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FIU: (1-4, 1-0 C-USA) (0-1 away) |
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UTEP: (1-4, 0-2 C-USA) (1-2 home) |
Date: Oct. 8, 2016
Location: Sun Bowl (FieldTurf) (51,500) in El Paso, Texas.
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
Press Box Phone: 915.747.5154
Television: None
Radio: Conquista 106.3 FM - Josh Appel (play-by-play) and Wes Carroll (color analyst) on the call. Fans can listen by tuning into 106.3 on their FM dial
Live Stats: www.UTEPAthletics.com
Live Video Streaming: C-USA TV
Tickets: 305.FIU.GAME (348.4263) -or- www.FIUSports.com
Records: FIU enters Saturday's game with a 1-4 (1-0 C-USA) record following a 33-31 win versus Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Oct. 1. UTEP comes into this week's action with a 1-4 (0-2 C-USA) mark after a 28-7 loss at LA Tech on Saturday, Oct. 1.
FIU Interim Head Coach Ron Cooper: Cooper (Jacksonville State, 1983) is in his first season as interim head coach (1-0, 1.000) and 10th season overall as a head coach (45-56, .446). Cooper is 23-33 as an FBS head coach and 22-23 as an FCS head coach. He has never faced UTEP.
UTEP Head Coach Sean Kugler: Kugler (UTEP, 1989) is in his fourth season at UTEP (15-27, .357). Kugler is 1-1 all-time versus the Panthers.
Series History: Saturday will mark the third meeting all-time between the two programs with the series tied, 1-1. The last meeting between the two teams resulted in a 52-12 win for the Panthers on Oct. 10, 2015, in Miami, Florida.
Game 6 – FIU Heads West to Face UTEP on Saturday
Coming off the team's first win of the season, FIU will hit the road and head west to take on the UTEP Miners on Saturday, Oct. 8. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET with the game being streamed on C-USA TV. Fans can also listen to the game on Conquista 106.3 FM. Josh Appel (play-by-play) and Wes Carroll (color analyst) will be in the booth all season long.
FIU rushed for the most yards in a game since 2010 and wrestled the Don Shula Bowl Trophy from Florida Atlantic in a spirited 33-31 win in Shula Bowl XV at FIU Stadium Saturday night.
The Panthers rushed for 270 yards against the Owls led by
Alex Gardner's 119 yards and
Anthony Jones who had 90 yards. Quarterback
Alex McGough rushed for 61 yards and two touchdowns.
For his efforts, Gardner was named the Shula Bowl MVP for FIU. It was the second consecutive Shula Bowl MVP honor for Gardner, who received the distinction last year in Boca Raton. Greg Howell, who rushed for 101 yards, was named the Shula Bowl MVP for FAU.
The 270 rushing yards for FIU were the fifth most in the program's 14-plus year history and it was the most FIU had rushed for since 2010. Against Troy in 2010, the Panthers ran for a program-record 448 yards. Three Panthers: Darriet Perry, T.Y. Hilton and Darian Mallary each rushed for more than 100 yards against Troy.
Junior linebacker
Anthony Wint, who has recorded double-digit tackles in three-straight games as well as in four of the team's five outings on the year, anchored a defense that made a number of crucial stops versus the Owls. The Homestead, Florida, native, tied a season-high in tackles with 12 and forced a crucial fumble on Saturday, earning this week's Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The Panthers come into Saturday's game averaging 335.2 yards of total offense-per-game and 17.4 points-per-game. McGough, who was responsible for three touchdowns on Saturday (two rushing, one passing), has thrown for 747 yards on 68-of-129 passing. The Tampa native has recorded two passing touchdowns this season. Joining McGough in the backfield is Gardner, who comes into this week's game with 407 rushing on 84 carries and three rushing touchdowns. The Jacksonville, Florida product is coming off his third 100-yard rushing game with 119 versus the Owls on Saturday. His three 100-yard rushing games are tied for the second-most in the conference this season. Fellow running back Jones had a career-high 90 yards rushing and one touchdown versus the Owls to increase his season total to 191 yards on 40 carries and two touchdowns.
