MIAMI – What is the saying? Seize the day?
The FIU Panthers can seize the day. Even better, they can seize the Conference USA East title.
There is a logjam at the top right now. But the Panthers have three remaining vital home games to give them a chance at the C-USA East title.
FIU’s three home conference games are against Middle Tennessee for tomorrow night’s homecoming, FAU for the Shula Bowl on Nov. 3, and Marshall in the regular season finale.
The Panthers are coming off a 55-9 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, one in which they scored 48 straight points in the game.
Graduate senior and transfer quarterback James Morgan was 9-of-14 passing in the game, with four of those completed passes going for touchdowns of more than 70 yards.
Now after a bye, they are rested and have a favorable schedule for them to seize the day.
“The energy in practice all week has been great,” Panthers wide receiver Austin Maloney said. “We are locked in and excited.”
On the other side of the field, Middle Tennessee came up with significant wins over Marshall and Florida Atlantic. If the Blue Raiders beat the Panthers, expect it to be smooth sailing with the tough part of their schedule over.
The Blue Raiders defense’s top issue is on third downs, and the offensive line is not helping the ground attack. But the bright light is quarterback Brent Stockstill, as he and the passing game – with his stable of wide receivers – are doing just enough to carry the offense.
FIU has the offensive talent to pass and run the ball, but they play calling will have to be balanced between the run and the pass.
When the passing game does play well, FIU comes up with its share of big plays. This is where the rest and fresh legs will kick in.
“We come out here, and we all work to be is the best we can,” Panthers running back Napoleon Maxwell said. “We have guys that can go in and you see no drop-off. We all have a special thing in our games. When the man is in, anything can
happen.”
The Panthers might not shut down Stockstill, but they’ll hope to contain him instead. The lines will be great, and Morgan will be just good enough to balance out a strong day from the deep rushing attack.
Game prediction: FIU will seize the moment and win 31-24 over Middle Tennessee for its homecoming celebration.
