FACTS & STATS: Site: FIU Stadium (18,000) -- Miami, Florida. Television: None. Home Record: WKU 1-4, FIU 2-2. Away Record: WKU 1-5, FIU 2-5. Neutral Record: WKU 0-0, FIU 0-0. Conference Record: WKU 0-0, FIU 3-4. Series Record: Western Kentucky leads, 2-1.

GAME NOTES: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers close out a disappointing season when they take on the Florida International Golden Panthers this Saturday evening at FIU Stadium. After starting the year with a 2-2 mark, the Hilltoppers have dropped their last seven contests, including a 21-10 setback to Middle Tennessee way back on November 15th. WKU has been dreadful on the road this season, losing five of their last six matchups away from home. As for the Golden Panthers, they have also struggled this season, and come into this game with four losses in their last five games. The last time FIU was on the field the team dropped a heartbreaking, 57-50 overtime decision to rival Florida Atlantic. FIU has won two matchups at home this year, defeating Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee, two of the better teams in the Sun Belt Conference. The Hilltoppers have won two of the first three matchups against FIU, but the lone win for the Golden Panthers came in the last meeting by a 38-35 margin.

The Hilltoppers' move into the Football Subdivision has been a bumpy one without question, as the team is producing 295.7 total ypg, and that has led to just 18.8 ppg. The ground game has been the main source of success for this unit, as the team is churning out 153.2 ypg, and out of the 24 touchdowns scored by WKU, 15 have come via the run. Tyrell Hayden has rushed for 373 yards and three scores for WKU, while quarterback David Wolke has added 290 yards and three more TDs. Unfortunately, Wolke has only thrown for 1,140 yards and eight scores, but has also tossed eight interceptions. The offensive woes for WKU continued in the team's recent setback to Middle Tennessee, as the squad posted just 281 total yards. Marell Booker led the team with 53 rushing yards, while Hayden tallied just 26 yards on six carries. As for Wolke, he threw for 213 yards and one touchdown, but was intercepted once and was sacked five times.

On top of the poor offensive play, the WKU defense has also had some tough times, allowing 369.8 total ypg, and that has led to 27.2 ppg. The main issue for this unit has been its inability to stop the run, as opposing teams are pounding WKU for 164.2 ypg on 4.5 ypc. The Hilltoppers have also struggled to make big plays, forcing just 18 turnovers, while collecting only 19 sacks. In the 11-point loss to MTU, the defense had no answer for the Blue Raiders' Passing attack, allowing 212 yards and two scores through the air. Overall the defense surrendered only 313 yards, but allowed MT to convert on 9-of-17 third down attempts. L. J. Harbison led the way with 11 tackles and three TFLs in the loss, while Mark Santoro added 10 stops to go along with one forced fumble and one interception.

Much like their counterpart, the Golden Panthers have been below average offensively, as the team comes into this matchup averaging only 306.3 total ypg, which has led to just 24.5 ppg. Paul McCall has led the passing attack for FIU, but the quarterback has been inconsistent at best, completing just 51.9 percent of his throws for 2,040 yards. McCall has tossed just 14 touchdowns on the season, but has also threw nine interceptions. Surprisingly the last time FIU was on the field the team was outstanding offensively, racking up 513 total yards and 50 points. However, the team still fell short, losing by seven points to FAU, in overtime. Darriet Perry paced the ground game with 115 yards and two scores on 7.2 ypc, but it was McCall who did most of the damage, throwing for 400 yards and four touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the football the Golden Panthers have been abused by the run, allowing the opposition to rush for 166.5 ypg on 4.0 ypc. Overall this defensive unit is surrendering 386.3 total ypg, and that has led to 30.6 ppg. FIU has also struggled to make big plays as well, forcing just 21 turnovers on the year, while collecting just 16 sacks. The last time FIU was on the field the team was unable to stop Florida Atlantic, as the defense was torched for 524 total yards, including 389 rushing yards and five scores through the air. The team did not do any better against the run, surrendering 135 yards and two TDs. Florida International was able to force two turnovers in the contest, and was led by Robert Mitchell who racked up 10 tackles.

The Golden Panthers have not been impressive, but last week's performance offensively could carry over into this week's matchup. If McCall can stay hot, look for FIU to close out the year with a win.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: FIU 35, Western Kentucky 22

Saturday, December 6th, 7:00 p.m. (et)