Defense Dominates as FIU Football Thrashes CMU In Home Opener

MIAMI, FL – Consider the inaugural game at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium to be a massive success, both on and off the field.

FIU got on a run early, scored 28 unanswered points, and cruised to a final score of 52-16 with one of the best defensive performances in recent memory for this Panthers squad.

Central Michigan looked solid against Central Connecticut last week but was manhandled by a determined Panthers squad that made next to no mistakes on the night to get their first win of the season.

A Performance For The Ages

FIU’s defense shut down Joe Labas and the Chippewas, as the Panthers’ secondary recorded a historic FIVE interceptions – tied for the most in a single game since 2005.

Brian Blades II, Antonio Patterson, Percy Courtney Jr, Jojo Evans, and Jamal Potts all walked away with an interception on the night. Blades’ pick was taken to the house for a defensive score.

Combined with a fumble off a botched punt return, Central Michigan gave up the ball six times on the night. These all set up FIU up for success on offense, with three touchdowns and a field goal cashed in on the drives that followed CMU turnovers.

With 84 total tackles, eight pass deflections, eight tackles for a loss of yards, and four sacks on Labas. the Chippewas struggled to get the ball down the field. When they did, they were set back by self-inflicted wounds, either by the aforementioned turnovers and 10 committed penalties.

A Mix Of Old And New

FIU’s offense was solid, with many drives starting in excellent field position.

Keyone Jenkins had a good game, with 10 completed passes for 124 yards, two passing touchdowns, and an additional 42 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown early in the game.

Their offensive line had a much better game this week, only allowing a single sack on Jenkins and giving him enough time to scope the field and connect with deep receivers, including a 36-yard bomb to Eric Rivers.

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When the passing game was stalled, FIU’s running game was exceptional, with 185 yards on the ground, with Kejon Owens and Lexington Joseph both shouldering most of the load.

Speaking of flex, he cashed in on a 35-yard sprint to the end zone for his score in a game since 2022.

The Battle In Boca Up Next

With the win, FIU improves to a 1-1 record, with half their nonconference schedule in the books.

Now, the Panthers will prepare for perhaps one of the biggest games in recent memory. They’ll head to Boca Raton to take on the 0-2 FAU Owls on Saturday, September 14th at 6pm.