We have a Conference USA matchup between FIU (1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS) and Western Kentucky (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) from Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium at 3:30pmET on Saturday.
FIU was off last Saturday and fell to Texas State 41-12 on Sept. 10 in their only FBS game of the season. They barely beat FCS Bryant 38-37 in overtime in their first game on Sept. 1.
The Hilltoppers are coming off a tough loss at Indiana in overtime (33-30) on the road last Saturday.
Last season, these teams met with Western Kentucky (-16.5) winning 34-19 on the road, but not covering the big number.
FIU has two weeks to think about the mistakes they made against Texas State on Sept. 10. The Panthers are a very young team with just four starters returning. They struggled on the ground (62 yards) and allowed 226 passing yards. The Bobcats scored on two long passes in the first half and their last score came on a 60-yard interception return. Sophomore quarterback Grayson James got the start and had mixed results with 196 yards passing and two picks. Gunnar Holmberg (103yds, 1 TD) started against Bryant in their overtime win and then suffered a concussion.
“We'll keep making improvements.” – @CoachMikeMac #PawsUp | #ELEVATE pic.twitter.com/kKm2DLFxLu
— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) September 13, 2022
“We’re a young team and we’re fighting hard, I’m really proud of how hard they’re fighting and it’s a process,” said FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre. “The bye week for us actually is coming at a really good time because we’ll get to assess the team after two games and also get some guys healthy.”
Holmberg could play this week as a lot was expected of the Duke transfer, who threw for 2,358 yards with seven TDs and eight picks last year in Durham. The defense wasn't bad overall, but they allowed too many big plays. That can happen when you have nearly a completely new secondary, which includes several transfers. The bye week should all the Panthers to get some players back from injury as well as work on some of their deficiencies.