Adrian Benitez | Staff Writer
The FIU football team plays the UTEP Miners on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 at the Sun Bowl in El Paso.
In their previous game, the Panthers nearly struck a monumental win, taking the undefeated Liberty Flames to overtime. Unfortunately, the offense would fumble the game away in what ended as a 31-24 loss, moving the Panthers record to 2-4.
However, while the Flames were undefeated, this week’s opponent is a very different story. The Miners come into this matchup having lost every one of their six games, including a loss against FCS Southern Utah.
The Miners’ most recent game was a 44-17 loss at the hands of Western Kentucky. The Miners were down 20 points by halftime, and they never had any real momentum in the game.
UTEP’s record is reflected in the stats. In terms of offense, the Miners’ points per game (16) yards per game (323) and rushing yards per game (98.3) are all in the bottom three among C-USA teams.
Their defense isn’t much better. The unit allows 34.5 points and 443.3 yards per game, as well as allowing 235.5 rushing yards per game. These stats are all in the bottom four in the conference.
The passing game is the Miners’ saving grace, with their 225 passing yards per game ranking fifth in the conference. In addition, their passing defense allows only 207.8 yards per game, ranking second in the conference.
Not even on special teams can UTEP get a break, their field goal percentage (.571) and average yards per punt (35.5) both rank last in the conference.
In terms of players, Miners sophomore quarterback Skylar Locklear has completed 77 of his 121 passes for a 63.6 completion percentage, three touchdowns and four interceptions on the season.
Among Locklear’s receiving corps, sophomore wide receiver Kenny Odom has been the most productive. He has 19 catches for 435 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season, averaging 22.9 yards per reception and 72.5 yards per game.
If the Panthers want to come out with a win in this game, they need to set the tone in the passing game. If they can eliminate the Miners’ main strengths of passing offense and defense, the Panthers should emerge victorious.
Looking to get back in the win column, the FIU football team is traveling to El Paso, Texas to take on the UTEP Miners on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 at the Sun Bowl.
Kickoff is slated for 9 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Follow Adrian Benitez on X: @ab305FIU
Prediction: FIU 24, UTEP 13
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