Saturday Blitz
Fansided

FIU Football: Can the Panthers improve in year two under Mike MacIntyre?

By Dante Pryor

Nov 10, 2018; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Mike MacIntyre motions in the third quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2018; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Mike MacIntyre motions in the third quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
MONTGOMERY, AL – DECEMBER 21: Running back Anthony Jones #2 of the FIU Golden Panthers runs the ball through traffic during their game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the Camellia Bowl at the Crampton Bowl on December 21, 2019, in Montgomery, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
MONTGOMERY, AL – DECEMBER 21: Running back Anthony Jones #2 of the FIU Golden Panthers runs the ball through traffic during their game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the Camellia Bowl at the Crampton Bowl on December 21, 2019, in Montgomery, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

How will the Panthers fare in 2023?

Is it possible to have a worse record yet look like a better team? That would not be surprising if the Panthers win fewer games but look better on the field in 2023. This is a tough schedule. They play three bowl teams in the non-conference.

9/2 vs. Maine W: The Black Bears won two games last season but went 1-5 in one-possession games. This game could be tricky, so the Panthers better be ready to play.

9/9 vs. North Texas L: Fwill to struggle against teams that can score, and the Mean Green put 52 points on the Panthers last year. Mean Green win but not by 38 points.

9/16 at UConn L: The Huskies’ offense isn’t dominant, but they can run the football. FIU should be better against the run, but the Huskies still run it too well.

9/23 vs. Liberty L: The Flames expect to contend for the CUSA titin 2023. Jamey Chadwell and Liberty are too much for the Panthers.

10/4 at New Mexico State L: The Aggies are another newcomer looking to contend in CUSA. Head coach Jerry Kill and NMSU are too much for the Panthers.

10/11 vs. UTEP L: The Miners gave FIU quite the beating last season. The Panthers won’t get their win back but play them tougher this year.

10/18 at Sam Houston W: This game is one of two 50/50 games on the Panthers’ schedule. I trust Grayson James more than any quarterback the Bearkats have.

10/25 vs. Jacksonville State L: This is the other 50/50 game the Panthers have. The Gamecocks have questions at quarterback, but Rich Rodriguez’s system is quarterback friend, and the Panthers can’t stop the run.

11/11 at Middle Tennessee L: The Blue Raiders are arguably the best defensive teams in the conference, and their offense is pretty gell—a  bad combination for the Panthers.

11/18 at Arkansas L: Paycheck game against an SEC opponent.

11/25 vs. Western Kentucky L: The Panthers hope not to lose as ugly as they did last year.  IU keeps it a bit more respectable than last year.

Next. Ranking College Football's top 25 fanbases. dark

Prediction:  2-9,1-6 CUSA

Home/Conference USA