No. 21 Miami, FIU to play each other for first time in 12 years

MIAMI – A 12-year playing gap between No. 21 Miami and FIU will end on Saturday.

The two rivals haven’t play each other since 2006, when emotions ran high and the “Brawl” happened. Things aren’t expected to get out of hand this time around.

FIU (2-1) is under legendary head coach Butch Davis, who’s looking to turn the Panthers around in his second year at the helm.

The Golden Panthers have gotten off to a fairly good start this year, with a close loss to Indiana at home and then bouncing back to take down Old dominion (28-20) and Umass (63-24) in recent weeks.

The emergence of running back Shawndarrius Phillips has been a factor in the Panthers offense, as he’s been named one of FIU’s Players of the Week for the past two consecutive weeks. Phillips has racked up 45 carries for 249 yards and four touchdowns.

Miami (2-1) will look to make it three games in a row with a victory after being defeated by LSU (33-17) in the season opener and a streak of victories over Savannah State (77-0) and Toledo (49-24) in recent weeks.

The Canes will be without fifth-year senior quarterback Malik Rosier’s top target Ahmmon Richards and senior defensive back/leader Jaquan Johnson against the Panthers.

This will be an intriguing matchup due to the rivalry being renewed. But it’s also an opportunity for both squads to set the tone for their squads prior to conference play.

Let’s not forget this: There will be a total of 16 combined players on both rosters from Palm Beach County. The full list is below.

FIU players from Palm Beach County:

RB Shawndarrius Phillips (junior; No. 22 jersey; Delray Beach Atlantic alum)

WR Cadarius Gaskin (freshman; No. 44 jersey; Delray Beach Atlantic alum)

DL Milord Juste (senior; No. 46 jersey; Palm Beach Gardens alum)

RB Josh Powell (sophomore; No. 48
jersey; Suncoast alum)

LB Jamal Gates (sophomore; No. 59 jersey; Dwyer alum)

DL Noah Curtis (sophomore; No. 90 jersey; Delray Beach American Heritage alum)

DL Jason Mercier (freshman; No. 92 jersey; Delray Beach Atlantic alum)

Miami players from Palm Beach County:

DB Amari Carter (sophomore; No. 5 jersey; Palm Beach Gardens alum)

QB Ryan Rizk (freshman; No. 16 jersey; Delray Beach American Heritage alum)