Tight end
Jonnu Smith leads all Panthers with 22 receptions for 248 yards. The Ocala, Florida, product has caught a pass in 37-straight games (second-longest streak in school history – 44-straight by Cory McKinney - 2002-2005).
Defensively, the Panthers are led by redshirt junior
Treyvon Williams, who has recorded 57 tackles this season, including 4.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. Williams is second in the conference and seventh in the nation in tackles-per-game (11.4). Right behind Williams is Wint, who has notched 55 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. Wint is third in the conference and eighth in the nation in tackles-per-game (11.0). Safety
Niko Gonzalez is the secondary's leading tackler with 35 (23 solo), followed by redshirt sophomore
Shermarke Spence, who has tallied 22 (15 solo).
Saturday's game will be the third all-time between the two teams. Last season the Panthers defeated the Miners, 52-12, recording 518 yards of total offense (eighth-most in FIU history), while breaking the school record for points in a half (41).
Game Notables
- Saturday will be the second road game for the Panthers this season.
- Saturday will mark FIU's second trip to El Paso (0-1).
- FIU will look to improve to 2-4 on the year.
- FIU will look to improve to 2-0 in C-USA action on the year.
- FIU will look to improve to 19-37 all-time in the month of October.
- Saturday will mark the second game for Interim Head Coach
Ron Cooper at FIU (1-0).
- Saturday will mark Cooper's 102nd game as a college head coach (both FBS and FCS).
- Saturday will mark the third meeting all-time between FIU and UTEP.
- The series is tied 1-1.
- FIU will look for its first win in the Sun Bowl (0-1).
- FIU is 23-36 all-time versus teams from Conference USA.
- FIU will look to improve to 8-9 all-time versus teams from the state of Texas.
- FIU will look to improve to 5-6 all-time in games played in the Lone Star State.
- Coach Cooper will look to improve to 5-3 all-time versus teams from Texas.
- Senior
Jonnu Smith will look to extend his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 38
- FIU will be looking to record its 19th road victory all-time on Saturday.
- Saturday will mark the 172nd game in FIU history.
- Saturday will mark Coach Cooper's first meeting with the Miners.
Ron Cooper Named Interim Head Coach
On Sunday, Sept. 25,
Ron Cooper was named interim head coach of the FIU football team. Cooper, who entered the year as the team's defensive coordinator also served as the team's defensive backs coach in 2015.
This marks Cooper's fourth head coaching stint (Eastern Michigan – 1993-1994; Louisville – 1995-1997; Alabama A&M – 1998-2001). Saturday will mark his 102nd game as a collegiate head coach (FBS and FCS).
Wint Named C-USA Defensive Player of the Week
Junior linebacker
Anthony Wint has been named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week for the week ending Oct. 2 the league announced on Oct. 3.
Wint tied a season-high in tackles with 12 on Saturday night to help FIU defeat rival Florida Atlantic, 33-31, and guide the Panthers to their first win of the season. The Homestead, Florida, native also had a tackle for loss and forced a key fumble in the third quarter that led to an FIU touchdown.
Familiar Faces
The 2016 FIU schedule features no first-time opponents on it. This marks the first time in FIU history that the Panthers will not face at least one first-time opponent in a season. In the 15-year history of FIU football, the Panthers have faced 61 different schools from 23 different states as well as the District of Columbia.
Versus the Lone Star State
Saturday will mark FIU's 11th trip to the state of Texas with the Panthers owning a 4-6 mark in games played in the Lone Star State. The last time FIU visited Texas, the Panthers lost to North Texas, 17-14, on Nov. 22, 2014. The Panthers have played the Mean Green more times than any other team from Texas - eight times (5-3).
Ground and Pound
On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Panthers rattled off 270 yards rushing versus Florida Atlantic. Averaging 5.5 yards-per-carry, FIU recorded the fifth-highest rushing total in school history and the most rushing yards since the 2010 season.
