Brandon Wise/ Sports Director
As the Panthers and Cardinals sit and wait inside while a steady rain falls, and is expected to when the game kicks off at 7 pm, here’s a look at five keys to the game that could factor in either side coming out on top.
1) FIU running game
As the rain is expected to fall, throwing the ball may be at a premium. Senorise Perry of of Louisville and Darian Mallary of FIU will likely be called on early and often. Perry has 266 yards and three touchdowns while Mallary and the FIU offense average 183 yards per game. The weather will favor the FIU running attack and could force the Cardinals to get away from their game plan a bit, even though the Cardinals come in with the No. 15 ranked rushing defense in the country, averaging just under 80 yards per game allowed.
2) Teddy Bridgewater vs the FIU pass defense
Teddy Bridgewater has been setting the world on fire this season, completing 82 percent of his passes for 855 yards and five touchdowns. The FIU pass defense has allowed 854 yards passing and nine touchdowns. Something’s gotta give. The Panthers will need players in the secondary such as Richard Leonard, Jose Chesseborough and Jonathan Cyprien to step up in this one against the Lousiville passing game.
3) Battle in the trenches
The Panthers defensive pass rush will be facing a unit from Louisville that has improved from last year. In last season’s matchup, the Panthers were able to get pressure on then quarterback Will Stein. However, Bridgewater brings a different element to the game. For FIU to be successful on defense, they will need to pressure Bridgewater and make him make quick decisions on the run.
4) Turnovers
As is a key in nearly any football game, turnovers will likely decide who wins this game, especially when its expected to be wet and sloppy. The Cardinals have only had two turnovers in their first three games, with no interceptions from Bridgewater. Jake Medlock has not thrown an interception, but the Panthers have had 11 fumbles so far this season, losing five of them. If they continue to do so, it could be a long day in the cage for the Panthers.
For live play-by-play of tonight’s game, tune into Radiate FM on 95.3 in Miami, 88.1 in Homestead/Kendall, and 96.9 in North Miami. You can also listen online at http://bit.ly/Radiatefm on your computers or smartphones.
Also follow us on twitter @FIUSMSports for updates.
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