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This Saturday, the FIU Panthers are hoping to patch up the holes in a defense that has allowed an average of 36.83 points per contest. They will take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday at Riccardo Silva Stadium after a week off. With a combined 1,066 yards of offense in their previous games, we can expect a fast-paced matchup.
There was early excitement for the Panthers after they claimed the game's first points two weeks ago, but it was the Charlotte 49ers who ended up claiming the real prize. FIU fell to Charlotte 45-33. FIU's loss came about despite a quality game from WR Tyrese Chambers, who caught three passes for two TDs and 201 yards. Near the top of the highlight reel was Max Bortenschlager's 75-yard TD bomb to Chambers in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, WKU made easy work of the Old Dominion Monarchs last week and carried off a 43-20 win. With WKU ahead 30-3 at the half, the game was all but over already. QB Bailey Zappe continued his habit of dropping crazy stat lines, passing for five TDs and 397 yards on 54 attempts. Zappe's 74-yard touchdown toss to WR Jerreth Sterns in the second quarter made for one of the most memorable moments of the afternoon.
WKU's defense was a presence as well, as it got past the Monarchs' offensive line to sack QB Hayden Wolff five times for a total loss of 38 yards. Leading the way was LB Will Ignont and his two sacks. Those were the first sacks for Ignont this season.
The Panthers have to know they'll be fighting an uphill battle given the 15 point spread they are up against. Those betting on them against the spread shouldn't have high expectations for them since the squad is 1-3 ATS when expected to lose.
FIU is now 1-5 while the Hilltoppers sit at 2-4. WKU is 0-1 after wins this year, and FIU is 0-4 after losses.
