MIAMI – The FIU Golden Panthers are currently in first place in Conference USA’s East Division and looking to score a third conference victory Saturday against Rice.

The Panthers (4-2, 2-0 in Conference USA) have been impressive through six games. They have shown grit and resiliency this season, particularly after losing to Miami a few weeks ago.

The panthers have another two-game winning streak under their belts after knocking off Arkansas Pine-Bluff and conference foe Middle Tennessee.

Quarterback James Morgan racked up 311 passing yards and went 27-36 throwing, completing 75 percent of his passes in last week’s 24-21 comeback effort. Wide receiver CJ Worton has been Morgan’s top target, with 20 catches for 459 yards and five touchdowns so far this season.

The Panthers rushing attack is led by the duo of Napoleon Maxwell and Shawndarriuus Phillips. Maxwell has 302 yards on 63 carries and three touchdowns, while Phillips has 283 yards on 66 carries and four touchdowns.

FIU hasn’t been the most flashy team in terms of stats. But this team has handled business in each game this year by putting together complete games, particularly in their four wins.

Head coach Butch Davis’s postgame comments after last week’s win over Middle Tennessee spoke to the team’s recent performance.

“Good win for the team,” Davis said. “In all three phases, the kids played well.”

The Middle Tennessee State game was a marquee win for the Panthers, and they’ll have to replicate their performance once more to earn even more respect from everyone on the outside looking in.

FIU is 3-1 at home and looks to win its fourth straight at Riccardo Silva Stadium against Rice tonight (Oct. 20), which has a kickoff time set for 7:30 p.m.