Date: Saturday, November 30th
Time: 2:00 PM EST
Opponent: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-8)
Location: Miami, FL (South Dade Kia Field @ Pitbull Stadium)
TV Channel: ESPN+
Betting Line: FIU -9
MIAMI, FL – For as bad as this season has gone for the Panthers, there’s always something to play for.
There’s no getting around it. FIU can either achieve a 4-8 record for the third straight season or set the bar lower at 3-9 with a loss. Combine that with the controversy outside the gridiron, and this has been an ugly way to close out 2024.
Still, these games will always mean a lot to the players. Whether it’s to add to their highlight reel, draft stock, or for the seniors, the season finale against MTSU will be worth watching.
The Blue Raiders are in the same boat, with a similar journey here. Overall, a pair of 3-8 teams looking to end the season on a high note should provide an entertaining watch in the 305.
A Nest, Not A Barn
Let’s not spend too much time here. FIU’s loss to Kennesaw State was an embarrassment and a new low on a year full of them. Above all else, it adds to another one-score loss that the Panther shave suffered.
The red-hot offense in the first half was a no-show in the second. FIU’s defense did well enough, but couldn’t make a stop when it mattered the most.
It might seem crazy to think that a KSU team with an interim coach wanted this game more, but they passed the eye test. There was no creative play-calling, an abundance of penalties, and an inability to move the ball despite leading the time of possession.
The cherry on top is Devonte Lyons wrapped up with 99 rushing yards, the closest any FIU running back has got to having a 100-yard game this season. This isn’t a knock on Lyons, he has potential as a freshman.
All things considered, Keyone Jenkins and Eric Rivers were the dynamic duo as usual, but it wasn’t enough to take down a 1-9 Kennesaw State squad, and that speaks volumes.
Feeling Pretty Blue
Middle Tennessee is a polarizing squad, all things considered. They have some of the best players in CUSA in their respective positions but still head to Pitbull Stadium with a 3-8 record.
A part of that can be a gauntlet of a non-conference slate, including Ole Miss, Duke, and Memphis. The numbers don’t lie, however. A 2-5 conference record and a 2-4 home record say it all.
It’s weird because they might have the best quarterback in CUSA. Nicholas Vattiato has put up excellent stats, including 2,836 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He has a strong arm and solid pocket awareness and is a decent scrambler.
The problems start to arise with his time in the pocket. It’s not enough, and that’s due to a battered and bruised offensive line. Vattiato has been sacked 28 times, the second-most out of any QB in CUSA.
It doesn’t stop with protecting the quarterback. They also can’t create roles for their running backs, resulting in the worst rushing game in the conference.
With only 97.7 yards per game and nine total touchdowns through the ground, FIU’s rush defense, which has been inconsistent this season, should find success against the Blue Raiders.
The Panthers’ secondary will face one of the best passing games in the conference, but they should be up to the challenge. Keep an eye on wide receiver Omari Kelly and tight end Holden Willis, who have racked up over 1,500 yards and eight touchdowns combined.
MTSU’s defense has not had a good year. They give up 447.9 yards a game, only better than New Mexico State. Their defensive line struggles to stop the running game, while the secondary has only recorded five interceptions this season, and gives up the second-most yards through the air.
Who Wins – FIU or Middle Tennessee?
The fact that FIU is favored by as much as they are might be a little confusing at first. When you look between the lines, you start to see why.
MTSU has a great QB in Vattiato, but he’s not perfect. He hasn’t gone against a pass defense as consistent as the Panthers. Their weak offensive line should also have a tough day against FIU’s linebackers and front seven.
Lyghtz needs to eat up in this game. Against one of the worst defenses on their schedule, this could be another big game for him. Their running game only has one more opportunity to get a 100-yard rusher, but this will be the defense to do it against.
The Blue Raiders’ weaknesses pair up nicely with what has worked for FIU. For as bad as the season has gone, this could be a positive way to close this chapter and look ahead to 2025.
FIU – 42
MIDDLE TENNESEE – 30
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