Day: Saturday, September 7

Time: 6:00 PM CST

Location: Riccardo Silva Stadium

Network: ESPN+

Betting line: FIU -7.5 O/U: 55.5

History: WKU is 6-6 against FIU. In 2018, FIU defeated WKU 38-17.

Quarterbacks

In 2018, WKU quarterback Steven Duncan averaged 12 completions, 21 pass attempts, 119 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0.77 interceptions per game. Last week, the starting quarterback completed 26-of-39 pass attempts for 304 yards, 1 passing touchdown, and rushed for 19 yards and 1 rushing touchdown. While statistical improvements were made, the redshirt junior threw back-to-back interceptions in the first half. Both picks were thrown high into man coverage and intended for Lucky Jackson.

Against Tulane, FIU quarterback James Morgan completed 19-of-34 pass attempts for 208 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Had it not been for eleven dropped passes, Morgan's numbers would have been better. Entering the season, Morgan is considered a highly rated quarterback - 38th nationally - and considered the second-best quarterback in the state of Florida.

Advantage: FIU

Receivers

The Hilltoppers' receiving corps had four players with 50+ yards each, including: Jacquez Sloan, Jahcour Pearon, Joshua Simon, and Jakairi Moses. Wideouts Jacquez Sloan and Jahcour Pearson totaled the most yards, receptions, and posted the highest catch and success rates among the team. Sloan accounted for 5 receptions, 74 yards, 14.8 yards per reception, a catch rate of 100.0%, and success rate of 80.0%. Pearson had 7 receptions, 68 yards, 9.71 yards per reception, a catch rate of 87.5%, and a success rate of 62.5%. Tight end Joshua Simon totaled 3 receptions for 53 yards and 1 touchdown, but had a low success rate of 33.3%.

In addition to the Panthers' eleven dropped passes, no receiver was responsible for more than 49 yards. Tight end Sterling Palmer led with 2 receptions and 49 yards. Maurice Alexander - previously at quarterback - transitioned to receiver and accounted for 5 receptions and 30 yards. However, FIU's receivers could shine against a WKU secondary that fell flat in Game 1.

From a purely statistical perspective, WKU looked better. However, given both teams' backfield...

Advantage: FIU

Running Backs

WKU's Gaej Walker came out swinging in Game 1. On the Hilltoppers' first play of the night, Walker rushed for a 68 yard touchdown. The ex-defensive back had 19 carries, 152 rushing yards, and 2 touchdowns. Including the 68 yard run, Walker averaged 8.0 yards per carry (4.6 yards per carry excluding the explosive run).

Against Tulane, FIU rushed for only 59 yards and 2.3 yards per carry. Redshirt Senior Anthony Jones led the Panthers' running corps with 48 rushing yards.

Considering both WKU and FIU's rushing defenses...

Advantage: WKU

Offensive Line

The Hilltoppers' veteran line paved the way for a strong ground attack and only allowed 1 sack which came late in the 4th quarter.

FIU's line struggled against Tulane's pass rush: allowing 2 sacks and 4 quarterback hurries. WKU's DeAngelo Malone and Juwuan Jones could prove to be big challenge for the Panthers' line.

Advantage: WKU

Secondary

WKU's backfield was burned repeatedly against Central Arkansas: allowing 404 passing yards, 14 yards per pass, a long of 80 yards, and 4 passing touchdowns. Four different Central Arkansas receivers had receptions of at least 30 yards. Now, they must face another talented quarterback in James Morgan.

The Panthers' secondary was considered a strength of the team heading into the season. While they certainly [still] might be, Tulane opted for the run 72.0% of the game: limiting any substantial analysis of FIU's backfield. Nonetheless, Tulane quarterback Justin McMillan completed 14-of-18 pass attempts (77.7%) for 199 yards, 11.1 yards per pass attempt, and 2 touchdowns.

Advantage: FIU

Linebackers

In an post-game interview, FIU coach Butch Davis praised only three defensive players, and all three were linebackers: Sage Lewis, Jamal Gates, and Daniel Jackson. The three combined for 15 total tackles. Gates was responsible for 1 forced fumble while Lewis was in on the fumble recovery.

WKU's linebacking corps was fairly quiet. Kyle Bailey, Demetrius Cain, and Malik Staples combined for 10 total tackles.

Advantage: FIU

Defensive Line

WKU's DeAngelo Malone (end) had a very strong game of 8 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 1 quarterback hurry. His 3.5 tackles for loss put him atop the league's leaderboard. Juwuan Jones (end) was responsible for 3 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, and 1 quarterback hurry. While the defensive line racked up 6.5 (of 7) tackles for loss, there were, still, too many big plays that were allowed to unfold.

Speaking of big plays, FIU's rushing defense allowed 350 yards, 7.1 yards per carry, and 4 touchdowns. Against Tulane, FIU's three leading tacklers only posted 8 total tackles. Lineman Kevin Oliver led with 4 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. Simply put, the Panthers' defensive line was unable to maintain the line of scrimmage.

Advantage: WKU

Special Teams

Hilltopper punter John Haggerty proved to have a BOOT after a 60 yard and 50 yard punt. Freshman kicker Cory Munson was 4-of-4 on extra points but missed a 32 yard field goal.

FIU punted 6 times against Tulane: averaging 39.67 yards per punt. Placekicker Jose Borregales was 2-of-2 on extra points.

Advantage: WKU

Both FIU and WKU head into the matchup 0-1...both after disappointing losses given expectations heading into the season. Each team was with their red flags in Game 1. WKU's red flags included the back-to-back picks and 21 unanswered points in one quarter: the latter illuminating a lack of focus. FIU's red flags included the 350 allowed rushing yards and inability to convert on third down. A close game should be expected.

Prediction

1st Half: 17-14

2nd Half: 17-10

Panthers win 34-24