Jaymz Cosme | Staff Writer
The FIU football team is set to make the earliest start to a Football season in school history, as they take on the LA Tech Bulldogs on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 in Ruston, Louisiana.
With only 14 teams in action for Week 0, FIU finds themselves with an opportunity to start their season strong, by defeating a conference opponent.
Both teams are coming off the first years under new head coaches. Looking for consistency, both teams had sub-.500 records, with the Panthers only holding a one game lead over the Bulldogs.
Historically, facing LA Tech has been a challenge for FIU, as they are 1-4 in their five total matchups. The Panthers have struggled to keep up with their offense, as they’ve allowed 34.2 points per game for the Bulldogs, while only scoring 24.2 points per game themselves.
LA Tech’s scoring is only compounded by their 444.2 total yards per game average, showing to be an offensive wrecking-ball when facing FIU. Collecting almost 80 yards per game more than the Panthers, the Bulldogs have proven to be a strong opponent, despite what their 2022 record may imply.
However, last year may have been a harbinger of things to come for the FIU. Last year’s matchup against LA Tech ended in a double-overtime win for the Panthers in a high scoring affair.
It featured junior quarterback Grayson James throwing for 321 yards and three touchdowns, showing his ability to command the offense. The Bulldogs simply couldn’t keep up with FIU’s passing attack.
James finished last season with 14 total touchdowns and just under 2000 yards passing. Looking to build upon his previous body of work, adjustments will have to be made if he wants to find the same success this year.
Going through a complete overhaul, the Panthers introduced 55 new student athletes joining the program made up of 32 freshmen and 23 transfers. Retaining 15 starters from the previous year, a team full of new faces is bound to need time to adjust.
Preparing to sink their claws in LA Tech for the second year in a row, FIU is also attempting to win for the first time in history in Ruston.
In order to win this matchup, the Panthers need returning players such as junior and senior wide receivers Kris Mitchell and Jalen Bracey to step up with the loss of some talented receiving threats from last season.
Defensively, FIU needs to contain LA Tech’s running game, which totaled 184 yards on 41 attempts in their previous matchup.
With the Bulldogs proving to be a run-heavy team, new acquisitions such as senior defensive lineman Jack Daly and redshirt junior linebacker Avery Huff have an opportunity to help stop the Bulldogs’ running-attack.
FIU has their eyes on reversing the pattern of season openers, with a record of 6-15 and a 2-11 record on the road all time in season openers.
The game will be played on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana.
Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network.
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