The FIU Panthers (2-4, 2-4 ATS, 2-4 O/U) take on the Charlotte 49ers (1-6, 2-5 ATS, 5-2 O/U) in a C-USA bout on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers' struggles continues in a loss to UTSA last week. The 49ers were dealt a road loss by UAB to remain winless in conference play. Charlotte recorded a convincing 45-33 road win against FIU last season.
The FIU Panthers are searching for their first conference win of the season. They have only been the favorite in one game which was again FCS opponent Bryant, resulting in a victory. Their other win occurred against New Mexico State. FIU lost the conference opener 73-0 against Western Kentucky and was labeled 33.5 point dogs in a 30-10 home loss to UTSA last Friday to plummet to 0-2 in conference play. FIU has covered the spread in two of their last three games.
Grayson James is having trouble generating yards. The sophomore QB has tossed three picks in his last two games and only has 1093 passing yards along with a 7:5 TD to INT ratio on the year. His best output of the season was 256 yards.
Lexington Joseph has been a bright spot. The junior RB has reached at least 80 rushing yards in two out of his last three games and leads the team with a total of 291 rushing yards on 5.9 yards per carry. Tyrese Chambers did not play last week due to a foot injury and is questionable. The senior WR is a key piece, bringing in a team-leading 262 receiving yards. The FIU offense is one of the worst in the FBS and has only reached 20 points twice all year.
Chase Gabriel for 3???@FIUFootball make it a one score game here in the second pic.twitter.com/G2IRdkg6UH
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 15, 2022
The Panthers' defense is also a weakness. They squandered 433 total yards against UTSA last week and continue to be exploited in the air. The unit allowed 303 passing yards last week and ranks 105th against the pass while the rush defense isn’t much better, landing 68th. FIU is scoring an average of 15.5 points, pegging them 125th. The defense is conceding an average of 36.8 points, positioning them 122nd.