Series: First Meeting
Line: KU (-32.5)
The Rundown
The Golden Panthers are indeed on a 15-game losing streak, but if are into score comparison theory, then FIU should provide a good challenge for KU this evening. The latest is Miami crushing A&M 34-17 at the Orange Bowl. It wasn't that close as Miami led 31-3 in the fourth quarter. FIU lost 23-9 at the Orange Bowl last week and although the Panthers struggled to generate offense, they did a better job than the Aggies at slowing down the Hurricanes. The game was still tight in the third quarter with Miami leading 13-3. The Panthers were smoked 59-0 by Penn State, but held Maryland to a respectable score (26-10). FIU will not be in fear of KU and the Panthers likely regard the 'Hawks as their easiest opponent to date.
The Key
KU could use a strong start to knock the Panthers out early. FIU is probably already thinking about Sun Belt play, but if you let them hang around, they may start to think they can win. They have the some players with speed that could create problems for the 'Hawks, so this is not a team to toy around with. It's hard to imagine the Panthers putting up much for points, so KU's challenge will be to execute properly on offense. We're in game four now, so it's not unreasonable to expect the 'Hawks to have an opening drive for a TD (CMU-punt, SLU-punt, Toledo-punt).
FIU Marquee Player
CB Lionell Singleton (5-10, 174, #22). He handles kick and punt returns as well as corner duties. He had four picks in the first five games last year.
Predictions