MIAMI – Following a 50-17 loss to the hands of Middle Tennessee last week, the FIU Panthers will be back home to host conference opponent Old Dominion on Saturday (Nov. 2).
At 4-4 (2-3 in conference play), the season has turned from a potential Conference USA championship to a dogfight for bowl eligibility, and with games against Miami and rival FAU in the Shula Bowl, the ODU game could be a must-win situation by all accounts.
ODU has struggled throughout the season and currently sits at 1-7 with no conference wins. Despite the home crowd, the Monarchs were unable to stop FAU a week ago, as the Owls defeated the Monarchs, 41-3.
With a bowl game out of the question, ODU head coach Bobby Wilder will strictly be fighting for his job and playing spoiler for this upcoming game at FIU.
Against Middle Tennessee, it was turnovers that helped ruin the Panthers offense. On the day, the Panthers lost four fumbles, including two fumbles while in their own territory. Middle Tennessee’s offense was able to score a total of 10 points on those fumbles.
Although the passing game has been mostly turnover-free, quarterback James Morgan and the FIU wide receivers could be in for a tough game against ODU.
Led by cornerback Kaleb Ford-Dement – who had an interception on FAU quarterback Chris Robison – the Monarchs have intercepted opposing quarterbacks a total of eight times, with six of those eight coming from the defensive backs.
On defense, FIU’s struggles against the run have led to some concerns stopping opposing offenses. Against Middle Tennessee, the Panthers defense allowed 471 rushing yards, including 159 yards to quarterback Asher O’Hara, who was asked to throw just 12 passes for 25 yards.
While the ODU offense has largely struggled throughout the season, running back Kesean Strong has arguably been the best player on its side of the ball. Despite only getting 13 carries against FAU, Strong averaged 4.6 yards per carry, bringing his season average to 4.3 yards per carry.
A strong run defense combined with ODU’s struggles to convert on third-down could do benefits for FIU in the field possession battle, as ODU punter Bailey Cate is coming off a rough outing last week.
Score Prediction: Despite ODU’s record, the Monarchs have competed with multiple teams this season, including ACC opponents Virginia and Virginia Tech. Expect the Monarchs to keep it relatively close early, but the Panthers will likely come in with added motivation to dominate the game when it matters.
FIU 32, ODU 15.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ronaldo Garcia
