him better than former offensive coordinator Mike Locksley's scheme. Bell will ask him to throw short, easy completions by calling very quick-hitting passes. And while we didn't see it much in their last game, he will supplement those quick passes with some well-timed shots down the field. Hills must be able to hit those shot plays, which he was unable to do for the majority of last season. The receiving corps is talented, but young. Bell will shuffle in seven to eight different wide receivers as the game goes along. That includes star cornerback William Likely, who will see up to 25-30 snaps on offense every game.

 

2. What does Maryland do well defensively and where are they vulnerable on that side of the ball?

 

ZK: New head coach DJ Durkin brought his multiple, aggressive 4-3 Under defensive scheme with him to College Park. He has tabbed Andy Buh to call the defense, but Durkin will also have a role in calling the defense's game. The biggest strengths are the cornerbacks and the pass-rushers. The cornerbacks are led by William Likely, who has won just about every pre-season award possible for a collegiate player. He'll start at nickel corner, where he matches up a bit better against opposing offenses' slot receivers. Former 4-star Florida recruit J.C. Jackson will be a huge impact player on the outside for Maryland, but he was forced to sit out the Howard game due to an academic issue. It looks like he'll be out for the FIU game as well, as he's been removed from the depth chart. The pass-rushers are led by Jesse Aniebonam, who will start at the "Buck" position, a defensive end/linebacker hybrid who Durkin moves all over the defensive formation in an attempt to confuse opposing offenses. Virginia Tech transfer Melvin Keihn, who sat out last season, will also see time at the "Buck" position. The Terps recorded 2.0 sacks in their last game against Howard.

 

If there is a weakness on this defense, it may be the run defense. There are a lot of unproven players playing on the interior of the defensive line and at linebacker, the exception being junior Jermaine Carter, Jr. who starts at middle linebacker. This unit only allowed Howard to rush for 69 yards, but you can't read too much into that. In order to assist with run defense, Durkin bases his defense out of a few single-high safety looks. This allows him to bring an extra player into the box to defend the run. It's especially important considering that, against spread offenses like FIU's, the Terps will base their defense out of a nickel formation, meaning that they only have two linebackers on the field.

 

3. I know one might not be able to take too much away from the Howard game but how have the Terps changed or how are they different under D.J. Durkin? How has the team culture changed?

ZK: It's kind of shocking the type of change that Durkin has brought to this football program. From the day he was hired, he brought an energy and a fire that was before unseen for Maryland football. He is young and energetic, two things that former head coaches Randy Edsall and Ralph Friedgen were decidedly not. He has compiled a staff of young and energetic coaches, which has created a huge buzz around this program. He has had incredible success on the recruiting trail, with the Terps currently holding a Top 15-20 class for the 2017 season. He encourages his players to play with energy and enthusiasm, while also instilling discipline into them on a daily basis.

 

You're going to see a team having a ton of fun on the football field, while also playing harder than they ever have before. Durkin has brought a "blue-collar" attitude to this program, and the players have embraced it. He is a superior motivator, and his players have responded to the message that he has preached to them. It's unclear as of yet how far this team can go this season, but there is no doubt that these players will give 110% every single time they are on the field.

 

4. How does Maryland defeat or lose to FIU?

 

ZK: The Terps beat FIU by continuing on the success that they saw against Howard. If they are able to run the ball consistently well, and complete short passes when they need to. If Hills and the offense don't turn the ball over, and make smart decisions. If the defense doesn't allow big plays down the field, and is able to pressure Alex McGough and get him a little rattled. Essentially, if Maryland avoids big mistakes and executes as they should, they ought to beat FIU. The Terps lose to FIU by making those big mistakes. If the offense commits a few turnovers, if the defense allows too many big plays down the field. 

 

5. Your thoughts on Friday's game and prediction?

 

ZK: FIU's game against Indiana last week really impressed me. They stayed in the game with a Big Ten team for three quarters before the Hoosiers pulled away in the fourth quarter. McGough was very impressive to me, but the running game really struggled. I think Maryland's defense is a bit more well-equipped to play a pass-heavy offense like FIU's. However, without J.C. Jackson on the outside, there is a weak spot among the cornerbacks this week. Indiana was able to run for 246 yards on the Panthers, and Maryland's run game is a good bit stronger than theirs. All signs point to success on the ground for the Terps this week.

 

I think this game may go a bit like last week's for FIU. They may be able to stay in the game for awhile, but eventually the Terps' running game will help them to pull away. And if Maryland's defense is able to grab a few early turnovers, it may be game over for FIU. I'd expect a similar game plan for Maryland's offense as the one we saw against Howard. Safe throws for Hills, lots and lots of running. The defense will be aggressive early and often to try to force McGough into uncomfortable situations. 34-20 Maryland.

Indiana vs. FIU Game Preview

The 15th season of FIU football kicks off with the first time that a Big Ten team visits FIU Stadium. Indiana, who defeated FIU last season in Bloomington, Indiana, is the Panthers 2016 season-opening opponent in a game that could be decided by the team that scores last.

Last season the Hoosiers won 36-22 in a back-and-forth game until IU scored 17 unanswered points after FIU took a 22-19 lead early in the fourth quarter. The teams combined for 845 yards of total offense in that game and may have more than that on Thursday night.

Both FIU and Indiana feature potent offenses with the only real unknown between the two offenses being the Hoosiers new quarterback Richard Lagow, who originally signed with UConn, walked on at Oklahoma State before playing junior college ball the last two years. Lagow replaces the graduated Nate Sudfeld, who was effective against FIU last year throwing for 234 yards and a touchdown.

Indiana also lost big running back Jordan Howard to the NFL, but Devine Redding is ready to assume the every down duties after rushing for more than 1,000 yards last season, including 230 in the Pinstripe Bowl. The receiving trio of Simmie Cobbs, Ricky Jones and Mitchell Paige, who combined for nearly 2,600 yards last season, are all back for this season.

FIU returns the majority of its offensive starters including junior quarterback Alex McGough along with a healthy Jonnu Smith. Thomas Owens, who torched the IU secondary for 166 yards and two touchdowns in last year's meeting, is also back and he will be helped by a pair of talented freshman receivers in Stanley Thomas and Tony Gaiter. The one-two running back punch of Alex Gardner and Anthony Jones is expected to get a boost from bruising and burly freshman Shawndarrius Phillips. Plus, the FIU offensive line is a veteran unit that got a bunch of game experience last season.

