FIU Cruises By Bethune For First Dub of Coach Simmons Era

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MIAMI, FL – Even after a lengthy rain delay, FIU Football put on a show at Pitbull Stadium, taking down Bethune-Cookman by a score of 42-9 in the first win of the Willie Simmons era in the 305.

An overall complete game, Coach Simmons’ first win with the Panthers featured solid performances on offense and defense. Both sides contributed equally, denying the FCS school any chance of a potential upset.

“I think if you can make a team one dimensional, you give yourself a much better chance to be successful,” said Coach Simmons postgame. “If we can continue to be stout against the run, I think we have a chance to be a pretty good defense, and then we’ll get the third down situation fixed, watch the film, see what the coverage breakdown was, and get that corrected.”

While it may not be wise to bet the house on FIU after solely watching this game, there’s definitely potential.

Living By The Running Game

The Panthers’ offense was reliable on the ground and through the air. Every time they got into the red zone, however, their running game couldn’t be stopped.

FIU’s first 35 points all came from rushing touchdowns – the first two from Kejon Owens, with Keyone Jenkins scoring two more, and Devonte Lyons and Anthony Carrie with additional scores. This ties a program record for the most rushing touchdowns in a game. (2017 vs UMass)

Here's a closer look at how Kejon Owens got his SECOND TUDDY of the night! 🙀

📸 – @RickScores #FIU | #Panthers | #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/edXAKYSNjI

— Paws Up Podcast (@PawsUpPodcast) August 30, 2025

With a running back room with this much depth, it makes sense for everyone to get snaps. That was the case, with Owens, Lyons, and Anthony Carrie, among others, providing yards on the ground. All in all, Owens led the way with 71 yards.

“A championship team has to be able to establish the run,” said Owens postgame. “So we just try to do a good job of that first, so we can be able to open up other things in the offense. We try to push each other harder when it comes to just setting the tone and going and setting off the first punch and punch the opponent in the mouth.”

Through the air, FIU’s offense was fine. But the Panthers, especially in the second half, leaned into the run. They primarily passed on third down and were successful most times, converting eight first downs. Trey Wilhoit only had to punt twice this game.

Defense Denying No Chances

Against an FCS offense, FIU’s defense fed on the inferior opponent. They limited B-CU to 346 total yards and bulked up on their own side of the field. The Wildcats managed two field goals, and that was about it for the majority of this game. This is the first time they’ve denied an opponent any touchdowns in a game since 2019 – also against UMass.

There were a few hiccups along the way. On their first offensive drive, Cam’Ron Ransom connected on a 59-yard deep ball. The FIU defense adjusted along the way and forced the first of their two field goals.

🫣 @d1hill_ pic.twitter.com/OXcBEppNYr

— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) August 30, 2025

Johnny Chaney led the way for all defenders for the Panthers with eight total tackles. The Colorado transfer made an impression in his first game with FIU. In the meantime, FIU registered two sacks, six tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble. In addition to that fumble, Bethune also coughed up the ball on three failed fourth down conversions.

Tougher Battles On The Way

All in all, this was a good sampler for the FIU faithful who weathered the storms. They got to see an entertaining game that was never REALLY close after their first touchdown. It was sloppy at times, with the Panthers committing seven penalties along the way.

But this is Bethune-Cookman. They’re FIU’s biggest test to see where they’re at will be in two weeks against Florida Atlantic. This was what the Panthers envisioned it to be – a good warmup to shake off the rust and get a W on the board early.

Before the Shula Bowl, FIU is heading to Happy Valley for a matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions. That’ll be on Saturday, September 6th at 7pm, and can be seen on the Big Ten Network.

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