FIU tries to become bowl-eligible for the third time in program history on Saturday when UTSA comes to town. The Panthers (5-2, 3-1 Conference USA) and Roadrunners (5-2, 2-2 C-USA) have met just once back in 2014 in San Antonio. UTSA defeated FIU 16-13. 

UTSA features one of the more potent offenses and the top defense in the conference. The Roadrunners put up 31 points per game and allow a league-low 17 points per game. FIU is coming off a big win at Marshall that moved the Panthers into a second place tie with the Thundering Herd in C-USA's East Division. Florida Atlantic leads the East with a 4-0 conference record.

For more on the Roadrunners, here is John Whisler of the San Antonio Express-News. John is the UTSA beat writer for the newspaper. You can follow John on Twitter for all things UTSA: @johnfwhisler.

Before we get to John, a couple of fun facts about this matchup. UTSA and Southern Miss are the C-USA teams FIU has played the least -- just one game against each team. FIU won at Southern Miss, 24-23, in 2013 on Isame Faciane's field goal block as time expired. 

Also, UTSA is the only FIU opponent in the Panthers' 16-year history that has a dome (Alamodome) for a home stadium. The 2014 game between FIU and UTSA was at the Alamodome. The only other games FIU has played in a dome were both bowl games: Tropicana Field (2011 vs. Marshall in St. Petersburg Bowl) and Ford Field (2010 vs. Toledo in Little Caesars Pizza Bowl). A win Saturday would qualify FIU for a bowl game.

    

1. What were the expectations for UTSA this season and how do you think they have fared so far?

JW: Expectations were high, especially after the Roadrunners got off to a 3-0 start. But those wins were over Baylor, Southern U. an FCS opponent, and Texas State. Back-to-back losses to Southern Miss (31-29) in SA and North Texas (29-26) on the road hurt. UTSA went for two in the loss to So. Miss and failed in the final seconds. The Mean Green drove 98 yards in the final 1:06 to steal that victory. Still, the 'Runners are five points and a couple of plays away from being 7-0.

2. The Roadrunners seem to be a very balanced, explosive offense. What are their strengths and what area could they improve on?

JW: UTSA sports a fairly explosive offense, if you look at their points per game. They're not really quick-strike, though, preferring to go on long, methodical drives that eat up a lot of clock. They've been hurt by penalties at times this season and have had trouble finishing teams off.

3. UTSA has the top scoring defense in C-USA. What makes them so good? Who are some of their best defenders?

JW: Their defense has played well all season. They're particularly strong up front, with De Marcus Davenport, at 6-7, 265 pounds, is probably their best pro prospect. DT Kevin Strong Jr. is good too, and the linebackers led by sophomore Josiah Tauaefa are strong. Tauaefa may not play though.

4. Who would you say are one or two Roadrunners that could be X factors into Saturday's game against FIU?

JW: Running back Tyrell Clay had a 153-yard game against Rice. Quarterback Dalton Sturm is the unquestioned leader and is having a very good season.

5. How do you see Saturday's game between UTSA and FIU playing out?

JW: I think UTSA is a slight favorite but FIU seems to be playing better and has faced better competition. If I were a betting man, I'd go with FIU at home.