With the offensive punch packed on both sides this season opener could turn into a shootout not only because of the offensive talent but because of questions surrounding both defenses. And ironically, both teams have the same questions: Can each team develop a consistent pass rush? Can each team effectively cover in the passing game?

Indiana had the worst defense in the Big Ten last season. The Hoosiers brought in a new defensive coordinator and have switched from a 3-4 to a 4-2-5. IU hopes the change helps them get to McGough and cover FIU's talented pass catchers.

FIU lost three talented defensive linemen to the NFL in Michael Wakefield, Lars Koht and Denzell Perine. The trio accounted for 132 tackles, 33.5 of the team's 68 tackles for loss (49 percent), 16 of the team's 22 sacks (73 percent) and 7 of the team's 12 forced fumbles (58 percent). 

FIU has some seniors on the interior of the line such as Imarjaye Albury and Leonard Washington, but the Panthers need to get a pass rush from some defensive ends that are playing significant snaps for the first time in their college careers. 

The Panthers defensive line and their sterling linebackers could help the secondary if they get to Lagow early on and rattle him in his first Division I football game.

FIU lost shutdown cornerbacks Richard Leonard and Jeremiah McKinnon also to the NFL and will have new corners replacing them. Sophomore Emmanuel Lubin and senior Deonte Wilson, who has shifted back and forth from safety to corner during his time at FIU, could play prominent roles.

As of this writing, the weather should cooperate Thursday night. Game time temperature is expected to be 84 degrees with a 10 percent chance of rain and 76 percent humidity. The last part could play a factor if FIU controls the ball. Indiana like everyone else practices in the heat during the summer but Bloomington does not have the type of humidity that Miami features. Then again with its size Indiana could wear FIU down. The Hoosiers ran for 205 yards last season against FIU and controlled the ball for 33 minutes. 

The city of neon lights thinks Indiana is an Eli Manning jersey number better than FIU but it's the season opener and the Hoosiers are on the road and have an unknown at the game's most important position. It would not be a shock for FIU to open 1-0 for just the fifth time in what is now its 15th season of football.

5 Questions on Indiana

As another FIU football season dawns on Thursday, our 5 Questions segment on the Panthers'
opponent returns. David Sugarman from WIUX Sports in Bloomington, Indiana joins us this week to answer 5 Questions on Indiana:

1. IU lost some playmakers on offense from last year, specifically quarterback Nate Sudfeld and running back Jordan Howard. Who are some of the players expected to pick up for those guys on offense and what does IU do best on offense & where are they vulnerable?

DS: There’s really only one question mark surrounding the IU offense, but it’s a big one. New quarterback Richard Lagow. Lagow is a junior college transfer who fits the same mold as Sudfeld. He’s a big, tall pocket passer, but of course still has to go out and prove he can play at this level. As you take a look around at the rest of the offense though, the bulk of the playmakers are still intact including their top three wide receivers from a year ago. Simmie Cobbs Jr. is a big target who went for over 1,000 yards last season and that’s with a fair amount of drops. Ricky Jones went for over 900 yards and Mitchell Paige went for nearly 700 yards and returned two punts for touchdowns to go with his six receiving scores. At running back obviously losing Jordan Howard hurts, but Devine Redding was more than just the Robin to Howard’s Batman last season. Howard only played in nine games last season due to nagging injuries. Redding, along with help by committee, picked up the slack. He went for over 1,000 yards on the season including 230 in the Pinstripe Bowl and IU returns most of an excellent offensive line.

2. How do you think the Indiana defense will do this season. Who are some of their best players?

DS: It’s no secret the IU defense has struggled in the Kevin Wilson era. They were the worst in the Big Ten in total defense last season. It will be a much different look with a new defensive coordinator from USF in Tom Allen as well as new defensive line coach Mark Hagen. IU will be switching from a 3-4 to a 4-2-5 defensive scheme which will certainly be an adjustment. This should flex a potential strength which is the secondary. Safety Jonathan Crawford had an excellent freshman season and cornerback Rashard Fant was second in the nation last year in pass breakups despite being burned a few times. The defense will be a work in progress, but I think the key word is progress which they will make this year. It remains to be seen if the secondary can be consistent and if the defensive line will be able to get any pressure on the quarterback.

3. What is the mood around the IU team as far as FIU goes? They played a close game last season. Also do you think the Miami humidity will factor in for the Hoosiers?

DS: I think the mood is probably one of confidence. Indiana finally broke through and made it to a bowl last season and now it’s about starting to build a culture and sense of consistency with that. Prove that it wasn’t just a fluke. The humidity has a potential to be a factor but having practiced outside in the heat all summer, while it may not compare to Florida, should have the Hoosiers prepared for the humidity.

4. What's the outlook like for Indiana in the Big Ten and its bowl aspirations this season?

DS: The talk around the team and the expectations have all revolved around somewhere in the six to eight-win range and getting back to another bowl. Most expect them to go 3-0 in the non-conference slate and there are probably three games labeled as must wins on the schedule. A seventh or eighth win could come from a potential upset which they came close to several times last year losing by one possession to Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan.

5. What are your thoughts on the IU/FIU game and prediction?

DS: A year ago most Indiana fans didn’t know who FIU was. Now they not only know their name, but know that they’re a good football team. Having said that I think the Indiana receivers will excel against the shaky FIU secondary and the defense will do enough to get by. If the defensive line can find a way to get some pressure on Alex McGough it’ll make it a much easier game for the Hoosiers. Either way I see Indiana coming out on top.

FIU Football Offseason Strength & Conditioning w/ Chad Smith

A few days before FIU opens its 15th football season against Indiana, FIU football strength and conditioning coach Chad Smith makes his annual visit to the blog to tell us about the Panthers offseason training. 

FIU tight end Jonnu Smith is stronger than ever coming back from his knee injury last season. Smith, who has NFL scouts coming out in droves to see him at FIU practice, gained four inches in his vertical jump after his injury going from 36 inches to 40 inches. Smith has increased his squat from 540 pounds last summer to 625 pounds this summer. Smith squats the most weight on the team.

