FIU Offers Another G5 Test for the ‘Canes

FIU and Miami boast the same 2-1 record, and will both try to continue their winning streaks on Saturday.

This will be the first meeting between the two southern Florida schools since the infamous “brawl game” that took place in 2006. The game was the first installment in the failed ‘freeway’ series which was intended to be an annual matchup between the programs. The game resulted in multiple suspensions, and as a shameful blemish for the 2 schools.

We can assume that the emotions will be intense at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, as Butch Davis matches up against his former team for the first time since 2010, when he was the head coach of North Carolina. A victory for Davis’ team would be the ultimate revenge, as he was interviewed for the head coach position at Miami in 2016, but wasn’t contacted again after Mark Richt became available.

Previewing FIU, we can see that they’re competitive under Davis, as they reached just their 3rd bowl game in school history in 2017. Despite that, Miami is far better talent wise, and the result should be a comfortable victory as the Canes prepare for conference play.

Toledo proved to be a solid test, as they were able to narrow a 21 point lead to just 7; but the ‘Canes pulled away, and were able to incorporate some developing players late in the game. We can expect a similar scenario, although FIU will surely be fired up right out of the gate.

Davis is obviously a coach that brings great experience, and he’ll have the Golden Panthers ready; but that’s no excuse for a weak or poor showing by Miami. With the bevy of weapons that the offense has, the ‘Canes should be able to put the game away if the defense struggles like they did last week.

Some are actually putting the ‘Canes on upset watch, but based on the comparison of the personnel, and skill level between the teams, Mark Richt’s squad should prevail, and build upon their win streak.