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The FIU Panthers are 1-5 against the Middle Tenn. Blue Raiders since October of 2015, but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Saturday. FIU and Middle Tenn. will face off in a Conference USA battle at 3:30 p.m. ET at Johnny (Red) Floyd Stadium. Neither team wants a repeat from their last game since each was dealt a considerable loss.
The Panthers have to be hurting after a devastating 47-24 defeat at the hands of the Old Dominion Monarchs last week. A silver lining for FIU was the play of WR Bryce Singleton, who caught six passes for two TDs and 199 yards. One of the most thrilling moments was Singleton's 65-yard TD reception in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Middle Tenn. has to be aching after a bruising 48-21 loss to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers last week. Middle Tenn. was down 48-14 at the end of the third quarter, which was just too much to recover from. QB Nicholas Vattiato had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: despite two touchdowns, he threw five interceptions with only five yards per passing attempt.
The Panthers are the clear underdogs, so they're hoping it's the size of the fight that determines this one. Those betting on them against the spread shouldn't have high expectations for them since the team is 2-5 ATS when expected to lose.
FIU is now 1-8 while the Blue Raiders sit at 4-5. Two defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: FIU is stumbling into the game with the 239th most touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 41 on the season. Middle Tenn. has experienced some struggles of their own as they are 205th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 17 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