Run, McGough, Run
Quarterback
Alex McGough wasn't going to let running backs
Alex Gardner and
Anthony Jones have all of he fun versus Florida Atlantic. The Tampa, Florida, native rushed for a career-high 61 yards on seven carries including a career-best two rushing touchdowns. One of his touchdown was a career-long 35-yard scamper on fourth-and-one to give FIU a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.
Consecutive Catches - 37
Senior
Jonnu Smith enters Saturday's game with a pass reception in 37-consecutive games. That is the seventh-longest streak in the nation.
| Player, School |
Games |
| Robert Davis, Georgia State |
41 |
| Corey Davis, Western Michigan |
41 |
| Zach Pascal, Old Dominion |
41 |
| Zay Jones, East Carolina |
40 |
| Taquan Mizzell, Virginia |
38 |
| Nate Phillips, Arizona |
38 |
| Jonnu Smith, FIU |
37 |
| Ronnie Moore, Bowling Green |
35 |
| River Carcraft, Washington State |
33 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC |
32 |
| Trent Taylor, Louisiana Tech |
32 |
| Jordan Westerkamp, Nebraska |
31 |
| DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State |
31 |
| KD Cannon, Baylor |
30 |
| Christian McCaffrey, Stanford |
30 |
| Corey Jones, Toledo |
29 |
| Cam Serigne, Wake Forest |
29 |
| Allen Lazard, Iowa State |
28 |
| Victor Bolden Jr., Oregon State |
28 |
| Thomas Sperbeck, Boise State |
27 |
| Artavis Scott, Clemson |
27 |
| Fred Ross, Mississippi State |
26 |
| Amara Darboh, Michigan |
25 |
| Jerico Richardson, Nevada |
24 |
| Tanner Gentry, Wyoming |
24 |
| James Washington, Oklahoma State |
24 |
| Travis Rudolph, Florida State |
23 |
| Nicholas Norris, Western Kentucky |
23 |
| Keon Hatcher, Arkansas |
23 |
| Ryan Yurachek, Marshall |
22 |
| Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky |
22 |
| Jake Butt, Michigan |
21 |
| Phil Mayhue, Memphis |
20 |
Dynamic Duo
Linebackers
Anthony Wint and
Treyvon Williams have combined for 112 total tackles through the team's first five games. That is the most by any pair of players from a Conference USA team this season as they are the only teammates that rank in the top five among all league players. Williams, who had a career-high 15 tackles versus the Owls, leads FIU with 57 tackles. The Miami native ranks No. 2 in the conference and No. 7 nationally in tackles-per-game (11.4). Wint, who tied a season-high in total tackles versus FAU (12), is second on the team with 55. The Homestead, Florida, product is No. 3 in the conference and No. 8 nationally in tackles-per-game (11.0).
Shula Bowl XV
This year's Shula Bowl saw the FIU Panthers defeat the Florida Atlantic Owls, 33-31, on Saturday, Oct. 1. The Panthers rushed for a season-high 270 yards led by junior
Alex Gardner, who was named FIU's Most Valuable Player. For FAU, Greg Howell earned MVP honors, rushing for a team-high 101 yards.
Series MVPs
| Year |
FIU MVP |
FAU MVP |
| 2002 |
Jerrid Lundstedt (RB) |
Jared Allen (QB) |
| 2003 |
Adam Gorman (RB) |
Jared Allen (QB) |
| 2004 |
Cory McKinney (WR) |
Jared Allen (QB) |
| 2005 |
Ben West (RB) |
Thomas Parker (WR) |
| 2006 |
Chandler Williams (WR) |
Rusty Smith (QB) |
| 2007 |
A'mod Ned (RB) |
Rusty Smith (QB) |
| 2008 |
Paul McCall (QB) |
Rusty Smith (QB) |
| 2009 |
Daunte Owens (RB) |
Alfred Morris (RB) |
| 2010 |
T.Y. Hilton (WR) |
Lester Jean (WR) |
| 2011 |
Kedrick Rhodes (RB) |
Alfred Morris (RB) |
| 2012 |
Jake Medlock (QB) |
William Dukes (WR) |
| 2013 |
Markeith Russell (LB) |
Martin Wright (DE) |
| 2014 |
Richard Leonard (CB) |
Lucky Whitehead (WR) |
| 2015 |
Alex Gardner (RB) |
Trey Rodriguez (RB) |
| 2016 |
Alex Gardner (RB) |
Greg Howell (RB) |
No Laundry Service Needed
On Saturday, Oct. 1, FIU committed just one penalty for five yards versus Florida Atlantic. Both the one penalty committed and the five penalty yards were the fewest in school history. The previous record for penalties was two (five times) and penalty yards was 11 versus Maryland (9/8/07).
