Panthers look to bounce after two-streak loss

Peter Holland Jr. // Asst. Sports Director

The Panthers are looking to snap a two-game losing streak as they go on the road to face first place in Conference USA, Western Kentucky University on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Final score prediction FIU 42 WKU 39

The Panthers showed that they can compete with the top teams in C-USA.  Despite losing to Middle Tennessee State University, 42-35, on Saturday, Oct. 29,  the Panthers recorded 517 total yards while the Blue Raiders recorded 466 total yards, and a time possession of 39:32. FIU was in control before quarterback Alex McGough threw a pick six that sealed the team’s sixth loss of the season. Western Kentucky averaged 41.6 points per game this season. If the Panthers’ offense can stay on the field longer than the Hilltoppers’ offense, FIU can put up the upset and stay afloat in C-USA.

FIU must win three straight to be bowl eligible

With three more games of the season for the Panthers, FIU must win here on out and end the season at 6-6, making the team bowl eligible.  Two of the Panthers’ three games will be on the road at Western Kentucky University (6-3, 4-1 C-USA) and at Old Dominion University (5-3, 3-2 C-USA).

The streak continues

In the last 41 games, tight end Jonnu Smith has completed at least one catch every season as a starter. His streak is now in the top five in NCAA for most games with at least one reception. Smith is second on the team in catches (39) and yardage (441).

Matchup to watch Taylor vs. Lubin Brown

The secondary has been challenged in the last two games facing against the top receivers in C-USA. The next task is against WKU’s primary target, Taywan Taylor. Taylor is second in conference in receiving yards. Starting cornerbacks Emmanuel Lubin  and Isaiah Brown are planning to stick to the script and shut down the senior.

“We just stick to our schemes and lock up,” said Lubin. “ I got Ike [Isaiah Brown] on the opposite side of the field. He holds it down on that side, and I hold it down, so that’s how we do it.”

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