FIU Vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Preview: Panthers Go For 1st Conference Win

The Florida International Golden Panthers open up Sun Belt play on Saturday with a game against the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. The Panthers were just 1-3 in the non-conference portion of their schedule, their lone win coming against Akron. But they were competitive in last Saturday's loss to Louisville, which could be a sign of an improving FIU team.

The Ragin' Cajuns are 2-1, with wins over Lamar and Troy, and they're coming off a blowout loss to Oklahoma State. Florida International has actually been better than Louisiana this season in terms of total offense and total defense.

FIU's defense is going to need to step up in order for the Golden Panthers to win, as it gave up 419 yards and 36 points in a loss to Louisiana-Lafayette last season. That poor effort squandered what was a pretty good day for FIU's offense.

Game Time & Date: 7 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 29

Stream: ESPN3

For more on this game, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more news, notes and analysis from around NCAA football, visit SB Nation's college football hub.