Game Preview
The FIU Panthers will take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on the road at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, LA on Saturday, August 26. Overall, FIU went 4-8, and the team was 2-6 in Conference USA. Grayson James, the Panthers’ starting quarterback, threw for 1,962 yards last season with 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions to go along with 223 yards and three scores on the ground.
FIU’s top two receivers from last season left via the transfer portal, but they have Christian Pedersen, a tight end from Louisville, and Kris Mitchell, who had 348 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
Six of FIU’s top eleven tacklers from last season are returning, but the team’s leading tackler, Gaethan Bernadel, transferred to Stanford. Donovan Manuel, who was second on the team in tackles, has returned, while Shaun Peterson Jr., who was first on the team in QB sacks, has left.
Louisiana Tech was 3-9 overall and 2-6 in Conference USA competition, however five of the teams they lost to are now in the American Athletic Conference. Hank Bachmeier, a quarterback at Boise State, transferred to Louisiana Tech over the offseason, giving the Bulldogs a boost in the passing game.
Bachmeier has completed 62% of his throws for 6,605 yards and 38 touchdowns with 19 interceptions in 29 games since 2019. Smoke Harris, who caught 66 passes for 640 yards and five scores for Louisiana Tech in 2017, is back this year. Louisiana Tech’s defense will be led by Willie Roberts, a star defensive back.
In Conference games last season, Louisiana Tech allowed 37.9 points and 468.8 yards per game. Louisiana Tech has bolstered its secondary with the additions of Houston transfer Demarcus Griffin-Taylor, Tulsa transfer Zion Hopes, and Stephen F. Austin transfer Myles Heard. Koibe Fields, Zach Zimon, Jeslord Boateng, and Brevin Randle have all joined Louisiana Tech’s linebacker corps.
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FIU vs Louisiana Tech Game Information
- Date: 08/26/2023
- Time: 07:00 PM ET
- Location: Joe Aillet Stadium.
- How to Watch FIU vs Louisiana Tech: ESPN
- Live Stream: fubo.tv
