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College Football
Preview
Florida International at Arkansas
When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2023
Where: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas

After a two-day stretch that saw two Southeastern Conference West Division coaches get fired, rumors swirled that Arkansas coach Sam Pittman would be next.

But Pittman -- still standing -- will lead his Razorbacks (3-7) against Florida International (4-6) in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday night in non-conference play, the first of Arkansas' final two games of the season, both at home.

The anticipation for Saturday's game will not match last week's fervor against division rival Auburn after Arkansas shocked Florida 39-36 in overtime on the road the previous week.

But the Razorbacks were thrashed 48-10 by coach Hugh Freeze's Auburn team, fueling speculation about Pittman's future, especially considering the pattern within the division.

Texas A&M relieved Jimbo Fisher of his duties Sunday, while Mississippi State fired Zach Arnett on Monday -- after Fisher's Aggies routed Arnett's Bulldogs 51-10 with the coaches pacing opposing sidelines.

Pittman said he isn't looking over his shoulder despite his team's overall record and 1-6 SEC mark.

"I can't really sit around worried about my job security or me or anything like that," he said Monday. "I just think it's a much bigger issue with the media than it is with myself."

Pittman, 61, arrived at Arkansas in 2020 and has gone 22-24 in four seasons, with bowl wins in 2021 and 2022.

Added Pittman, "I think I'm the guy for the university, and I want to stay here a long time."

In Conference USA's FIU, Pittman may have the opponent that will help drown out the noise before the SEC's Missouri comes to town for the finale.

A 29 1/2-point underdog for Saturday's game, the Panthers have lost five of their past six outings, all by double digits, with just a double-overtime 33-27 win over Sam Houston to show in the win column.

"Going to play Arkansas will be fun for the guys," FIU coach Mike MacIntyre said. "We've got a lot to work on. I just wish I could see more of what I see in practice on game day."

Despite his team being trounced 40-6 last week by Middle Tennessee, FIU freshman quarterback Keyone Jenkins added nicely to his season passing total.

The left-hander has completed 146 of 247 passes for 1,908 yards and six TDs, with seven interceptions. He threw for 226 yards vs. Middle Tennessee.

--Field Level Media

Stats and Records
Team Comparison
  W‑L Strk PF PA Home Away Grass Turf Conf
Florida International 4-6 L2 19.3 29.7 2-3 2-3 1-0 0-2 1-6
Arkansas 3-7 L1 26.1 26.7 2-4 1-3 1-3 0-0 1-6
Last Meeting
Florida International Arkansas
Date Away Home Tot Rus Pas Tot Rus Pas
10/27/07 FIU 10 ARK 58 281 158 123 439 249 190
Player Stats
Previous Matchup
Passing Player COMP % YDS TD INT
Florida International W. Younger 34.6 93 1 5
Arkansas N. Emert 52.0 154 1 0
Rushing Player CAR YDS AVG TD
Florida International W. Younger 14 124 8.9 0
Arkansas F. Jones 17 89 5.2 1
Receiving Player REC YDS AVG TD
Florida International E. Dix 2 48 24.0 0
Arkansas P. Hillis 6 77 12.8 0
Touchdowns Player TD
Florida International G. Ellingson 1
Arkansas D. McFadden 4
Season
Passing Player COMP % YDS TD INT
Florida International K. Jenkins 59.1 1900 6 7
Arkansas K. Jefferson 65.0 1918 16 8
Rushing Player CAR YDS AVG TD
Florida International S. Lawrence 112 522 4.7 4
Arkansas K. Jefferson 144 342 2.4 2
Receiving Player REC YDS AVG TD
Florida International K. Mitchell 50 845 16.9 6
Arkansas A. Armstrong 48 657 13.7 4
Touchdowns Player TD
Florida International K. Mitchell 6
Arkansas A. Armstrong 4
Quickchart Matchup
Florida International Florida International Off vs  Arkansas Arkansas Def
Florida International 319.3 yards
Arkansas 357.5 yards
Florida International 2.8 yards/rush
Arkansas 4.1 yards/rush
Florida International 7.5 yards/attempt
Arkansas 7.9 yards/attempt
Arkansas Arkansas Off vs  Florida International Florida International Def
Arkansas 318.3 yards
Florida International 432.6 yards
Arkansas 3.2 yards/rush
Florida International 4.8 yards/rush
Arkansas 7.2 yards/attempt
Florida International 7.6 yards/attempt