"Jonnu is so physically gifted that he is almost near his ceiling," Smith said. "It's hard to make gains as a senior but he did so because of his work ethic. I tell all the NFL scouts that Jonnu doesn't let things beat him. He's the prized cow."

The other Panther that NFL scouts are taking a shine to is tackle Dieugot Joseph because of how he has developed. Joseph increased his bench press from 335 to 375 pounds in the span of two months (5/16 to 7/16). Joseph also went up in the squat from 420 to 480 and even added almost two inches to his vertical going from 28.5 to 30.

"One of the first things NFL scouts have told me this year is they can't believe how good Dieugot looks," Smith said. "Dieugot is an extremely strong human being. Scouts really love his feet and the way he moves on the line."

When it comes to which position group rules the FIU weight room that would be the linebackers according to Smith. Linebackers Anthony Wint, Treyvon Williams and Davison Colimon lead the way for the rest of the team.

Williams added 50 pounds to his squat to 450 pounds despite Smith saying that the squat is Williams's "Kryptonite". Williams tacked on 40 pounds on his bench press from 360 to 400.

"Treyvon has always been upper body strong," Smith said. "I think he is hungrier from missing most of last season to injury. He's motivated and when he talks people listen." 

After Jonnu Smith, Wint squats the second-most on the team at 600 pounds. Colimon has added 95 pounds to his squat since his freshman season from 320 to 415 pounds. 

"Colimon is the pitbull of the team," Smith said. "He makes sure everybody walks the straight line. Makes my job a lot easier. The linebackers have the best weight room numbers and work ethic. They run this weight room. They are locked in."

While the linebackers set the pace, Smith likes to point out that defensive lineman Leonard Washington is also up there as far as strength and leadership. Washington benches 435 pounds and squats 540 pounds.

"Leonard has always been strong," Smith said. "He is the hero of the preseason training. He has established a culture of accountability and has had an influence on the younger players. He gave one of the most powerful speeches about how everyone has to be held accountable if this team is going to do special things. The kids followed him after that speech."

Smith has high hopes for some of the newest Panthers such as safety Olin Cushion and receiver Tony Gaiter.

Cushion reported to FIU at 161 pounds in January and is up to 181 pounds now. According to Smith, Cushion couldn't bench 95 pounds and now is hitting 225 on the bench.

"You started to see the Miami Central come out in him," Smith said. "You see the reasons why Miami Central won all those titles in Cushion. Gaiter has such a tremendous work ethic. You can see that he's the son of a coach. He's small but strong. He's going to help us right away. He's the biggest standout among the freshmen." 

Other notables from the offseason program according to Smith:

Cornerback Emmanuel Lubin: "His maturity changed. He's developed and he's definitely stepped up knowing he will play a major role in the secondary."

Cornerback Isaiah Brown: "He was 5 to 10 yards ahead of everyone when we ran gassers and he wasn't even breaking a sweat. He's developing and he has pushed the older guys."

Quarterback Alex McGough: "The leadership he has on the field translates to the weight room. He will go to failure and he is not afraid of pain. Tough kid. His mental game has certainly improved."

Center Michael Montero: "He's the blue collar worker of the group. He's pretty damn strong. His vertical went up 3.5 inches which is not normal for an offensive lineman."

Receiver Thomas Owens: "He had a really good offseason. His confidence started to come out in the weight room. His vertical is not good but somehow when the ball is in the air he always seems to go up and get it."

Checking in on the Offensive Line

FIU returns a veteran-laden offensive line in 2016, including several underclassmen on the line who gained valuable game-playing experience last season when pressed into duty because of injuries to starters.

"[The game experience from last season] has translated into very few assignment errors," FIU offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler said. "Now it's a matter of strength, fundamentals, technique. They are a year ahead of where you thought they would be at this point. As far as assignments go they are pretty sound as to what they are doing."

The lynchpin of the line is senior center Michael Montero, who has developed from a walk-on three years ago to an all-conference selection. Left tackle Dieugot Joseph along with Montero, Trenton Saunders and Edens Sineace represent what could be four senior starters. 

"In Montero's case when he is on task he pretty much knows what everyone else is doing," Shankweiler said. "That adds to the assuredness of the other kids. He can be a coach on the field. Dieugot is kind of in his own little world, working hard to be a really good technique player. Assignment-wise we have made things where he can focus on fundamentals. He does a great job of being able to talk to the guys in the meeting room when they are looking at video about the fundamentals of playing tackle. He understands it."

Saunders is back from an ACL injury he sustained last season. The senior is vying to lock down the starting right guard spot. Sineace is in a battle with sophomore Daquane Wilkie for the starting right tackle job.

"Trenton Saunders is playing awfully well," Shankweiler said. "He's a tough son of a gun. He'll make some fundamental mistakes because he's not very big but he's got very good technique. He's a very tenacious kid and you can live with some of the faults if you have a kid as tough as he is. He's pretty solid at that position."

With Jordan Budwig out with a shoulder injury, sophomore Kai Absheer, who has played just about every position on the line except center, is now at left guard.

"Kai Absheer has settled into that guard position," Shankweiler said. "In terms of knowledge of the game he's as good as I've been around. He studies the game. He's getting better every day technically. As long as he stays healthy and continues to grow maturity-wise we will have as good a left guard as anyone in this conference." 

The Panthers have some younger linemen who have caught Shankweiler's attention.

"Neal Mars has really come on in the last week or so," Shankweiler said. "I'm really pleased with Dallas Connell. We've played him at tackle where he probably doesn't have the length to be a tackle. He's got really good feet. He's done a great job with his assignments and is competing awfully well. Those two guys jump out at me as young guys.

"Chris Miller got some experience from last year. He's backing up at left guard. At right guard James Cruise has learned the position. He's a hard-nosed kid who is probably the most-improved kid on the offensive line. He can step in and give Trent a break. I feel really good about the two-deep."

Checking in on the Tight Ends

FIU has one of the best tight ends in the nation in Jonnu Smith, who again will be an integral part of the offense. Smith played in eight games last season before going down with a knee injury but is completely back to full health now. Smith virtually holds every FIU football tight end record and had 397 receiving yards and four touchdowns last season before getting hurt. The Panthers know what they have in Smith.

