Written by: Richard Gibson/ Staff writer
After a tough loss to the Liberty Flames two weeks ago, the Panthers football team will play their Homecoming game against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m.
Every game matters more for FIU this season as it canceled its first two games due to COVID-19.
The Panthers are heading into this Sunday’s game with a 0-1 record, following a loss to the Liberty Flames by a score of 36-34 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Three different quarterbacks played for the Panthers, but Stone Norton was the most successful. He threw for nine completions for 13 attempts, racking up 120 yards and two passing touchdowns. While it’s not confirmed yet, expect Norton to start for FIU this upcoming Saturday.
FIU running back D’Vonte Price rushed for 148 yards and two rushing touchdowns off of 13 carries. Wide receiver Bryce Singleton caught two catches for 50 yards and a passing touchdown. While the offense was efficient, the defense couldn’t stop Liberty, allowing 527 yards and 31 first downs.
The biggest flaw for FIU was their penalties- 15 flags for 127 yards. Whenever the offense would progress down the field, or when the defense made a stop, a penalty was almost always there to negate it.
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are heading to the game with a 0-4 record. They were blown out in their first two games against Army and Troy, then lost two close ones to UTSA and Western Kentucky.
These two teams played against each other in 2019, where the Blue Raiders cruised to a 50-17 win. FIU quarterback James Morgan threw for 16 completions in 32 attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Morgan would then be drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
Despite the impressive win, Middle Tennessee finished the 2019 season with a 4-8 record, missing out on a bowl game. Their three other wins were against Tennessee State, Marshall, and Old Dominion. They lost, however, to opponents such as Michigan, Iowa, Duke, and Florida Atlantic.
Middle Tennessee’s starting quarterback will be Asher O’Hara, a redshirt junior who played in the 2019 matchup against FIU. He’s both their leading passer and rusher, so look out for QB draws on offense. Liberty’s quarterback was also a passer/runner, so FIU’s defense should be just as wary of the run.
O’Hara has been susceptible to the pick, however, he’s been intercepted five times this season. FIU’s secondary didn’t record an interception against Liberty. If they can get to O’Hara, however, it’ll be a long day for the Blue Raiders offense.
Middle Tennessee’s leading receiver is Jarrin Pierce, a redshirt senior who has racked up 286 yards in 31 receptions. He’s O’Hara’s most common target on offense and thrives against a man-to-man defense, so expect FIU to adjust accordingly.
While the Blue Raiders offense has been decent this season, their defense hasn’t been up to par. They’ve allowed 146 total points in just four games. Their best player on defense might be safety Reed Blankenship, who leads the team in safeties with 28 total, so keep an eye out for him.
Overall, the defense for FIU needs to be more effective. They need to force turnovers, stop the long ball, and be ready for the quarterback draw. Both the offense and defense need to avoid cheap penalties. It killed them against Liberty, costing them both touchdowns and interceptions for the Panthers.
There will be limited attendance at the Riccardo Silva Stadium, though the game will also be shown on ESPNU. After Saturday’s game, FIU will head to Charlotte to take on the 49ers on September 17th at 8 p.m. FIU will then head back home for two straight games against Jacksonville State and Marshall.
About Post Author
