FIU AT NO. 21 MIAMI

When: Saturday, 3:30 Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens TV: ESPN2

Weather: 89 degrees, 15 percent chance of rain Online: SunSentinel.com/um; Twitter @ChristyChirinos

Quick slant: The Hurricanes and Panthers, who have met just twice, will renew their South Florida rivalry for the first time since 2007. Miami has won both matchups, outscoring FIU 58-9 in the two games, but what the series is most known for was an ugly benches-clearing 2006 brawl that resulted in the ejection of 13 players. Ultimately, after the film from that night was reviewed, a combined 31 players from the two schools received suspensions.

About FIU (2-1): The Panthers, coached by former Miami coach Butch Davis, are coming off a 63-24 win over UMass that tied a school record for points scored. Shawnderrius Phillips has 45 carries for a team-high 249 yards, while quarterback James Morgan has completed 62 percent of his passes for 548 yards.

About Miami (2-1): After dropping their season opener to LSU, the Hurricanes have won two straight in solid fashion. Miami is coming off a 49-24 win over Toledo as quarterback Malik Rosier accounted for a career-high five touchdowns. Running back DeeJay Dallas, meanwhile, finished with a career-high 110 rushing yards, while receiver Jeff Thomas had five catches for 105 yards.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. The Hurricanes will be without one of their leaders in the secondary as preseason All-American safety Jaquan Johnson is nursing a hamstring injury. Toledo was able to get its passing game going last week once Johnson left the game, but coaches are confident backup Amari Carter — who missed last week’s game because of a death in the family — can handle a bigger role Saturday.

2. Both Miami and FIU’s rosters feature dozens of players from South Florida, meaning there will be a lot of familiarity — and pride — on the field. That could lead to an emotionally-charged environment. Keeping those emotions in check will be key for both teams.

3. After a slow start against Savannah State and some struggles against LSU, Miami managed to get its running game going last week, rushing for 268 yards against Toledo. Can the Hurricanes continue that trend?