As far as the other five tight ends on the roster, FIU is still trying to sort through and figure who will emerge as a reliable second option behind Smith. Last season Akil Dan-Fodio (21 catches, 238 yards) and Ya'Keem Griner (21 catches, 225 yards, 2 TDs) filled in when Smith went down and both did an admirable job. However, both have since graduated.

That leaves A.J. Branisel, Jonathan Pavlov, Mac Carey, Ricky Fernandez and Zach Armour to compete for playing time behind Smith. None of these five tight ends caught a pass for FIU last season. Still, there is talent among the group to possibly provide quarterback Alex McGough with another offensive option.

Branisel transferred from Tennessee last season and showed flashes of what he can do last spring and this month in camp.

"Branisel had a good spring and a good training camp to this point," FIU tight ends coach Jason Brooks said. "Branisel does a great job as that inline guy type blocker. His presence is really going to help us this season. Really all six [tight ends] we have block well and can catch the ball when it's thrown to them. We have that dual threat in this group."

Armour is the lone freshman of the group and has the build of a receiver more than a tight end. Armour is listed at 6-3, 212 pounds. Yet, he has made some plays in camp and don't be fooled by his frame.

"Armour has had a really good training camp," Brooks said. "He'll be fighting to squeeze his way in there. He's a fast learner. He's very, very athletic and he's stronger than you might think inside at the Y position. He's shown a little bit of toughness and physicalness which you like to see."

Pavlov, Fernandez and Carey have all gotten their chances in camp and could also figure into the offensive plans.  

"Right now it's really everyone," Brooks said. "All the other five guys [behind Smith] are battling every single day in practice. We'll take a real close look at them as we get ready for game week." 

Checking in on the Receivers

FIU receivers had 1,514 of the team's 2,854 receiving yards last season. Receiver Thomas Owens had the most receiving yards with 638, but the Panthers didn't really have another receiver as a consistent No. 2 threat. Clinton Taylor had the second most yards among receivers with 387.

Having tight end Jonnu Smith healthy again will certainly help take away some defensive attention from Owens. Still, FIU is looking for someone else to step forward to complement Owens and Smith. During camp this month several receivers have shown promise to possibly emerge as a consistent number two to Owens. 

"T.O. and Jonnu give us a chance on the field but as many of those type of weapons that you can find to put on the field at once to create stress for the defense that's the goal," FIU receivers coach Kort Shankweiler said. "We've had some guys who have been here who have stepped up and we have some guys who just got here that are going to give us the chance to put more weapons on the field."

One of those guys that has been here that could help this season is redshirt freshman Austin Maloney, who led Miami-Dade County in receiving in his senior season at Columbus High. Maloney has shown good hands in camp and is quick after catching the ball.

"From where Austin was at this time last year as a freshman to now has been a tremendous improvement," Shankweiler said. "He's a guy who knows where to be at multiple positions and when he's consistent with catching the ball he's a guy that will be a great addition for us on the field this year."

FIU brought in some very good speed and size with its newest receivers. Freshman Stanley Thomas, a 6-2, 185-pounder out of Charlotte High, has not looked like a freshman in camp. Yes, Thomas is very athletic and has good hands but he's shown some instincts not usually associated with first-year players.

"Stanley is an exceptional route runner," Shankweiler said. "He does a lot of stuff naturally that you don't have to spend a lot of time coaching. People think you just get out there and go run a route, but you have to take into account how the defense is playing you, if the corner is playing the press or if he's playing you off. There's a lot that goes into it. So for a guy coming from the high school level to this offense and do that has been a treat for all of us."

Freshmen Darrius Scott (5-11) and Tony Gaiter (5-9) may not have the size of Thomas but they are just as fast and have a good feel for the game.  

"Tony Gaiter is a very natural football player," Shankweiler said. "He's very instinctive. Whether you put the ball in his hands or if it's perimeter blocking or route running, having the feel of when to make a break. Tony knows how to do those things." 

Checking in on the Running Backs

Going into the 2016 season FIU has a little bit of everything in its offensive backfield to carry and catch the ball.

Junior Alex Gardner, who can run outside and between the tackles, not only led FIU in rushing (760 yards) last season but also caught the most passes (60) while having the second most receiving yards (442) on the team behind Thomas Owens. Gardner (above) had a combined 10 touchdowns (9 rushing, 1 receiving).

Anthony Jones split time between running back and receiver last season, but will work exclusively from the backfield this season. Jones (below) rushed for 243 yards and a couple of scores as a freshman last season. During camp Jones has worked as the number two back behind Gardner. Jones should be helped by concentrating on the running back spot.

"With [Jones] being able to focus on one thing in the backfield he’s gotten a lot better in all phases," FIU running backs coach Tim Harris said. "He’s been a good runner since we recruited him here but his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and now understanding protections as well is going to make him a well-rounded back. His playmaking ability is big for us in so many ways."

Jones is a bit bigger than Gardner having an eight-pound edge (200 to 192), but the arrival of bruising freshman Shawndarrius Phillips (5-11, 230 pounds) gives FIU another dimension to its running game. Phillips has had some promising runs during camp.

"Shawndarrius's physical presence as a runner complements well with the other guys we have," Harris said. "With Alex being a shifty, scat back type and Anthony being a step above that mold, Shawndarrius gives you a guy that can run into the defense and give you tough yards. Shawndarrius is also a guy that can break long runs too. He has tremendous vision and does a good job catching the football too."

Another big back in the FIU running back corps also does a good job catching the football. Fullback Jacob Kraut, who transferred from Rutgers earlier this year, is more than just a blocker. As he displayed in the spring and this month in camp, Kraut has soft hands catching the ball, but he can also run the ball when his number is called.

"Jacob Kraut is a very powerful guy," Harris said. "He wants to hit people and that’s the number one thing you look for in a fullback. Jacob brings another dimension because he is athletic with the ball in his hands. You watch him in high school and he was a guy you handed the ball to a lot more than he blocked. When you have a guy who can be a blocker and can also hurt people when he has the ball in his hands that’s great for you."

