UTEP vs. FIU Prediction, Game Preview

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The winner of this week’s game between the Florida International Panthers and the UTEP Miners reaches the midpoint of the season at .500. Check out the UTEP vs. Florida International prediction and game preview.

UTEP vs. FIU Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 10
Venue: Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium, Miami, Florida
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Network: American Sports Network

Why You Need To Care

UTEP and Florida International share a common goal this week—rebound from a sloppy performance to get back to the .500 mark. The Panthers have dropped two straight on the road, including last week at UMass, to waste the goodwill it earned with an opening day win over UCF. The Miners played miserably in their 25-6 loss to UTSA, looking like a house of cards if they can’t turn things around immediately.

Why UTEP Will Win

The Miner offense is struggling badly with turnovers and a lack of execution. But outscoring Florida International, which is averaging 17 points in four games with FBS opponents, is doable. UTEP head coach gave a vote of confidence to QB Ryan Metz, while committing to running the ball better with playmaker Autrey Golden and FB Darrin Laufasa, who’s expected back at full strength.

Why Florida International Will Win

Kugler is committed to improving the offense, but it won’t come easy versus FIU. Although the Panthers are vulnerable to quality passing games, which doesn’t apply to UTEP, they converge on the ball quickly with linemen Denzell Perine and Michael Wakefield and linebackers Anthony Wint and Treyvon Williams.

Player Who Matters

FIU has its own offensive issues, born out of an inability to control the line of scrimmage. Last week against the Minutemen, the Panthers allowed little time for QB Alex McGough, who managed to throw for just 115 yards on 34 attempts. FIU must improve in the basics, specifically when blocking for its best weapon, do-everything RB Alex Gardner.

What’s Going To Happen?

Florida International is happy to be back home and ready to seize the opportunity in front of it. Neither team will do much on offense. But the Panthers boast the better playmakers on defense, and Gardner will score multiple times to fuel the win.