Miami Football: Hurricanes look to control in-state foe FIU

For the first time in 12 years, Miami football takes on in-state rival Florida International this Saturday.

You might remember that meeting for what happened between the players when a huge brawl marred the game.

While emotions will be high between the two neighboring schools, hopefully it doesn’t come to that same fever pitch this year.

After stumbling in a Week 1 game with LSU, the Hurricanes have looked nothing short of a threat in the ACC in wins over Savannah State and Toledo. Of course, even FIU has more to offer than those two teams, but wins are wins in September.

DeeJay Dallas looks like a star in the making, as the running back leads the team with 196 yards and a touchdown. Malik Rosier has done enough to hold off N’Kosi Perry, completing 36 of 70 for 595 yards with five scores.

Jeff Thomas has been the main offensive threat for the Hurricanes, as the receiver has 11 receptions for 304 yards and two TDs.

The Panthers opened with a close 10-point loss at home to Indiana, rebounding with wins over Old Dominion and UMass. They enter averaging almost 40 points per game and 450 yards of total offense.

James Morgan has thrown six touchdowns with Shawndarrius Phillips running for 249 yards and four scores.

Florida International’s issues, though, rest with a defense that is allowing 27 points and 428 yards per contest.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s game between Florida International and Miami:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Miami, Fla.
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: WatchESPN | Fubo TV

Keys to Victory

For the Panthers to have any hopes of a victory, they must figure out a way to cause turnovers. If FIU can do that and limit the big plays from the Miami offense, they can keep it close.

For Miami, the goal is to make it a quick game and allow the starters to rest and the reserves to gain some valuable playing time. Look for Rosier to make sure that happens with his big-play passing ability.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of OddsShark

Point Spread: Miami -27
Over/Under: 60

Prediction

Florida International has looked respectable in wins over UMass and Old Dominion, and played Indiana tough, but those three schools don’t have the kind of offensive firepower that Miami holds true. The Hurricanes should have no trouble knocking off this in-state rival.

Final Score: Miami 37, Florida International 14