Massachusetts vs. FIU Prediction, Game Preview

The Florida International Panthers (2-2) make the long trip north to play the Massachusetts Minutemen (0-3). Check out the Massachusetts vs. FIU prediction and game preview.

Massachusetts vs. FIU Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3

Game Time: 3:00 ET

Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

Florida International and Massachusetts meet in the first half of a home-and-home series that will conclude in Miami in 2018. The Minutemen are looking for their first win of the year, losers of three straight to Colorado, Temple and Notre Dame. The Panthers feel pretty good about their .500 September, which began with a stunning upset of UCF.

Why FIU Will Win

No household names, but the defense is playing very well. FIU is only allowing five yards a play, and front seven members Denzell Perine, Michael Wakefield, Anthony Wint and Treyvon Williams will create headaches for a lumbering UMass O-line.

Why Massachusetts Will Win

Where FIU struggles, on offense, the Minutemen show potential. The Panthers have averaged just 18 points in three games with FBS opponents. Meanwhile, UMass is capable of stretching field with the pitch-and-catch combo Blake Frohnapfel to Tajae Sharpe.

Player Who Matters

For all of the defensive talent at FIU, UMass might boast this game’s best defensive player. Minutemen LB Jovan Santos-Knox figures to be the perfect antidote to the Panthers’ most productive back, Alex Gardner. And like Santos-Knox, CB Randall Jette might have a career on Sundays as well.

What’s Going To Happen?

With its best chance so far in 2015 to win a game, UMass won’t squander the opportunity. For Florida International, this is a long road trip to a play in a different climate. The Panther D will again be feisty, but Frohnapfel and Sharpe will eventually break through with the decisive hookups.