HOW TO WATCH & PREVIEW: FIU Panthers vs. UTEP Miners

TV: ESPN2 Radio: 1140 WQBA with AJ Ricketts as the play-by-play and Billy Gil (Dan Le Batard show) as the guest analyst Location: FIU Football Stadium - Miami,

FIU Athletics

TV: ESPN2

Radio: 1140 WQBA with AJ Ricketts as the play-by-play and Billy Gil (Dan Le Batard show) as the guest analyst

Location: FIU Football Stadium - Miami, Florida

Time: 7:30 PM EST

Betting Line: UTEP -6.5

FIU Panthers

The Panthers are coming off of one of their more discouraging losses this season. Dropping their second game in a row in a 34-17 loss to Diego Pavia and the New Mexico State Aggies, they look to bounce back in what should be a "get right" game for the Panthers.

With under a minute left in their last game, Keyone Jenkins was taken out of the game after a hit to the upper body that kept him on the ground for multiple minutes.

Friday, FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre informed the media that Jenkins did suffer a concussion and entered into appropriate protocol. He is on pace to start on Wednesday.

"They went into the review and the review wasn't targeting," said FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre. "He was sliding, so they're protected and trying to figure out why there wasn't a personal foul called or intentional roughing situation, but they didn't so that's what that was all about. The refs do a great job to do everything well."

FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre tells the media that quarterback Keyone Jenkins is currently in concussion protocol, but has passed all the test and is on pace to play Wednesday night.#FIU #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/lpAthvL77m

— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) October 6, 2023

Starting offensive lineman Jacob Peace is expected to be out with a knee injury for this game. As for center John Bock II, he did play in the last game, but wasn't playing center the whole time. He took reps at guard due to Peace being out.

After suffering a "freak hand injury," Memphis transfer wide receiver Eric Rivers began getting more and more playing time. Against the Aggies, Rivers caught five receptions for 60 yards.

"Eric had a great spring for us," said MacIntyre. "Had a really good fall camp and had a freak hand injury. He's back when they were playing the first game and then was able to play with a pad on there and now all that's off. He's a really good player that we know can make a lot of plays for us."

UTEP Miners

The UTEP Miners enter Week Seven with a 1-5 record following a loss against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. The Miners' only win this season has been against FCS Incarnate Word.

Quarterback Gavin Hardison, who looked poised for a strong year in the UTEP offense, has struggled through the first six games of the season. The fifth-year quarterback has thrown only five touchdowns against seven interceptions.

Hardison did not suit up against in the last game against the Bulldogs. In his most recent appearance, which was against UNLV, he threw for 225 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

If Hardison does not start for the second week in a row, the Miners would likely shift to backup quarterback Kevin Hurley, who ended up throwing for 44 yards in their last game. Quarterbacks Jake McNamara and Cade McConell also played in the Miners loss to LA Tech.

"Everything I've read, all three are day-to-day, so we're prepared for all three, so I don't know. I guess they're doing that too, so we'll find out when we get there," MacIntyre said this week.

The most recent update is that fourth string quarterback Cade McConnell is taking first team reps with the remainder of the quarterbacks, including Hardison, still day-to-day.

UTEP 4th string QB Cade McConnell is in an interesting spot this week. He's taking 1st team reps right now with Gavin Hardison, Kevin Hurley & Jake McNamara all "day-to-day" & could start at FIU next Wednesday; he could also move back into a backup role if someone gets healthy. pic.twitter.com/KpSu89JGNY

— Colin Deaver (@ColinDeaverTV) October 6, 2023

Running back Torrance Burgess Jr. has been one of the bright spots of a struggling UTEP offense. Rushing for 366 yards and two touchdowns, Burgess Jr. had one of his better games against the Bulldogs. Burgess Jr. ranks fifth amongst Conference USA in rushing yards.

Sharing the backfield duties, Deion Hankins has rushed for 380 yards and one touchdown this season. Hankins led the team in rushing yards in the team's loss to LA Tech with 86 rushing yards.

The Miners offense ranks second-to-last in CUSA - just ahead of Sam Houston State in scoring offense and pass efficiency. Simply put, the Miners' offense has struggled to put the ball in the end zone this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, 6'2", 235 pounds, Lakeland, Florida product linebacker Tyrice Knight, who leads all of Conference USA in tackles, will be the name to watch.