Pitt Panthers Vs. FIU Golden Panthers Game Time, TV And Preview

While looking to start the season 3-0, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers play their second game in a row on the road this Saturday as they visit the Sunshine State to take on Florida International University.

The last time Pitt faced off against FIU was four years ago, in Oct. 2010, and the last time they traveled to Florida was for the 2012 regular season finale against the University of South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.This will be just the second Battle of the Panthers. In their first meeting, played at Heinz Field, Pitt defeated FIU 44-17.

Pitt opened the season with a 62-0 victory over the Delaware Blue Hens at home, and a 30-20 win on the road against Atlantic Coast Conference opponent, the Boston College Eagles. FIU started the season with a 14-12 loss to Bethune-Cookman before bringing their record back to .500 with a 34-3 win over Wagner College.

When: Saturday, Sept 13

Kickoff: 12 Noon ET

Site: Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium in Miami, Fla.

Playing Surface: Field Turf

Television: FOX Sports 1

Announcers: Craig Bolerjack and Ryan Nece

Radio Coverage: 93.7 FM – The Fan and the Pitt IMG Sports Network

Announcers: Bill Hillgrove and Pat Bostick with Larry Richert reporting from the sidelines

Sirius XM Satellite Radio: Sirius Channel 132, XM Channel 193

Internet Audio – Panthers All-Access: www.PittsburghPanthers.com

Odds: Pitt -26 according to Bovada as of 6 p.m. on Thursday.

Pitt is 2-0 for the first time since 2011 and the seventh time since the 2000 campaign. The last time they started a season 3-0 was back in 2009. They are 6-3 against current members of Conference USA.

Sophomore tailback James Conner is coming off a 214-yard performance at Boston College and is averaging 183.5 rushing yards per game. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound running back from Erie was named the Maxwell Football Club’s National Player of the Week this week in addition to also being named the ACC’s Offensive Back of the Week for the second straight game.

In addition, redshirt senior offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings was chosen as the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week and sophomore placekicker Chris Blewitt was named Specialist of the Week.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Chad Voytik is not to be overlooked as he completed 10 of 20 passes for 111 yards, in the game against BC, connecting with sophomore wide receiver Tyler Boyd for two touchdowns. Boyd finished the evening with five receptions for 72 yards against the Eagles.

However, not all the news was good as junior center Artie Rowell sustained a torn left ACL in the second quarter of the victory over Boston College. Redshirt sophomore Gabe Roberts is listed as his replacement against FIU.

So far this season, the Panthers defense has yielded 170 yards per game to rank first in the ACC and fourth nationally. Their five interceptions are tied for first in the ACC and second nationally.

Taking care of business against the Eagles was redshirt senior linebacker Anthony Gonzalez, who led the way with six solo tackles and assisted on one more for a total of seven. A pair of defensive backs, redshirt senior Ray Vinopal and sophomore Terrish Webb each contributed an interception in the contest.

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FIU head coach Ron Turner is in his second season with the program. They went 1-11 overall last season and 1-7 in Conference USA. During his 37-year coaching career, Turner includes a stint as quarterbacks coach at Pitt during the 1983 and 1984 seasons under Foge Fazio.

In their win over Wagner, in addition to racking up 30 points on the scoreboard, the offense of FIU rolled up 377 total yards against the Seahawks.

One of the weapons in the FIU arsenal is running back Alex Gardner, who set a freshman single game record last week as he led the ground attack with 141 yards on 15 carries. His longest run of the day was an impressive carry for 62 yards.

While junior quarterback E.J. Hilliard was 14 of 16 passing for 169 yards, it was freshman quarterback Alex McGough who found the end zone as he completed 9 of 18 for 60 yards and two touchdowns.

Sophomore Jonnu Smith was the leading receiver with nine receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown. For his efforts, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound tight end was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Mackey Award committee.

The FIU defense did their part last week as they surrendered 212 total yards of offense against Wagner including just 92 yards rushing. They tied a school record of six turnovers in a single contest, which resulted in 20 points on the night for FIU. This unit is ranked No. 9 in the nation in defense. The team has a total of eight sacks in two games this season.

In the first quarter last week against Wagner, redshirt junior cornerback Richard Leonard returned a pick-six for 60 yards while freshman defensive back Shemarke Spence had his first interception of his collegiate career against the Seahawks.

Next up, Pitt will be back along the North Shore at Heinz Field next Saturday, Sept 20 when they host Big Ten opponent, the University of Iowa Hawkeyes.