FIU Football: Panthers hope to rebound and return to bowl game in 2021

Running game looks solid, but quarterback issues remain for FIU offense

After having really solid QB play with James Morgan under center in 2019, the Panthers struggled mightily at the position in 2020 and that was the biggest issue for the offense.

Last year’s starter, former Maryland transfer Max Bortenschlager, was not very accurate with the ball and struggled in his two starts. Kaylan Wiggins was the other quarterback and he had a lot of the same issues that Bortenschlager did. Both quarterbacks are competing with freshman Haden Carlson for playing time and this is a battle that could bleed into the season.

Whoever wins the quarterback battle will have a solid group of backs behind them. D’vonte Price was the starter last season and he put together a pretty solid effort in five games, rushing for nearly 600 yards and four touchdowns while averaging over six yards per carry on just 85 carries.

Price is not the only big-play man in the backfield, last year’s second-leading rusher Shaun Peterson also averaged six yards per carry, and together with Price, this is a formidable duo that can carry the offense while the quarterback situation gets sorted out.

The wide receivers are a talented group as well. Bryce Singleton has loads of experience and should be the top option for the Panthers. Shemar Thornton led the Panthers in receiving in 2019 but was injured last season, so his return will be a huge boost for the offense.

A name to keep an eye out for will be Sacred Heart transfer, Tyrese Chambers. Chambers was a big-time playmaker at the FCS level and he hopes to bring that to South Florida. The offensive line returns several guys that made starts in 2020, so experience won’t be an issue up front.