Panther Preview: FIU Football vs. UConn

Will Duval | Sports Director

The FIU football team is traveling to the Northeast to take on the UConn Huskies on Saturday, Sep. 16, 2023 in East Hartford, Connecticut.

Prior to this game, the Panthers are coming off an electrifying 46-39 victory against the North Texas Mean Green.

In a high scoring affair, redshirt sophomore running back Kejon Owens gave FIU 101 rushing yards and three touchdowns, proving to be a threat in the running game.

Since starting freshman quarterback Keyone Jenkins, the Panthers haven’t lost a game, as he has thrown for over 290 yards in each of his two starts.

Now holding a 2-1 record, FIU looks to keep their momentum going after winning two games in a row. 

Having a slower start to their season, the Huskies hold an 0-2 record after taking a 35-14 loss to the Georgia State Panthers on Sep. 9, 2023.

UConn severely struggled to find consistency on both ends of the field in that game, as they allowed 250 total rushing yards while only accumulating 50 rushing yards themselves.

With senior quarterback Joe Fagnano suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, redshirt junior quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson has found an opportunity to help his team.

After being named the starter in the 2022 season, Roberson suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the season.

When returning against Georgia State, Roberson threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns, providing his team with their only two touchdowns of the night.

Statistically, FIU outmatches the Huskies in every offensive category, as they average 333.7 offensive yards per game compared to UConn’s 299.5 yards per game.

If the Panthers want to leave this matchup with a win, they must find success in the running game. When using a diverse offensive approach, it makes it harder for the other team to gameplan.

Looking to start a three game win streak, the FIU football team is taking on the UConn Huskies on Saturday, Sep. 16, 2023 at the Pratt and Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network.

Prediction:

FIU: 24

UConn: 17

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