With FIU having a true fullback in Kraut, for the first time since the days of John Ellis (2006-09), that will provide the Panthers with the options of using Jonnu Smith in his regular spot at tight end or splitting him out wide instead of using him as a fullback like FIU did in his first three seasons. Still, using Smith in the backfield remains an option.

"That helps us and it helps Jonnu," Harris said. "He can focus on just being a tight end or split out as a receiver that helps him a lot. At the end of the day Jonnu still knows the fullback position and it’s an option for us."

Checking in on the Quarterbacks

FIU quarterback Alex McGough is coming off a record-breaking season where he had the most completions (269), passing yards (2,722) and passing touchdowns (21) in FIU football history. 

Entering his junior season, McGough has learned the FIU offense, improved his fundamentals and gained the confidence of his teammates. McGough is the undisputed leader of the offense and has progressed in each of his first two seasons.

"He's better with anticipation, touch, and accuracy," FIU coach Ron Turner said of McGough. "He knows the offense so well. His eye discipline is much better. Trust what your eyes are telling you and when he has the talent that he has, he's going to be good."

While FIU knows what it has in McGough, the Panthers are still trying to figure out who will backup their starter. Christian Alexander (below, left) and Maurice Alexander (below, right) are competing for the No. 2 job and both are redshirt freshmen. FIU knows they are each one play away from going into a game.

"They are both doing some good things and they are doing some things that show you they haven't played," Turner said. "I think it will continue to be a battle [for backup job]. Christian is a little bit ahead right now, but not much. They are both in the mix. We won't give them the whole offense like Alex. They will each have a package. We will have a Christian package and we will have a Maurice package -- if they were to go in the game."

  

McGough has taken to helping each Alexander because just two years ago McGough was in a similar spot. However, unlike the Alexanders who are vying for the backup spot, back then McGough was competing with E.J. Hilliard for the starting job.

"Every day they push me and I push them," McGough said of the Alexanders. "We don't let each other slack. If they have questions they ask me. The best advice I can give them is move on to the next play. You can't think about your last play when you are running your next play. It just doesn't work. In my freshman year I got in trouble when I would do that. You have to be mentally tough and just move on to the next play."

Turner has seen progress in each Alexander but knows they still have to get better.

"I think Christian has improved his eye discipline but it's not where it needs to be," Turner said. "It's better than it was. The biggest thing is probably understanding the offense a little bit better. He's still going off the playbook instead of just seeing it and immediately reacting to it. 

"I think Maurice has to improve in anticipation and getting the ball out quicker. He's holding the ball too long which is very typical for a young guy. His leadership is good and the guys react to him. He's just got to improve his eye discipline and get the ball out quicker."

Checking in on the Defensive Line

There are some big holes to fill along the FIU defensive line before the season opener against Indiana on Sept. 1. No longer at FIU and currently on NFL rosters are Michael Wakefield (Washington Redskins), Denzell Perine (Minnesota Vikings) and Lars Koht (Denver Broncos).

In 2015, the trio of Wakefield, Perine and Koht accounted for 132 tackles, 33.5 of the team's 68 tackles for loss (49 percent), 16 of the team's 22 sacks (73 percent) and 7 of the team's 12 forced fumbles (58 percent).

FIU returns some veterans to help fill the voids, but will also rely on several young linemen to stop the run and rush the passer.

"Those guys are difficult to replace," said FIU defensive line coach Paul Volero of Wakefield, Perine and Koht. "You have to develop an entire defensive line. You can't have one or two guys that make the line go. I think the whole group is developing as good run stoppers as we move on through camp. They are learning, growing and getting better."

Some of the seniors that the Panthers may heavily rely on include Imarjaye Albury, Leonard Washington, Marques Cheeks and Josh Glanton.

"I think Albury, Washington, Cheeks and Josh Glanton have done a good job of bringing the young guys along and showing them the dos and don'ts," Volero said. "They have had great leadership." 

Still, FIU has 10 underclassmen among the 16 defensive linemen on the roster. So it's likely that the Panthers will need some of those freshmen and/or sophomores to progress quickly to fortify the defensive front.

Early on in camp sophomore defensive end Fermin Silva has stood out using his speed to get into the offensive backfield. Silva appeared in nine games last season recording seven tackles and half a sack. Redshirt freshman tackle R.J. Harris and sophomore defensive end Anthony Johnson are also doing well.

"Silva has looked right but he has a long way to go," Volero said. "He's very talented, very fast, but we have a lot more practices to go to get better. R.J. Harris and Anthony Johnson have come along but another guy that has really come along is our strong side end Newton Salisbury. He's doing great. There's a little bit of an adjustment [from junior college]. There's a learning curve but he's picking things up and starting to play faster."

Salisbury (below left) transferred from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M earlier this year and was with FIU for spring practice. The 6-3, 246-pound junior will get an opportunity at one of the end spots that Wakefield and Perine occupied last season.

  
Volero added there are some freshmen that are also stepping up such as Andrew Tarver (above right), a Powder Springs, Georgia native, who arrived at FIU last month and is listed at 305 pounds. 

"I'm proud of the work done by the freshmen," Volero said. "One of those is Andrew Tarver. He's picked it up and learned what we are doing and made some plays."

Checking in on the Linebackers

The most experienced and probably the most talented part of FIU's defense is the linebackers. The Panthers return a pair of senior starters in Davison Colimon and Treyvon Williams along with 2015 leading tackler junior Anthony Wint. Colimon missed 11 games last season after a season-ending injury in the opener at Central Florida. Williams missed eight games due to injury, but both players are back to full health.

FIU defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Ron Cooper said that along with their playmaking abilities the starting trio has taken the next step where they have mastered the defense and its calls. Cooper added that those three will be instrumental in helping the rest of the linebackers and defense get in the right spots.

While FIU knows what it has with Colimon, Williams and Wint, the Panthers are looking for the rest of the linebackers to progress to the next level. Former defensive back-turned-linebacker Vontarius West is one of those who made strides from last season.

"With all the spread out stuff that we play that position that [West] plays has to be like a defensive back," said Cooper, who coached the FIU secondary last season. "[West] definitely made the transition. His brain is ahead now. He can coach it. If he has to explain our defense, he can explain our defense."

