MIAMI — FIU's football program travels to the Midwest for a pivotal Conference USA (CUSA) matchup at Missouri State on Wednesday night.
The Panthers (3-4, 1-2 CUSA) take on the Bears (4-3, 2-1 CUSA) at Robert W. Plaster Stadium on Wednesday night in Springfield, Mo., of which will air live on CBS Sports Network.
SERIES HISTORY
Series Record: First-Ever Meeting
Last Matchup: First-Ever Meeting
Willie Simmons vs. Mo State: First-Ever Meeting
HOW TO FOLLOW
Fans can follow along with the game on variety of platforms. The matchup will air live on CBS Sports Network and also be available via audio stream on
fiusports.com/listenlive. Live stats will also be available on
fiusports.com/FBStats.
BROADCAST TEAMS
CBS Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Jordan Kent
Analyst: Adam Breneman
fiusports.com Audio Stream
Play-by-Play: Corey Brooks
Analyst:
Nick Garrido
MATCHUP NOTES
• The Panthers will face off with the Bears for the first time in program history in search of back-to-back road wins for the first time since 2022. The Panthers have faced two opponents this season for the first time in program history as Missouri State joins fellow-newcomer Delaware with that distinction.
• FIU is looking for a bounce-back victory following a 45-26 defeat to Kennesaw State at home while Missouri State is in searchof its third-straight win in CUSA play following back-to-back road victories over Middle Tennessee and New Mexico State.
• Each one of MIssouri State's three CUSA games have been decided by seven points or less while each of FIU's three conference games have been decided by 19 points or more.
• This will be matchup of Panthers past and present in the backfield as
Kejon Owens is enjoying a standout season for FIU while former-Panther
Shomari Lawrence, who transferred out after the 2024 season, is the top rusher for Missouri State.
• A win would mark FIU's first 2-0 start on the road in conference play since 2018.
• The Bears have won three of their last four games, of which includes a two-game winning streak in CUSA play, having defeated Middle Tennessee and New Mexico State on the road.
• Missouri State is 3-1 on the road this season, but just 1-2 at home.
• Former FIU running back
Shomari Lawrence anchors the Mo. State rushing attack, averaging 63.7 rushing yards per game, fifth-most in CUSA.
• As a team, the Bears have the third-ranked passing attack in CUSA, passing for 267.1 yards per game.
• Missouri State has 13 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions.
• The Bears have given up 27 sacks in seven games, the most of any CUSA team.
• Missouri State Quarterback Jacob Clark started his career at Minnesota, but has been with the Bears since 2022. The senior signal caller has over 6,300 career passing yards and 47 touchdowns.
FIU ATHLETICS APP
Fans are encouraged to download the Official FIU Athletics App for all FIU Athletics News and Digital Content, of which can be found searching 'FIU Athletics' in the App Store on both Android and iOS-based devices.
WEEKLY MEDIA AVAILABILITIES
BEST OF SOCIAL MEDIA
THE WILLIE SIMMONS COACH'S SHOW
The Panthers will partner with Twin Peaks Doral, one of the highest-grossing restaurants in the entire franchise, for a weekly show with first-year Head Coach
Willie Simmons and other special guests.
Host Corey Brooks will sit down with Coach Simmons to discuss all facets of Panther football, with an emphasis on recapping the previous week's match-ups and previewing the upcoming game. For more information, click here.
TICKETS
For more information on FIU Football tickets, including season tickets, single game and multi-game package tickets, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the
FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following
@FIU.Football on Instagram and
@FIUFootball on Twitter and
Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at
@FIUSports on Facebook and
@FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
