Inside the Schedule: FIU Golden Panthers

FIU Golden Panthers

2022 Record: 4-8
2023 FPI Projection: 4-8 
2023 Over/Under Total: 3.5

BIGGEST GAME: at Middle Tennessee (November 11)

This spot would normally be reserved for Florida Atlantic, but the Shula Bowl isn't happening this year. FIU had some ugly losses in 2022, but they played Middle Tennessee hard and fell short 33-28. By this point in the season FIU should be more comfortable with what they have and what they can do. The Raiders probably won't be at the top of Conference USA, but they are going to be competing for a bowl game, which is where FIU wants to be. A win here during what will likely be a lost season would show that FIU has rebuild the roster up enough that 2024 should have a much improved record. 

TRAP GAME: Maine (September 2)

Should be a walkover in a tough season for the Golden Panthers right? Maine is an FCS opponent coming off of a 2-9 season. The trap comes in when you look a little deeper. The Black Bears were in their first season under new coach Jordan Stevens and suffered their first losing season since 2017. They started the 2022 season with a 41-0 loss to New Mexico, but get better thoroughout the season. Maine lose their last five games by a total of 18 points. Three of those five opponewnts were in the FCS Top 25. My point is Maine will be a very live underdog against an FIU team that has lost a lot of talent. 

POTENTIAL UPSET: Liberty (Sept. 23)

Liberty is going to be very very good under Jamey Chadwell. But it's the first year of a new regime and the team dealt with a lot of turnover on the staff and the roster. If there's a time to catch a good team it's when they are in transition. FIU gets Liberty at home and I believe they will be in a desperate position to turn their season around after early struggles. A win over a Libery could spark a turnaround. 

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