Adrian Benitez | Staff Writer
The FIU football team is aiming to close out their season on a positive note when they face the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders on Nov. 30, 2024, in Pitbull Stadium.
In their previous game, the Panthers suffered an embarrassing loss to a Kennesaw State team that had only one other win as an FBS team. Despite a disappointing season, FIU has a chance to finish strong against Middle Tennessee.
The Blue Raiders are 3-8 on the season, with their most recent game resulting in a 36-21 loss to the New Mexico State Aggies. Both teams are seeking a win to recover from recent struggles.
In terms of stats, the Blue Raiders offense tells an interesting story. Their yards per game are in the middle of the pack for the conference (349.3), but they struggle to finish drives, tying for last place in points per game (17.5).
Middle Tennessee has failed to score more than 21 points in all 10 of their games against FBS opponents this season.
The Blue Raiders prefer to move the ball through the air. Their 261.5 passing yards per game rank second in the conference, while their 87.7 rushing yards per game are last in the conference by a wide margin.
Defensively, Middle Tennessee ranks in the bottom three for all major defensive stats in the conference. They allow 34.2 points, 447.9 yards, 201.8 rushing yards, and 246.1 passing yards per game.
Their struggles on defense extend further, as they allow 23.5 first downs per game and fail to stop 48.9% of third-down attempts—both last in the conference.
MTSU has a few game changers. Junior quarterback Nicholas Vattiato has been one of the CUSA’s best passers this year. He’s completed 284 of his 385 passes for 2836 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Junior wide receiver Omari Kelly and senior tight end Holden Willis are among the top receivers in the conference. Kelly has 869 yards on 53 catches and Willis has 748 yards on 47 catches. Both have four touchdowns on the year.
For the Panthers to secure a win, they must play with determination and focus. FIU appears to be the better team on paper, but that has been said about several games this season, with little to show for it.
Looking to end the season on a high note, the FIU football team will aim for a win against the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders on Nov. 30, 2024, in Pitbull Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Follow Adrian Benitez on X: @ab305fiu
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