Freshman safety Isaiah Hill is making the same transition to linebacker this month. Hill has already made several plays earlier in camp, including a pair of interceptions, when he was still at safety. Hill will benefit from West, who did the same thing in the spring of 2015.

"Isaiah Hill is working the same position [as West] which is like the SAM position," Cooper said. "That position is a little bit of a hybrid. You have to have the toughness to play linebacker and you got to have some skills to play out in space. Hill has really been doing well. We have two upperclassmen there so we have to get somebody there ready to go. Like I told all the guys I’m looking for two first team guys at every position and then one second team guy."

It will be intriguing to chart the progress of a couple of freshman linebackers this month. Shakur Cooper led Dade County high school football in sacks last season at Coral Gables High. With college football being a higher level of football, Shakur Cooper will be asked to do more.

"Now Shakur has to drop a little bit in coverage rather than just blitz," Ron Cooper said. "We know what his strengths are. To have a good defense you have to use what the guys have. If that is a strength that he can use this year then we will use him in that situation. He has a knack for rushing the passer. Now we are teaching him the fundamentals of reading backfield flow and dropping into coverage along with rushing and blitzing."

Redshirt freshman Sage Lewis just turned 18 earlier this year after graduating from Pace High early last year. Lewis redshirted last season but he showed flashes in practice and working with the scout team. Lewis has gotten off to a good start in camp making several stops in the offensive backfield.

"Lewis is doing excellent at the WILL," Ron Cooper said. "He’s just 18 right now. He needed a redshirt year last season. He was probably good enough to play but he needed it for maturity purposes. He turned 18 in January of this year. He graduated high school early. If he had another year of high school there’s really no telling where he would have been playing."

FIU Football 15th Anniversary Countdown: No. 1 -- Motor City Miracle

FIU football turns 15 years old when the 2016 season kicks off against Indiana on September 1. In their short history the Panthers have had some memorable moments -- most of them in wins but some in losses as well. To commemorate the 15 years of FIU football as we get closer to the season opener, I'll count down the Top 15 moments in FIU football history

Having covered FIU football since its first game in August 2002 when I worked for the local newspaper, the following countdown is what I believe are the Top 15 moments. Of course, you may disagree so feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section. The No. 1 FIU football moment in the 15-year history of the program should come as no surprise. . . .

No. 1

Motor City Miracle

FIU got off to a slow start against Toledo in its first-ever bowl game at the 2010 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit. The Panthers trailed 24-7 with less than 10 minutes to play in the third quarter.

At that point was when FIU linebacker Toronto "Little Canada" Smith and receiver T.Y. Hilton got into a discussion on the sideline challenging each other to play "FIU Football" because the Panthers had not been doing so for the first 35 minutes of the game.

Hilton told Smith, "Watch me return the next kick for a touchdown." Sure enough, the Rockets kicked it to Hilton and he went 89 yards for a touchdown to cut the Toledo lead to 24-14.

FIU scored 24 unanswered points in the second half to take a 31-24 lead. However, with 1:14 left in the game the Rockets regained the lead 32-31 setting up "The Motor City Miracle".

On the ensuing possession FIU got to its 41 needing to convert a 4th and 17. What followed was the greatest play in FIU football history: FIU quarterback Wesley Carroll threw a nine-yard pass to Jacob Younger, who made a terrific fingertip catch (photo below). Younger flipped the ball to Hilton, who was running in front of him, and Hilton proceeded to tip-toe the sideline for exactly eight yards to get the first down and keep FIU alive. Three plays later, Jack Griffin drilled a 34-yard field goal as the Panthers stormed on to Ford Field after their 34-32 victory and bowl championship.

FIU FOOTBALL'S TOP 15 MOMENTS

15. Rashod Smith Runs for 262

14. FIU D Wrecks Texas Heisman Candidate

13. Rolling Moss Gathers TDs

12. What a Way to Say Goodbye

11. Killer B's Defense

10. Hilton Heave

9. That's How You Close the Orange Bowl

8. Tabor Rallies FIU to First Road Win

7. Conquest of Troy

6. Many Happy Returns

5. Down Goes No. 5

4. Louisville Sluggers 

3. How It All Began

2. Hilton Weave

Checking in on the Secondary

FIU training camp continued Monday before the Panthers get their first day off from camp Tuesday. Over the next several days we'll check in with the position coaches to get a sense of how their groups are doing.

New FIU secondary coach Bobby Babich inherits a unit that lacks game experience but is athletic and features some good size in the corners. Babich and cornerbacks coach Greg Moss will have to figure out who will replace lockdown cornerbacks Richard Leonard and Jeremiah McKinnon and settle the safety positions.

Babich, who was the assistant secondary coach with the Cleveland Browns last season, likes the physical makeup of the secondary but doesn't want to exclusively rely on it.

"Having size and length can make up for some flaws within the play," Babich said. "We are still going to ask these guys to make sure we're paying attention to the details and we're not getting into the position where we have to rely on our length. Length for us should be a bonus at the end of the play."

It's still too early in camp to see any separation as far as any player stepping forward and claiming a starting job. However, one safety who has moved is freshman Isaiah Hill. Already with a pair of interceptions in camp -- one of which would have been a pick six -- Hill has shifted to work with the linebackers. Listed at 5-11, 195 pounds, Hill is making a similar move to what Vontarius West did a year ago. West was a member of the secondary when he arrived at FIU two years ago. Despite being listed at under 200 pounds, Hill looks strong and has the frame to add more weight.

As far as Division I game experience, Emmanuel Lubin (above) and Deonte Wilson are the returning cornerbacks with the most for FIU. Each also presents the size Babich spoke about with Lubin standing 6-1 and Wilson at 6-0. Wilson is working at cornerback this camp after playing both safety and cornerback during his first three years at FIU. 

Still, FIU has a crop of young corners that will push for a starting job and playing time. Freshman Isaiah Brown has opened some eyes early on.

"Isaiah Brown is a smart kid," Moss said. "In the meeting room he's always asking questions but not just asking questions he answers them as well. He's not afraid to speak up. He can fly. He's got good straight line speed. He's got some length and he makes plays on balls that some other guys can't because of his long arms." 

