HOW TO WATCH & PREVIEW: FIU Panthers @ Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Date: Saturday, November 11

Time: 3:30 PM EST

TV: ESPN+ with Jake Rose as the play-by-play and Justin Beasley as the analyst

Radio: Univision WQBA 1140 with AJ Ricketts as the play-by-play and Corey Brooks as the analyst

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium

Betting Line: MTSU -11.5

FIU Panthers

The Panthers are coming off of a long bye week following their loss against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. FIU currently stands at 4-5 on the season, but 1-5 in conference play.

FIU has a 1-8 record on the road against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, but that lone win came over a decade ago. "It's my first time taking FIU there," said head coach Mike MacIntyre. "Since Rick's [Stockstill] been there a lot of teams are struggling. They come to the stadium there at Middle, so we have played well on the road and try to get off to a quick start."

Despite quarterback Grayson James having success when he entered in the second half of the game against Jax State, throwing for 200 yards, one passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, it was announced that Keyone Jenkins would start against MTSU.

"Grayson has done a good job," said MacIntyre when asked if there was any consideration to start James this week. "We felt like Keyone should go and play and then we'll see how what happens during the football game."

For the Panthers, they have had to take on some run heavy teams this season, which has led to bad matchups. For example, Jax State and UTEP are two run heavy teams that were not good matchups for FIU, which led to 21-0 deficients and eventually losses. This time around, that isn't the case.

The Blue Raiders' rushing offense ranks sixth in the conference, which is huge for FIU as they are the third worst rushing defense in Conference USA. On the plus side, the Panthers have a better overall history defending the pass this season as they are the fifth-ranked pass defense in the conference.

If FIU will take advantage of the Blue Raiders, it has to be by going with the air game a lot more, a part of FIUs' offense that wasn't showcased with Jenkins as the quarterback against Jax State, but should be implemented more with the Blue Raiders being ranked the third worst pass defense in Conference USA.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

One of the bigger disappointments of the conference this season have been the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, who after finishing 8-5, have struggled and find themselves at 2-7, no longer in contention for a bowl game.

When speaking to the media on Monday, Blue Raiders head coach Rick Stockstill mentioned that one thing the Panthers have had for a long time is "great team speed." He also acknowledged the speed on the defensive end.

Redshirt Sophomore Nicholas Vattiato has been the Blue Raiders quarterback throughout the season and for the most part, he has had his ups and downs. This season, the Blue Raiders quarterback has thrown for 2,334 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

"Very athletic," said Mike MacIntyre on the Plantation, Florida product. "Can make all the throws. When you watch him, he has a lot of wow factor. He'll scramble and make a phenomenal pass. He can he can run. He's a really good quarterback."

Wide receiver Elijah Metcalf, who stands at 5'9" and 164 pounds has been the Blue Raiders' top wideout, with 45 receptions for 552 yards and five touchdowns. MacIntyre mentioned Metcalf's speed and ability to be an explosive player.

Despite the loss to New Mexico State, MTSU only allowed one touchdown. Unfortunately for them, the two field goals would allow the Aggies to win.

 "They've got a very physical front," said Mike MacIntyre. "They're linebacker room is fast and athletic. They've got one of the best safeties in the league. Number 17 (Tra Fluellen)."