MIAMI (Oct. 9, 2019) - After last week's dominating 44-0 non-conference victory over UMass, FIU returns to Conference USA play this week as the Panthers host Charlotte on Saturday, Oct. 12 for Homecoming. 

Kickoff between the Panthers and 49ers is slated for 7:05 p.m. ET, with the game set to air on ESPN+. For complete game notes, click here. 

SCOUTING THE 49ERS
Led by first-year head coach Will Healy, the 49ers have a new swell of momentum for their football program. Charlotte has earned a 2-3 record on the season, with wins over Gardner-Webb and UMass and losses against Appalachian State, Clemson and FAU. The trip for Charlotte will mark its first out of the Carolina region, with all five first games coming in North Carolina and South Carolina. 

Charlotte leads the C-USA and ranks in the FBS top 30 for scoring with a 35.8 clip per game. The 49ers' 219.0 rush yards per game also tops the conference and ranks in the top 30 in the FBS. On defense, Charlotte is second in the league with 18 sacks, while ranking 13th in the nation. 

HOMECOMING 2019
This Saturday's game against Charlotte will serve as Homecoming for the Panthers. FIU is 2-0 under Head Coach Butch Davis for Homecoming games, with wins over Rice (36-17) and UTSA (14-7). Davis is an impressive 11-1 all-time for Homecoming games dating back to his time at UNC and Miami, with a current win streak of 10 games. As a program, FIU has won three out of its last four Homecoming games. 

PROGRAM-BEST DAY ON DEFENSE VS UMASS
FIU's defense shined against UMass, with the Panthers earning just the program's second-ever shutout in school history. The lone shutout before FIU's victory over UMass came against Butler (42-0) in the first season of football for the program in 2002. 

Defensive Highlights vs. UMass
- fewest total yards allowed (115)
- tied for 5th fewest rush yards allowed (38)
- 7th fewest pass yards allowed (77)

ALEXANDER NABS C-USA POW HONORS
After his sensational game against UMass, Maurice Alexander was named the C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week for the first time in his career. Alexander took a punt back 90 yards against the Minutemen, which ranks as the second longest in school history behind T.Y. Hilton's 97-yard return versus FAU in 2011. Additionally, the 90-yard return for Alexander is the longest by any player in the NCAA this season. 

GAITER POSTS CAREER GAME
Senior Tony Gaiter IV earned career-highs in catches (7) and receiving yards (103) against UMass. On the year, Gaiter leads the Panthers in catches (19) and receiving yards (274).

LEWIS TOPS C-USA IN INTS
For now, Sage Lewis is tied for the league lead in INTs this season after snagging two so far. Entering the season, Lewis had 0 interceptions for his career.

BOOMIN' FROM THE SOONER STATE
JC transfer Tommy Heatherly has had a great start to his career at FIU, with the Oklahoma native dominating the punting game. The junior has earned a 45.2 average for punts this season, with 11 over 50 so far for the year and a long of 60 against New Hampshire. Heatherly has also hit seven punts inside the 20. Heatherly ranks first in the league for his 45.2 average and 22nd in the nation. 

MORGAN NEARING CAREER PASSING MARK
James Morgan has thrown 31 touchdown passes at FIU, ranking as the fourth-most in school history. Morgan passed Wes Carroll's 30 last week after tossing two vs. UMass. 

UP NEXT
FIU caps its three-game homestand next Saturday as the Panthers host UTEP on Oct. 19. For more information, or to order your tickets by phone, please call (305) FIU-GAME or click here. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
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