FIU game-by-game breakdown: Panthers will have to work hard for six wins in 2021
Sept. 2 vs. Long Island, 7 p.m., ESPN3: The Sharks didn’t play in 2020. Instead, they played a spring schedule, going 2-2 this past March. On June 29, coach Bryan Collins quit after 23 years. FIU 28-10
Sept. 11 vs. Texas State, 7 p.m., ESPN-plus: The Bobcats, from the Sun Belt Conference, struggle on defense. But watch out for Texas State QB Brady McBride. FIU 38-28
Sept. 18 at Texas Tech, 7 p.m., ESPN-plus: The Red Raiders have an older roster than normal, and Oregon transfer Tyler Shough should have success at quarterback. Texas Tech 38-6
Sept. 25 at Central Michigan, TBA: The Chippewas, led by Florida coach Jim McElwain, return 20 of their 24 starters. They went 8-6 and played in a bowl game in 2019. Central Michigan 31-21
Oct. 2 at Florida Atlantic, 3:30 p.m.: FIU opens its Conference USA schedule against its biggest rival. The Owls have won four straight Shula Bowls. FAU 28-27
Oct. 8 vs. Charlotte, 7 p.m., CBSSN: A pair of standout seniors lead the 49ers: QB Chris Reynolds and WR Victor Tucker. But FIU has never lost in five games against Charlotte. FIU 31-17
Oct. 23 vs. Western Kentucky, 7 p.m., ESPN networks TBA: The Hilltoppers have the league’s preseason Defensive Player of the Year in pass-rusher DeAngelo Malone (25 career sacks) and the Newcomer of the Year in strong-armed QB Bailey Zappe. Western Kentucky, 48-21
Oct. 30 at Marshall, 3:30 p.m.: The Thundering Herd, led by QB Grant Wells and a strong offensive line, are favored to return to the Conference USA title game for the second straight year. Marshall, 28-14
Nov. 6 vs. Old Dominion, 7 p.m., ESPN Networks TBA: The Monarchs went 1-11 in 2019 and did not play last year. They haven’t won a conference game since 2918. FIU, 31-14
Nov. 13 at Middle Tennessee, 3:30 p.m., ESPN Networks TBA: Watch for a pair of transfers: QB Bailey Hockman (North Carolina State) and RB Amir Rasul (Florida State). Rasul is from Coral Gables High. Middle Tennessee, 31-28
Nov. 20 vs. North Texas, 7 p.m., ESPN Networks TBA: The Mean Green, who played in four bowl games in the past five years, can score. But their defense last season was 127th out of 127 FBS teams. FIU, 45-44
Nov. 27 at Southern Miss, 3 p.m., ESPN Networks TBA: It’s a matchup between two of the league’s top three running backs: FIU’s D’vonte Price and Southern Miss’ Frank Gore Jr., son of the ex-NFL star. FIU, 27-24