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Football heads west to play the UTEP Miners

Football heads west to play the UTEP Miners

Adrian Benitez | Staff writer

The FIU football team will play the UTEP Miners in the Sun Bowl in El Paso on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

In their last game, the Panthers nearly pulled off a monumental victory, taking the undefeated Liberty Flames to overtime. Unfortunately, the offense fumbled the game, which ended in a 31-24 loss, increasing the Panthers record to 2-4.

However, while the Flames were undefeated, this week’s opponent looks very different. The Miners enter this matchup having lost each of their six games, including a loss to FCS Southern Utah.

The Miners’ last game was a 44-17 loss to Western Kentucky. The Miners were down 20 points at halftime and never really got going in the game.

UTEP’s record is reflected in the statistics. Offensively, the Miners’ points per game (16), yards per game (323) and rushing yards per game (98.3) all rank in the bottom three among C-USA teams.

Their defense isn’t much better. The unit allows 34.5 points and 443.3 yards per game as well as 235.5 rushing yards per game. These stats are all in the bottom four of the conference.

The passing game is the saving grace of the Miners, who rank fifth in the conference with 225 yards per game. Additionally, their pass defense allows just 207.8 yards per game, ranking second in the conference.

UTEP can’t even catch a break on special teams, as their field goal percentage (.571) and average yards per punt (35.5) both rank last in the conference.

As for players, Miners second-year quarterback Skylar Locklear has completed 77 of his 121 passes for a 63.6 completion percentage, three touchdowns and four interceptions on the season.

Among Locklear’s receivers, second-year wide receiver Kenny Odom was the most productive. He has 19 catches for 435 yards and 4 touchdowns this season, averaging 22.9 yards per reception and 72.5 yards per game.

If the Panthers want to win in this game, they will have to set the tone in the passing game. If they can eliminate the Miners’ main strengths in passing attack and defense, the Panthers should emerge victorious.

Looking to get back in the win column, the FIU football team travels to El Paso, Texas to face the UTEP Miners in the Sun Bowl on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Follow Adrian Benitez on X: @ab305FIU

forecast: FIU 24, UTEP 13