Richard Gibson/ Staff Writer
The FIU Panthers are set to play the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, November 21st at 2p.m.
FIU’s struggles on the field this season have resulted in an 0-4 record for the Panthers. With only four games left to play, the team is running out of time to qualify for a bowl game.
Even with no wins under their belt, the Panthers still have a shot to get into a bowl game. The usual six-game win requirement for bowl eligibility has been lifted by the NCAA for this season. If the Panthers were to win out and finish with a 4-4 record, there’s a slight chance they may be invited.
Regardless, FIU needs to turn their season around as soon as possible. With multiple games canceled and postponed due to COVID-19, along with player injuries across their roster, there has been little sign of improvement on the field. FIU is among seven teams in the country that have not won a game this season, despite playing at least four games.
Their most recent loss was a 38-19 rout against the Florida Atlantic Owls. For FIU, starting quarterback Stone Norton was benched for Max Bortenschlager who in turn, totaled 11 catches for 149 yards and a passing touchdown.
Running back D’Vonte Price is one of the bright sports of FIU’s offense. Against FAU, he ran for 178 yards off of 26 carries and a touchdown. Price adds to his season total of 481 total yards and four touchdowns, leading all rushers on the team.
FIU Tight End Rivaldo Fairweather earned 116 yards and a receiving touchdown against the Owls. Still, the Owls outclassed FIU in total yards, first downs, and time of possession. Once the Owls scored the first points of the game, they never gave up their lead to the Panthers.
FIU’s opponent on Saturday is the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. When both teams played in 2019, the Hilltoppers beat the Panthers by a score of 20-14. They finished their 2019 season with an 8-4 record, making it to the Servpro First Responder Bowl, beating the Western Michigan Broncos by a score of 23-20.
In the 2020 season, the Hilloppers have a 3-6 record. They’ve beaten the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, Chattanooga Mocs, and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. They’ve lost to the Louisville Cardinals, Liberty Flames, and Brigham-Young Cougars.
Up to now, the Hilltoppers have played a full season. Unlike the Panthers, and a majority of Conference-USA teams, none of their games have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19.
Western Kentucky’s leading passer is quarterback Tyrell Pigrome, who has thrown 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. He hasn’t thrown an interception this season, but has been sacked 13 times. Running back Gaej Walker leads all rushers with 389 yards. Their two primary wide receivers, Xavier Lane and Mitchell Tinsey, have totaled over 300 receiving yards each this season.
The Hilltoppers offense excels driving down the field, but struggles in red zone efficiency. They’ve scored 39 points in their last four games combined, including a 10-6 loss to the Owls.
The Hilltoppers defense has been solid, recording 19 sacks, four interceptions, and five forced fumbles this season. Be on the lookout for defensive back Devon Key, who has recorded 68 tackles, leading all Western Kentucky defenders.
FIU needs to take advantage of Western Kentucky’s struggles on offense. Their defense needs to prevent the long ball and hold the Hilltoppers on third down. Likewise, the offense needs to be efficient and convert first downs on both their passing and rushing game. It’s likely that Bortenschlager will be the starting quarterback for the Panthers, based on his limited but successful performance against the Owls last week.
The game starts at 2 p.m on Saturday, and can be watched online on ESPN 3. After the game, FIU will head back to the Riccardo Silva Stadium to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on Saturday, November 28th at noon.
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