Football plays for bowl eligibility in season finale Saturday

The Panthers must win against WKU at home in the regular season finale Nov. 21 in order to have a chance to play in a bowl game.

By Joel Delgado ’12 MS ’17 

How much is on the line for FIU Football when they take on WKU in the season finale at FIU Stadium on Saturday afternoon? Everything.

With five wins already under their belts, the Panthers need a victory against the heavily favored Hilltoppers to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2011. Kickoff for the game is set for 2:30 p.m.

The Panthers have been stellar at home so far this season with a 4-0 record, outscoring opponents 180-69 in “The Cage.” But the Panthers (5-6, 3-4 Conference USA) have not faced any team as strong as WKU (8-2, 6-0 C-USA) at home this season.

Led by quarterback Brandon Doughty, who leads all C-USA quarterbacks in touchdowns (34), passing yards per game (359), the Hilltoppers have been one the conference’s offensive powerhouses this year.

The Panthers defense, ranked fourth in C-USA in total defense, will look to slow down Doughty and and his favorite target – wide receiver Taywan Taylor, who is averaging more than 100 receiving yards per game this season.

FIU, hoping to bounce back after a tough loss to Marshall last weekend, will counter with quarterback Alex McGough, who has had a record-breaking season in 2015 with 21 touchdown passes and 2,627 passing yards.

While the Panthers have plenty to play for Saturday, the outcome of this game is essentially meaningless for the Hilltoppers, who sit atop the C-USA East Division standings and have a big matchup against Marshall looming next weekend.

Regardless of tomorrow’s outcome, the Hilltoppers and Thundering Herd will be fighting for the East Division crown next weekend in order to compete in the C-USA title game.

FACULTY, STAFF & RETIREES APPRECIATION DAY

Saturday will also be Faculty, Staff & Retirees Appreciation Day. Sideline reserved tickets are only $1 each and will include a $5 concession voucher.

Up to four tickets per person may be purchased at the University Credit Union Box Office, located at the R. Kirk Landon Fieldhouse. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased there on game day, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

A valid FIU OneCard must be presented at the time of purchase. All food vouchers will be issued at Gate 7 on game day.

FREE FOOD FOR STUDENTS

Students already get free admission to all FIU football home games with a valid FIU OneCard – but for this weekend’s game against WKU, students will also be able to get free food.

If you’re a student, once you enter the stadium head over to the Panther Beach Party Deck located in the Upper Northeast Concourse above Section 136 to pick up a $5 concession voucher. The vouchers will be distributed up until the end of the first half.

Want to bring a friend? Student guest tickets can purchased for $10 at the University Credit Union Box Office, located at the R. Kirk Landon Fieldhouse.

For more information about the game and FIU Football, go to FIUSports.com.