Paws Up Preview - FIU Football @ SHSU

Before you clear your schedule and pack your bags, wait. FIU Football is going bowling this year, but there’s still one more game before the long-awaited postseason contest. The 6-5 Panthers look to secure a Texas-sized W against the 2-9 Sam Houston Bearkats.

And yeah, FIU is currently one of, if not THE hottest team in Conference USA right now. Winners of their last three games, the Panthers are making it happen on both sides of the ball, getting hot at just the right time. This team has played with the best in the conference and has come out on top.

“We still have a huge game coming up this week against the Sam Houston team that’s playing their best ball,” said Head Coach Willie Simmons. “We definitely have to make sure that we’re locked in. This will be a challenging week for us, to say the least. We’ve accomplished six wins that make us bowl eligible.”

“And so, we’re kind of in that precarious spot of… what are we playing for? We have to keep reminding the guys that in this program, we don’t chase success, we chase excellence, and we’ve been successful in that regard of being bowl eligible, but the excellence is in us doing everything we can to play our best ball when it’s time.”

That’s also why this game against the Bearkats matters. FIU will want to keep the momentum going ahead of their bowl game, and shouldn’t overlook Sam Houston. This will be a separate group playing for pride on their Senior Day. At the same time, FIU might want to limit starters in this game to avoid devastating injuries, perhaps giving some freshman players an opportunity for meaningful snaps.

It Gets Crazy In The Second Half

Against one of the most dangerous offenses in FBS, the Panthers’ defense held their own. They couldn’t stop Cam Cook from getting his yards, but they did contain him by only allowing a single touchdown and even forcing a fumble.

That really was the key to this game. The Panthers limited the rushing attack JUST enough to keep them off the scoreboard. Jax State was fine passing-wise, but couldn’t come up with the big plays when they had to. This was especially the case on fourth down, being stopped three out of four times.

This brotherhood is built different, secured our first bowl game since 2019 for our seniors 🤝💯

FIU vs Jax State | Cinematic Recap 🎥

Presented by @baptisthealthsf pic.twitter.com/55j65nZ0yb

— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) November 27, 2025

On the other end, FIU’s offense was okay to start, but wasn’t playing up to its standards. Joe Pesansky was slightly struggling early, with a pair of interceptions that, while not directly his fault, are interceptions nonetheless.

But just like the defense, they adjusted in the second half. The Holy P got to work after halftime, helping the Panthers score 20 points and eventually take the lead – something they wouldn’t give up.

Opposite Ends Of The Spectrum

So the FIU Panthers took on the best Conference USA had to offer. Now, they take on the worst.

Considering the season they had last year, the dropoff for Sam Houston this season is shocking. First-year head coach Phil Longo has big shoes to fill, replacing K.C. Keeler, who flocked to Temple. Well, so far, he hasn’t filled them.

They only got their first win of the season three weeks ago against Oregon State. Then, they caught Delaware lacking and upset the Blue Hens. Just when you thought they could get the ball rolling, they dropped a game to Middle Tennessee last week.

Really, there’s not much to say about the Bearkats that has gone well for them this season. They create the fewest offensive yards per game and points per game in the conference, and it’s not close. They have an ongoing QB carousel that has landed on Landyn Locke for their past two games. He’s been servicable, throwing for three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Reliving the Locke to Reed touchdown from this weekend right up in your feed. #EatEmUpKats pic.twitter.com/L3mpkpkXOE

— Sam Houston Football (@BearkatsFB) November 24, 2025

Their best weapon on offense has to be WR Chris Reed, who has caught fire recently, recording 411 yards and five touchdowns. Rushing-wise, they’re middle of the pack in CUSA, but FIU just took on Jax State, one of the top rushing teams in college football. I doubt there can be much SHSU can throw at the Panthers that they haven’t already dealt with.

Defensively, they give up the most yards per game in Conference USA.

They give up the most passing yards per game.

They give up the most rushing yards per game.

And they give up the most points per game.