New cornerbacks Andrew Brown, Aaron Brown and Khairi Reaser have also practiced well during the first week of camp. Outside of Isaiah Brown, Andrew Brown (Garden City CC), Aaron Brown (Cincinnati) and Reaser (San Jose CC) all have college experience which can only help a young position group.

FIU Football 15th Anniversary Countdown: No. 2 -- Hilton Weave

FIU football turns 15 years old when the 2016 season kicks off against Indiana on September 1. In their short history the Panthers have had some memorable moments -- most of them in wins but some in losses as well. To commemorate the 15 years of FIU football as we get closer to the season opener, I'll count down the Top 15 moments in FIU football history

Having covered FIU football since its first game in August 2002 when I worked for the local newspaper, the following countdown is what I believe are the Top 15 moments. Of course, you may disagree so feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section.

No. 2

Hilton Weave

Earlier in our countdown you read about the Hilton Heave in FIU football history. As we reach our final two FIU football all-time moments on the FIU Football 15th Anniversary Countdown we get to the Hilton Weave.

FIU stood 5-1 in the Sun Belt Conference before its game against Arkansas State late in the 2010 season. If the Panthers defeated the Red Wolves they would become conference champions for the first time in their history.

FIU trailed ASU 24-23 with less than two minutes to play in the game in late November 2010. The Panthers faced a third-and-9 from the Red Wolves' 42 when quarterback Wesley Carroll threw a short pass to T.Y. Hilton, who had to maneuver through the ASU defense to get a first down to keep the drive alive. As Hilton weaved through the Red Wolves, FIU receiver Wayne Times (No. 5, photo above) delivered the key block to spring Hilton to a 42-yard touchdown to give FIU the lead.

Fittingly, Times ran in the two-point conversion to make it 31-24, FIU. The defense stopped ASU on the ensuing drive and FIU captured its first conference title.

Next on the Top 15 countdown: Magic in Motown

FIU FOOTBALL'S TOP 15 MOMENTS

15. Rashod Smith Runs for 262

14. FIU D Wrecks Texas Heisman Candidate

13. Rolling Moss Gathers TDs

12. What a Way to Say Goodbye

11. Killer B's Defense

10. Hilton Heave

9. That's How You Close the Orange Bowl

8. Tabor Rallies FIU to First Road Win

7. Conquest of Troy

6. Many Happy Returns

5. Down Goes No. 5

4. Louisville Sluggers 

3. How It All Began

Training Camp Day 3

In the first two practices of camp the secondary has made some plays, however, Friday morning some of the veteran offensive players displayed why FIU could move the ball well this season.

Quarterback Alex McGough and returning leading receiver Thomas Owens have continued to show the chemistry they started to develop last season. McGough and Owens have been connecting often through the first three practices. They had a couple of 20+yard hook ups Friday. 

Tight end Jonnu Smith looks like he did his first two-plus years at FIU when he was healthy. Smith has been running around with no issues and hauled in a long pass from McGough today.

Austin Maloney led all of Dade County in receptions and receiving yards in his senior season at Columbus High. Maloney redshirted last season as a freshman and apparently what he gained in practice last year and this past spring has paid off. Maloney has looked sharp catching the ball this week and seems to be a bit quicker after the catch. Maloney is listed at 5-11 but seems to play bigger than that. He reminds me a bit of former FIU receiver Greg Ellingson, who is now one of the leading receivers in the CFL.

Sophomore tight end Mac Carey went up high to make a catch in team drills. Carey is among several tight ends looking to get on the on field opposite Smith.

Freshman safety Isaiah Hill had another interception today. Hill picked off freshman quarterback Malik Tyson. Hill has shown a nose for the football in his first fall camp.

Defensive end Fermin Silva had another good day. Silva again got into the offensive backfield for what would have been a sack if quarterbacks were live. On another play Silva and Imarjaye Albury blew up a run play. 

Redshirt freshman linebacker Sage Lewis had a tackle for loss near the end of the practice.

FIU Football 15th Anniversary Countdown: No. 3 -- How It All Began

FIU football turns 15 years old when the 2016 season kicks off against Indiana on September 1. In their short history the Panthers have had some memorable moments -- most of them in wins but some in losses as well. To commemorate the 15 years of FIU football as we get closer to the season opener, I'll count down the Top 15 moments in FIU football history

Having covered FIU football since its first game in August 2002 when I worked for the local newspaper, the following countdown is what I believe are the Top 15 moments. Of course, you may disagree so feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section.

No. 3 

How It All Began

When FIU freshman running back Bill Grant took the opening kickoff 26 yards against St. Peter's on August 29, 2002 in front of a sold out FIU Community Stadium, FIU football was born.

The Panthers would go on to defeat the Peacocks 27-3 in the inaugural game of the FIU program. FIU scored its first touchdown ever with 8:18 left in the first quarter on a 5-yard pass by Jamie Burke to fullback Jerrid Lundstedt. FIU led 13-0 after the first quarter and had a 27-0 lead at halftime against the now-defunct St. Peter's football team.

Among some other firsts that game: Burke had the first FIU rushing touchdown. Cornerback Greg Moss had the first tackle in program history. John Haritan blocked the first punt. Nick Carreno had the first sack in FIU history. Everett Baker recovered the first fumble and Nick Turnbull had the first FIU interception.

FIU finished its first season 5-6, winning all five of its games at home to finish with a 5-2 home record.

Next on the Top 15 countdown: Weaving a championship

FIU FOOTBALL'S TOP 15 MOMENTS

15. Rashod Smith Runs for 262

14. FIU D Wrecks Texas Heisman Candidate

13. Rolling Moss Gathers TDs

12. What a Way to Say Goodbye

11. Killer B's Defense

10. Hilton Heave

9. That's How You Close the Orange Bowl

8. Tabor Rallies FIU to First Road Win

7. Conquest of Troy

6. Many Happy Returns

5. Down Goes No. 5

4. Louisville Sluggers 

FIU Training Camp Day 2

As they try to earn playing time and possibly starting jobs later on in camp, several of FIU's newcomers came to the forefront on the second day of camp. 

More of the new defensive backs made plays on Thursday morning. After freshman Isaiah Brown had a good day in Wednesday's opening practice, junior college transfer Andrew Brown broke up a pass Thursday. Freshman safety Isaiah Hill intercepted Christian Alexander. Hill is listed at 5-11, 195 pounds but he looks bigger than that.

