MIAMI – FIU had a rough start to its season last week.
The Panthers (0–1) suffered a 42-14 loss to the Tulane Green Wave in a forgettable way on Thursday, Aug. 29.
The defense as a whole allowed 545 total yards, while forcing only one turnover in the process.
As for the offense, it was not one of quarterback James Morgan’s best performances. The FIU signal caller finished the game 19-of-34 passing with 208 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
Meanwhile, FIU’s pass defense was shredded by Tulane quarterback Justin McMillan, who was 14-of-18 passing for 199 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions.
FIU running back Anthony Jones led his team in rushing with 48 yards, while sophomore tight end Sterling Palmer led his team in receiving with 49 yards on just 2 catches.
Jones scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:50 left in second quarter, with kicker Jose Borrageales connecting on a extra point. This score cut Tulane’s lead to 21-7.
FIU’s other score came off a spectacular 17-yard catch in the end zone by wideout Shamar Thornton (4 catches, 40 yard) with 4:44 left in the third quarter. An extra point by Borrageales completed the game’s scoring at 42-14.
LOCAL STANDOUTS FOR FIU
Junior defensive lineman Jamal Gates (Dwyer alum): 7 tackles (second on team)
Sophomore defensive lineman Jason Mercier (Atlantic alum): 4 tackles
Junior linebacker Josh Powell (Suncoast alum): 3 tackles
Redshirt sophomore cornerback Josh Turner (American Heritage alum): 2 tackles
Junior defensive lineman Noah Curtis (American Heritage alum): 2 tackles
LOCAL STANDOUT FOR TULANE
Senior linebacker Lawrence Graham (American Heritage alum): 3 tackles
LOOK AHEAD TO WESTERN KENTUCKY
FIU is favored to win its home opener against fellow Conference USA opponent Western Kentucky (0-1) on Saturday, Sept. 7. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The Hilltoppers are currently ranked No. 130 in the latest USA Today sports NCAA re-rank release, which came out on Tuesday (Sept. 3). They lost last week by a score of 35-28 to FCS Central Arkansas (1-0).
Led by new head coach Tyson Helton, Western Kentucky dropped its home opener by allowing 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. It led 28-14 going into the final frame.
This is all one really needs to know about the Hilltoppers, who lost to a FCS school for the second straight year (31-28 loss to Maine; Sept. 8, 2018).
SCORE PREDICTION
Knowing FIU head coach Butch Davis and his penchant for players paying attention to detail by not overlooking any opponent, this should be a very easy bounce back win for the Panthers.
Crystal ball prediction: FIU 45, Western Kentucky 21
