In the words of boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer, “Someone’s 0 has got to go!” You normally hear that when two undefeated fighters step into the ring for an important fight. However, this week two all defeated teams will duke it out to see who can pick up its first victory of the season when Middle Tennessee hosts Florida International.
Florida International (0-4) is a regular on the ESPN Bottom Ten; this week coming in at number one. The Panthers hold the nation’s longest losing streak at 16 games dating back to last season. The closest the Panthers have come to winning during this streak was in last season’s opener when they fell to Middle 7-6 thanks to a missed extra point.
Wayne Younger is trying his best to lead the Panthers to victory. The freshman quarterback has struggled with his passing, however, as he’s completed only 44 percent of his passes and has thrown five interceptions compared to two touchdowns. He does lead the team in rushing with 151 yards on 39 carries.
If the Panthers happen to find the end zone, something they’ve done only twice in four games this season, don’t assume the extra point is a sure thing. Kicker Chris Abed is one of two on extra points this season, but he has made two field goals of over 40 yards.
Middle Tennessee (0-4) will start freshman Dwight Dasher at quarterback again this week. In last week’s loss to Western Kentucky, Dasher engineered a fourth quarter rally that included a drive with less than a minute to go to set up a 35 yard field goal attempt that was ultimately missed. Dasher was 14 of 24 for 169 yards passing and rushed for 53 yards against the Hilltoppers.
Statistically the Blue Raiders have out performed the Panthers this season despite the records being identical. Middle Tennessee has managed to score 73 points on the season while FIU has put up only 22. The defenses are separated by a narrower margin as the Raiders have given up 149 points while the Panthers have allowed 14 more points.
The bottom line is a win for FIU would be huge for their program while a Blue Raider loss would be equally if not more devastating. Kick off for Saturday night’s contest inside Floyd Stadium is set for 6 pm.