Bryant Football Schedule Breakdown: Florida International

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- The Bryant University football team opens the 2022 season at Florida International on Thursday, September 1. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Riccardo Silva Stadium. 

Game Information
Opponent: Florida International
Date: Thursday, September 1
Location: FIU Football Stadium (Miami, Fla.)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.

Series Facts
Bryant and FIU will be meeting for the first time in program history. The season opener will also be Bryant's first game in the state of Florida in program history. In addition, it will be Bryant's second game against a member of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The Bulldogs took on Akron in 2021.

Bryant vs the FBS
The Black and Gold were tied with Akron, 14-14, heading into the fourth quarter last September in Ohio. Akron, however, scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to come away with a 35-14 victory. Fabrice Mukendi produced 109 all-purpose yards, while Ryan Saddler had 13 tackles and a forced fumble. 

Florida Homecoming
Bryant's trip to Miami will serve as a homecoming for several Bulldogs. Head coach Chris Merritt returns the Sunshine state after spending 18 years at Christopher Columbus High School, located just 3.9 miles from the FIU campus. The Bulldogs also have 20 current student-athletes that hail from the state, including Miami-natives Dontae Lunan, Gary Cooper, Derrius Perryman, Max Villar and Anthony Frederick.