The Charlotte 49ers have been hit hard for two weeks now. They did not fare too well against traditional Conference USA powers Southern Miss and Marshall. This week at least they playing a team with relatively little program history compared to the last two teams Charlotte faced. That team would be the Florida International Panthers, led by former Illinois coach Ron Turner.
The Panthers are trying to become little Miami as they share the same city with their much more famous neighbors, the Miami Hurricanes. Since this game will be played in Miami, we should look forward to nice weather and sandy beaches. The 49ers will have to play football here.
Opponent: Florida International Panthers (4-5, 2-3 CUSA)
Date: November 7
Time: 12:00 PM
TV: None
Venue: FIU Stadium (Miami, FL)
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The Panthers strive for balance on offense, but if they were to lean one way it would be the passing game. As a passing team they pose a direct threat to the 49ers, because the Panthers will score points and Charlotte has not been up to the task of matching that kind of team the last two weeks. Ever since the conference season began, FIU has been lighting up the scoreboard.
The key man behind that is efficient sophomore quarterback Alex McGough. McGough has eighteen touchdown passes this season to just four interceptions. He is not likely to do the 49ers favors by turning the ball over. Thomas Owens owns seven of those touchdowns and is the top receiving target for the Panthers.
To win this game, the 49ers are going to need good defense and ball control offense. Running back Kalif Phillips has proven to be the most reliable weapon on the offense this season. The 49ers need to ground pound the ball and keep FIU off the field. FAU beat FIU last week, and the 49ers played FAU close earlier this season. So there is hope here.
Prediction: 28-14 FIU