Junior running back Alex Gardner -- who begins the season 853 rushing yards from tying Rashod Smith's FIU career rushing yardage record of 2,195 -- had several good runs during team drills. Staying in the backfield, fullback Jacob Kraut again looked like a natural catching the ball out of the backfield.

Freshman receiver Tony Gaiter is listed at 5-9 but he went up high to grab a pass from Christian Alexander. By the way, each time I write Tony Gaiter's name I can't help but think of former FIU cornerback Anthony Gaitor, who is now in the CFL. Gaitor was one of the best defensive backs to ever wear an FIU football uniform.

Gaiter, with an "e" instead of an "o", is among a handful of young receivers making plays early in camp. Stanley Thomas made a tough sideline grab during 7-on-7s. Thomas later held on to another pass with Isaiah Brown closing in on the freshman receiver. Darrius Scott hauled in a pass over the middle of the field during 7-on-7s. Freshman Ulice Gillard had a long gain after a catch on a short pass.

Sophomore Fermin Silva is one of the young defensive ends that will be counted on to replace the graduated Michael Wakefield and Denzell Perine. Silva showed Thursday why he was one of the top defenders in the county while at Miami Central High. As you probably know quarterbacks are off limits from being hit during practice, but Silva twice got into the offensive backfield and would have had two sacks if it was a live game.

Had a chance to watch the kickers toward the end of practice. Incumbent Austin Taylor hit 4 of 5 field goals from a range of 32-38 yards. Scott Wade was 1 of 3 and freshman Jose Borregales was 0 of 1.

FIU Football 15th Anniversary Countdown: No. 4 -- Louisville Sluggers

FIU football turns 15 years old when the 2016 season kicks off against Indiana on September 1. In their short history the Panthers have had some memorable moments -- most of them in wins but some in losses as well. To commemorate the 15 years of FIU football as we get closer to the season opener, I'll count down the Top 15 moments in FIU football history

Having covered FIU football since its first game in August 2002 when I worked for the local newspaper, the following countdown is what I believe are the Top 15 moments. Of course, you may disagree so feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section.

No. 4 

Louisville Sluggers

The stage was set for a big moment on a Friday night in Louisville in September of 2011. Coming off a Sun Belt championship and Little Caesars Bowl win the previous season, FIU ventured into Cardinal Stadium for a prime time ESPN matchup against Louisville in front of a worldwide audience, because this wasn't ESPN the Ocho.

FIU at that time had never beaten what was then referred to as a BCS team (now Power 5 conference team) in its football history. 

FIU linebacker Winston Fraser set the tone early with a 71-yard interception return for a touchdown. In the second quarter T.Y. Hilton and Wesley Carroll delivered a one-two punch with long touchdown connections. Carroll found Hilton for scores of 74 and 83 yards to stake FIU to a 21-3 lead. The FIU defense did its part recording six sacks -- two each by Sam Miller and Tourek Williams.

The Panthers went on to a 24-17 win that was not as close as the final score indicated. In the game, Hilton broke his own FIU single-game receiving record with 201 yards and became the first Panther in program history with 200 or more receiving yards in a game and still is to this day.

Next on the Top 15 countdown: How it all started

FIU FOOTBALL'S TOP 15 MOMENTS

15. Rashod Smith Runs for 262

14. FIU D Wrecks Texas Heisman Candidate

13. Rolling Moss Gathers TDs

12. What a Way to Say Goodbye

11. Killer B's Defense

10. Hilton Heave

9. That's How You Close the Orange Bowl

8. Tabor Rallies FIU to First Road Win

7. Conquest of Troy

6. Many Happy Returns

5. Down Goes No. 5

 

FIU Opens 2016 Training Camp

FIU opened its 15th football training camp Wednesday morning 28 days from the season opener against Indiana on Sept. 1. The Panthers have many known commodities back on offense and those appeared to be in fine form Wednesday. And while on defense FIU has to replace two shutdown cornerbacks with the graduations of Richard Leonard and Jeremiah McKinnon, the Panthers got some encouraging performances from a couple of corners Wednesday.

Sophomore cornerback Emmanuel Lubin and freshman cornerback Isaiah Brown stood out the most among the corners in the first practice. Lubin, who made some plays last season, had a pass breakup during 7-on-7s and later just missed a pick six on a throw by Christian Alexander. Brown was aggressive in coverage, stripping Thomas Owens of the ball after Owens made a catch over the middle. Brown later followed that up with two pass breakups. Both Lubin and Brown have good size. Each is 6-1 and that certainly helps when most receivers are taller than six feet.

Speaking of size, several newcomers have plenty of it. Freshman receiver Freddie Pinder is a big 6-5 and Stanley Thomas is a rangy 6-2. Thomas is also a freshman receiver. Freshman running back Shawndarrius Phillips looks like he will be a load to bring down standing 5-11 and weighing 230 pounds. I mentioned a comparison to former FIU running back Darriet Perry in the preview but getting an in-person look this morning I'd say Phillips is bigger than Perry.

It is a good sight to see tight end Jonnu Smith running and cutting with no issues after ACL surgery last season. Smith was NOT wearing the Home Depot jersey as he is completely healthy. Smith hauled in a long pass from quarterback Alex McGough during team drills. 

Entering his junior season, McGough appears to be in complete command of the offense. He made a nifty throw to Owens in traffic. Besides the freshman talent at receiver, that includes speedster Tony Gaiter, McGough has Owens and Smith to work with among the returning pass catchers. Gaiter also worked as a punt returner Wednesday.

Some of the other highlights from Wednesday: Vontarius West continued his good defensive work from last season picking off Christian Alexander. But credit Christian Alexander, who bounced back on the next play to connect with Gaiter on a 23-yard completion.

Maurice Alexander threw a little too tall to 6-4 Shawn Abrams and safety Deonte Wilson was there to intercept the pass. Fullback Jacob Kraut looks smooth catching the ball out of the backfield. Kraut, a Rutgers transfer, is a true fullback and that will allow Smith to line up more as a tight end/receiver.

The linebackers practiced as advertised. Davison Colimon batted down a pass. Anthony Wint got into the offensive backfield.