Date: Tuesday, October 22nd
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Opponent: Sam Houston State Bearkats (5-2)
Location: Miami, FL (South Dade Kia Field @ Pitbull Stadium)
TV Channel: ESPNU
Betting Line: SHSU -9.5
MIAMI, FL – Get your sunglasses ready, as Vice Night is soon approaching.
Following a devastating loss to the winless UTEP Miners, FIU will have to adjust and take on one of the better teams in the conference – the Sam Houston State Bearkats.
Despite everything telling you that the Panthers have no chance after what we’ve seen, there is good news to be found.
The latest injury reports for both squads favor the Panthers, and they’ll look to impress a national audience with some of the cleanest unis we’ve ever seen. The only remaining question is… can they get it done?
Feeling Charitable Out West
To make a long story short, FIU’s trip to El Paso was a spectacular disaster. The same issues we’ve seen in their offense and defense persisted, even against one of the worst teams in FBS.
The Panthers were put on an early crutch as Keyone Jenkins was injured trying to stop Dorian Hopkins who picked off Jenkins for an 84-yard reception. Amari Jones got the nod and played through the fourth quarter until he was injured, prompting Haden Carlson to step in.
As a result, the passing game was minimal and the running game didn’t elevate to compromise. Despite going against a subpar rush defense, they still couldn’t establish a solid running game, resulting in one of the most mediocre offensive performances we’ve seen all season.
On the other side, FIU’s defense looked good to begin, forcing turnovers and keeping the passing game at bay. However, as the game went on, they became gassed and gave up big play after big play.
Despite the winless record, UTEP looked like the more motivated team and proved it on the field. They wanted it more, and while you can throw the excuse that FIU didn’t have Jenkins, they still should have exposed the Miners for the team they were, and they still couldn’t do it.
Tired Of Orange Teams From Texas?
Sam Houston State has done a complete 180 from 2023. While their first season in FBS was rocky, they are now one win away from bowl eligibility and fighting for a CUSA Championship appearance.
The Bearkats currently have a 5-2 record, with impressive wins over Rice, Hawaii, New Mexico State, UTEP, and Texas State. The two games they dropped were against UCF and Western Kentucky – their most recent contest.
The heartbeat of their offense is Hunter Watson, their leading passer and rusher with nine touchdowns through the air and four on the ground.
The Bearkats quarterback had to leave their game against WKU early due to an injury. The latest update is that they won’t decide if Watson is good to go until the very last second.
It would be a massive loss for the Bearkats if he’s not able to go. They would turn to Jase Bauer. The Central Michigan transfer has not had ample time on the field, with 217 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception so far.
We don’t know what a Sam Houston offense without Watson would look like for a full 60 minutes, but it’ll involve a scary running game. DJ McKinney and Jay Ducker have near-400 yards each and seven combined touchdowns with the ability to take games over if the passing game falters.
Some fans may remember Noah Smith from last season’s overtime win over the Bearkats, but he’s taken a back seat to a receiver core that’s headlined by Qua’Vez Humphreys and Simeon Evans, with the former recording 298 yards and four touchdowns.
Sam Houston’s defense is versatile, with their leader in tackles being defensive back Caleb Weaver, with 47 total and three interceptions. Seeing him matched up with either Dean Patterson or Eric Rivers should be a battle.
This is a scary unit. They’re solid in getting to the quarterback (14 sacks) and forcing turnovers. (7 interceptions and 8 forced fumbles)
Who Will Win – FIU or Sam Houston State?
If you were expecting an upset pick considering the circumstances, I hate to disappoint.
The problem is that even with their starting QB out, the Bearkats have an explosive offense with a dangerous running game, which can spell doom for an FIU defense that struggles against that.
I don’t think Jenkins will be limited in what he can do, but this is a defense that’ll be targeting him all game. If FIU’s running game can’t be established, (Which it likely won’t) then it’ll be another low-scoring game for them.
More importantly, this is a game that Sam Houston can’t afford to lose. They’re competing for the CUSA Championship, and a loss to FIU would ruin all of that. So FIU is going to get the very best of them, and that’s not groovy, yo.
SAM HOUSTON STATE – 21
FIU – 13
More Stories
FIU Baseball Opens Up Delaware Series With Dominant W
FIU & Miami Set To Play Ball At loanDepot Park On March 4th
Canes Blown Out, Lose 82-42 to the Fighting Irish