Mr. Jones Carrying the Rock
Sophomore
Anthony Jones rushed for 90 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown versus Florida Atlantic last Saturday. The 90 yards rushing were a career high, while it marked the second-straight game in which Jones found the endzone on the ground.
In October
FIU will play five games during the month of October this season. Following the team's 33-31 win over Florida Atlantic on Oct. 1, FIU enters Saturday's game with an 18-37 record all-time during the 10th month of the year.
FIU - UTEP Connections
Below are members of both teams that went to the same high school:
Edna Karr (New Orlenas, Louisiana)
FIU -
Leonard Washington
UTEP - Kalon Beverly
Weeki Wachee (Weeki Wachee, Florida)
FIU -
Shawn O'Gorman
UTEP - Donte Young
100-Yard Rusher
Junior
Alex Gardner notched his seventh 100-yard game, registering 119 yards on 27 carries versus Florida Atlantic. The seven 100-yard games rank tied for second in the FIU record books for the most 100-yard games by a Panther.
Double-Digit Tackles Becoming Common
Both
Treyvon Williams Anthony Wint recorded double-digit tackles versus Florida Atlantic last Saturday. Williams had a career-high 15, while Wint tied his season-high with 12. On the year the two have combined for eight games of 10-or-more tackles.
Passing Defense Shines
On Saturday, Oct. 1, the FIU secondary held Florida Atlantic to just 92 yards passing - the fewest yards allowed by FIU since Sept. 19, 2015 (38 - NC Central). On the year, FIU is allowing 214.6 yards passing-per-game which ranks No. 50 in the nation.
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For the latest information on Panthers football, follow us on Twitter, @FIUFootball, and check out
Pete Pelegrin's in-depth coverage of FIU Athletics on his official blog, The Prowl, at
www.FIUSports.com.
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2016 FIU Football Schedule
Sept. 1 INDIANA – L, 13-34
Sept. 9 MARYLAND – L, 14-41
Sept. 17 at UMass – L, 13-21
Sept. 24 UCF – L, 14-53
Oct. 1 FLORIDA ATLANTIC* - W, 33-31
Oct. 8 at UTEP; 8:00 p.m.
Oct. 15 at Charlotte; 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 22 LOUISIANA TECH* [ESPN3] (Homecoming); 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 29 MIDDLE TENNESSEE* [ESPN3]; 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 5 at WKU* [beIN]; 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 19 MARSHALL* [ASN]; 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 26 at Old Dominion* [ESPN3]; 3:30 p.m.
* denotes Conference USA Games
Home games at Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium are capitalized and bolded;
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About FIU Athletics: FIU Athletics is home to more than 400 student-athletes in 18 different sports. Athletic events are played in seven different venues on FIU's campuses (Modesto A. Maidique and Biscayne Bay), including FIU Arena and Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium.
About FIU:
Florida International University is recognized as a Carnegie engaged university. It is a public research university with colleges and schools that offer more than 180 bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations, architecture, law and medicine. As one of South Florida's anchor institutions, FIU contributes $8.9 billion each year to the local economy. FIU is Worlds Ahead in finding solutions to the most challenging problems of our time. FIU emphasizes research as a major component of its mission. FIU has awarded over 200,000 degrees and enrolls more than 54,000 students in two campuses and three centers including FIU Downtown on Brickell, FIU@I-75, and the Miami Beach Urban Studios. FIU also supports artistic and cultural engagement through its three museums: the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. FIU is a member of Conference USA and has over 400 student-athletes participating in 18 sports. For more information about FIU, visit http://www.fiu.edu/.
