FIU football a real threat to go winless in 2022 under Mike MacIntyre

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Southern Miss wide receiver Antillis (11) runs the ball while playing quarterback during the first quarter of a football game against Florida International in Hattiesburg, November, on Saturday, November 27, 2021.Fiu At Southern Miss /

FIU’s defense was one of the worst in FBS

Anytime you win one game, the defense is usually terrible. The Panthers had one of the worst defenses in college football last season. Florida International finished 126th out of 130 teams scoring defense, allowing 39.7 points per game. They were 128th in total defense, surrendering 491.3 yards per game.

The Panthers created eight turnovers, tied for 128th in the country. The Panthers lack both size and depth up front and will get bullied on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Richard and Rishard Dames are both gone at the corner, and the safeties are young. Coach Strickland has some decisions about what defense they play because they might not have enough bodies to run a base 4-3.

The Panthers did not get much line help via the transfer portal. Incoming freshman Will Prendergrast might be one of the bigger defensive linemen on the roster and will likely see a load of snaps as a true freshman.

Unless this defense finds a way to create turnovers at a higher rate than last season, they will struggle to get opponents off the field.

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