FACTS & STATS: Site: Kinnick Stadium (70,585) -- Iowa City, Iowa. Television: BigTen Network. Home Record: FIU 0-0, Iowa 1-0. Away Record: FIU 0-1, Iowa 0-0. Neutral Record: FIU 0-0, Iowa 0-0. Conference Record: FIU 0-0, Iowa 0-0. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: The Iowa Hawkeyes will try to build off their season-opening victory when they host the Florida International Golden Panthers this Saturday afternoon at Kinnick Stadium.

The Golden Panthers have been one of the worst teams in the nation over the past two seasons, and unfortunately it does not look like much will change this year. FIU opened the 2008 campaign with an embarrassing, 40-10 setback to Kansas on the road. It was the 24th loss for FIU in the team's last 25 games.

As for the Hawkeyes, they had much more success in their opener, as Iowa pounded Maine, 46-3. Iowa has been extremely tough at home since 2002, winning 33 of its 40 matchups at Kinnick Stadium. Next up for the Hawkeyes will be a home matchup against Iowa State, followed by a road contest against Pittsburgh.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Iowa and FIU on the gridiron.

The Golden Panthers put forth an embarrassing effort in their opener against Kansas, finished the game with just 139 total yards. The Golden Panthers collected just nine first downs and committed three turnovers. Paul McCall was horrendous under center, as the signal caller completed just 10-of-28 passes for 73 yards. McCall also tossed two interceptions and was sacked three times. The ground was just as putrid, as FIU was limited to only 66 yards on 26 carries. A'mod Ned led the way out of the backfield, but the tailback collected just 42 yards on 12 totes. Unfortunately the play of the offense mirrors the team's efforts the entire 2007 season.

Sadly the defense was just as ineffective this past weekend, as the unit was abused by Kansas, surrendering 384 total yards. The main problem for the Golden Panthers was the pass, as the Jayhawks torched FIU for 256 yards and three scores. The Golden Panthers were able to force two turnovers in the loss, but also allowed Kansas to collect 25 first downs, while also converting on 11-of-18 third down chances. Rob Mitchell was one of the few bright spots for FIU in the opener, as the cornerback collected 13 tackles to go along with one sack. Scott Bryant, who led the team with 91 tackles last year, posted 11 stops in the loss and also forced a fumble.

The Hawkeyes passed with flying colors in their season opener, especially on the offensive side of the football, as the team racked up 457 total yards en route to a 43-point win. Iowa totaled 27 first downs in the victory, and also converted an outstanding 7-of-8 red zone opportunities. Shonne Green and Jewel Hampton ran wild on Maine this past weekend, as the two helped Iowa churn out a whopping 245 yards on the ground. Greene rumbled for 109 yards and one touchdown in the win, while Hampton posted 68 yards to go along with two scores. Jake Christensen did not play the whole game for Iowa, but while under center the junior played well, completing 9-of-15 passes for 122 yards and one touchdown. Ten different players caught atleast one pass, but Brandon Myers was the main target, as the wideout finished with four receptions, 43 yards and one score.

While the offense found the end zone early and often, the defensive unit for Iowa made sure Maine did not cross the goal line once this past weekend. Iowa limited Maine to just 220 total yards, including just 83 yards through the air. The Hawkeyes forced two turnovers in the win, and also limited their opponent to just 15 first downs. A.J. Edds had a busy day in the opener, collecting seven tackles and two TFLs, one of which went for a sack. Adrian Clayborn led the team with eight stops and also posted two PBUs.

This should be another easy matchup for Iowa, as the Golden Panthers do not have much to offer on either side of the football. Expect the Hawkeyes to soar out to a big lead en route to a huge victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Iowa 48, Florida International 13

Saturday, September 6th, 12:05 p.m. (et)