Paws Up Preview – FIU Football vs New Mexico State

Date: Tuesday, October 29th

Time: 7:00 PM EST

Opponent: New Mexico State Aggies (2-5)

Location: Miami, FL (South Dade Kia Field @ Pitbull Stadium)

TV Channel: CBS Sports Network

Betting Line: FIU -10.5

MIAMI, FL – Surely this is the week when the losing streak is snapped?

It’s been a rough stretch of the season for FIU. They’ve now lost three straight games in conference play – two of which were one-possession contests that could have gone either way.

This late in the season, it’s clear what this team’s identity is. Their defense is solid, with great players all around. However, their offense could be at the level needed to score points late in games and close out contests.

Nice Unis, And That’s It

FIU’s vice game certainly lived to up the name, as all their vices were exposed on the field. Sam Houston, with a backup quarterback and extremely sloppy offense and special teams, still found a way to beat the Panthers.

The first half can be glossed over as both defenses shut down the offenses, which made for a competitive game – though not an entertaining one.

The second half is where things started to crack, as the defense finally gave up points. Only giving up 10 total in the second half is not bad, but the Bearkats led the time of possession by a substantial amount.

Meanwhile, FIU’s offense had swapped out Keyone Jenkins for Chayden Peery right before halftime- not due to an injury, but instead to create some energy. Jenkins did not look up to par following an injury the week prior against UTEP, with one completion for 16 yards and an interception.

Peery played okay, with a touchdown pass to Eric River which was the highlight of the night, still, the offense tried to establish the run and failed to do so as they only mustered 125 yards on the ground.

Overall, it was a boring game that FIU had the chance to win, but while the defense did as well as they could, the offense couldn’t deliver when it mattered the most. Unfortunately, this is a common trend with the Panthers as of late.

Trouble in Aggieland

Hailing from Las Cruces, the New Mexico State Aggies are currently 2-5 this season. Their two wins came against SEMO (FCS school) and Louisiana Tech. They’ve lost to Liberty, Fresno State, Sam Houston, New Mexico, (Think of it like FIU & FAU), and Jacksonville State.

Off the rip, this squad is a mess defensively. They’ve given up the second-most total yards in CUSA behind Middle Tennessee, the most rushing yards, and the second-most touchdowns this season with 31 total.

This is the game that the Panthers need to break out offensively. If there was ever a game for there to be a 100-yard rusher for FIU, it would be this one. If there was a game to replicate their win over Central Michigan, it’s this one.

Tyler Martinez is a solid linebacker with 53 tackles, but this group as a whole has underperformed. In seven games, they have 10 sacks, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

They’re not much better offensively. Parker Awad is their starter but hasn’t put up starter numbers so far in 2024. With only 518 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, he averages the lowest stats of any quarterback in CUSA.

Sometimes they’ve gone to backup QB Santino Marucci who hasn’t fared much better this season. Overall, this team has a lot of weaknesses, but a limited passing game might be one of their biggest.

PJ Johnson and TJ Pride are their leading receivers with a little over 200 yards each. Still, it’s the running game that leads this offense, as they’re responsible for 1,143 yards and 10 touchdowns. Seth McGowan leads the group with 458 yards – over a third of the team’s total in rushing.

Who Will Win – FIU or New Mexico State?

There still is a part of me that has hope for the Panthers in case you were wondering. At least, there’s enough that I think FIU will win.

If FIU were to make it to a bowl game, they need to win out. One more loss makes it just about impossible to get in. I think Coach Mike will get the players ready ready for this game considering the circumstances.

FIU has a 2-2 record at home so far – pretty disappointing considering the competition. They need a marquee win that can give them motivation for the upcoming road trip, and it can happen here.

New Mexico State is in such a tailspin at the moment on both sides of the ball. If FIU can establish the run and continue to get better at stopping the run, they might have this game under control.

FIU – 38

NEW MEXICO STATE – 13