FIU saw a handful of records shattered on Saturday, Oct. 24, as sophomore quarterback and Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week, Alex McGough, led the Panthers (4-4, 2-2) to a 41-12 blowout victory over the Old Dominion University Monarchs (3-4, 1-2). Despite ODU actually gaining more yards on offense than FIU, the final result of this game was never in doubt.
Now, the importance of their remaining games is very simple; win 3 out of the next 5 games and they might make a bowl game, win 4 out of 5 and they’re guaranteed a bowl bid.
To fill the void, University of Minnesota transfer Jephete Matilus steppin up and has been one of the leading tacklers on defense in the last three games.
The 2015 midseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, the highest award for collegiate tight ends, was recently released and features two University athletes.
Even though I actually picked FIU to lose in my column last week, I still feel horrible about this loss as somebody who watches this team each and every week.
The Panthers come into this one hoping for a repeat of the 2014 season, as quarterback Alex McGough and tight end Jonnu Smith led FIU to a 38-28 victory in the last home game of the season in November 2014.
On October 10, the Panthers (2-3) will be returning home for their Conference USA home opener against the University of Texas at El Paso Miners (2-3).
Prior to this weekend, they were an improving team looking to be above .500 with what many thought was a realistic shot to compete in Conference USA.
No his name is not Terrell Owens nor has family relations to the former NFL player and future hall of famer, however, when you see the sophomore receiver, Thomas Owens, in the last four games, you might think it’s Terrell Owens taking his talents to Tamiami Trail.
UMass shouldn’t be a huge problem for the Panthers on paper, as the Minutemen have struggled mightily on defense and don’t have an overwhelming offense whatsoever.