MIAMI (Sept. 11, 2019) - FIU football returns to Riccardo Silva Stadium this Saturday, as the Panthers welcome the New Hampshire Wildcats for an out-of-conference matchup. 

Kickoff between the Panthers and Wildcats is slated for 7:05 p.m. ET. For complete game notes, click here. 

SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
New Hampshire dropped its season opener against Holy Cross on the road by a narrow 13-10 margin last weekend. The Wildcats held a tight 10-6 lead late in the fourth quarter, before allowing a fumble return for a score with 1:56 remaining to fall behind by the final score of 13-10.

The game was the first for UNH interim head coach Ricky Santos, who took over as head coach when Sean McDonnell announced on Aug. 26 that he was taking a leave of absence to deal with health issues. Carlos Washington Jr. led the Wildcat rushing attack, with 107 yards on ground and one score. NHU had a dual-passing attack, with Max Brosmer (106 yds) and Bret Edwards (97 yds) each getting snaps to finish with a combined 203 yards on 15-of-34 passing.

FIRST TIME AGAINST NEW HAMPSHIRE
FIU and New Hampshire have never crossed paths in football, with that all to change for the Panthers and Wildcats this weekend. The two athletic programs will also meet on the hardwood this season, as New Hampshire visits Jeremy Ballard's club on Nov. 30 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

FIU IN NON-CONFERENCE PLAY UNDER BUTCH DAVIS
FIU is 5-4 in regular season non-conference games under head coach Butch Davis, with FIU 0-1 so far this season. Against the FCS, FIU is 2-0 overall in the three seasons under Davis.

DAMES GOES THE DISTANCE
Rishard Dames took an interception 80 yards against WKU, which was the longest INT return for the Panthers since Marshall McDuffie's 82 yard return in 2005. The 80-yard INT return for Dames also ranks as the second longest in the NCAA for this season, sitting behind Nick Grant of Virginia's 85-yard return

FIU ON ESPN+
FIU will have six games aired on ESPN+ this season, with all six contests coming at home. FIU is 0-1 so far on the platform after losing to WKU last week. The Panthers were 3-0 on ESPN+ last season with wins over Arkansas Pine Bluff, Rice and UTSA.

UP NEXT
FIU hits the road next weekend for La Tech as the Panthers travel to Ruston on Friday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. ET. For more information, or to order your tickets by phone, please call (305) FIU-GAME or click here. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
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