Panthers Have Momentum Heading Into Homecoming

Indya Vassell/PantherNOW

The Panthers are looking to carry the momentum from their 44-0 shutout against UMass into their homecoming game against Charlotte. 

It was a rocky start for the Panthers, starting 1-3 on the season, but more importantly, they currently sit at 0-2 in conference play. 

Coming off their bye week, FIU seemed to correct a lot of the issues that plagued them to start the season. Things like third-down conversions and an ineffective running game have led to the worst start in the Butch Davis era here at FIU. 

With the team finally, at full strength, the Panthers offense seems to have hit their stride on offense. Quarterback James Morgan is coming off two great games, one of which was a career-high in passing yards against LA Tech. 

The Panthers offense, which was number one in Conference-USA in 2018, has averaged 37.5 points over their last few games for a number of reasons. 

Senior wide receiver Tony Gaiter is coming off two consecutive 7 catch games and has been Morgans go-to target on offense. 

“He’s got great quickness and he’s made some huge plays,” said Davis. “it’s all directly because of his work ethic and his commitment to being the best he can be”

Gaiter, along with fellow senior receiver Austin Maloney has had the Panthers passing game rolling the past two weeks.   

The Panthers offense will need to be firing on all cylinders heading into their matchup against Charlotte, who leads C-USA in scoring with an average of 35.8 points a game. 

The key for the Panthers on defense is containing Charlotte’s run game which is first in the conference. 

Running back Benny Lemay is tied for first in rushing yards in the conference and will be a focal point for the 49er offense. 

The run defense has been a weak point for the Panthers, sitting at ninth in C-USA. The run defense looked solid against Umass, only allowing 38 yards the entire game. 

Charlotte will be relying heavily on the run game to run down the clock and keep Morgan and the Panther offense off the field. 

Charlotte will be hesitant to take shots downfield as the Panthers lead the conference in interceptions. Linebacker Sage Lewis and defensive back Rishard Dames each have two picks on the season and have been a problem for opposing offenses. 

If the Panthers have any hope at salvaging their season in terms of conference play, this game against the 49ers is a must-win. The shutout win against Umass was a great confidence builder for this team and they hope to carry that confidence with them into homecoming. 

“Need to focus on the game against Charlotte this weekend, go and have a great week of practice and hopefully produce the same result,” said Morgan

The Panthers will be at home Saturday, Oct 12th at 7 p.m. at Riccardo Silva Stadium. 

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