FIU Football Taken Down In Final Game Of 2023 To WKU + End Of Season Thoughts

MIAMI, FL – Despite an unfavorable record against one of Conference USA’s best opponents to close out the season, there’s always something to play for – even for a struggling team like FIU.

After a 3-1 start to the season, the Panthers have lost six out of their last seven leading up to this game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

Their opponent has arguably the best passer in the conference against a defense that has given up 40 points in their last three games.

It didn’t take long to see how this would pan out.

Just like against UTEP and Jacksonville State, the Panthers gave up 21 unanswered points to start the game and were forced to crawl their way back in.

Despite a late surge on offense, it was too little, too late as WKU cruised to the tune of a 41-28 win.

Clamped Up At The Cage

It’s become a broken record at this point, but the Panthers’ defense started slow and the opposing team’s offense had their way.

Every drive for the Hilltoppers was methodical and dominated by their air game. it also helped that they got the premiere field position thanks to FIU’s punts.

Their third touchdown came off a nasty hit on Jenkins which was scooped up and taken to the house.

What didn’t help the Panthers was after their first score of the day – a quick pass out to Rocky Beers for his first collegiate touchdown – was answered with another long-lasting drive that ended with a Hilltoppers score.

The first half was capped off with a touchdown for WKU following an interception by Jenkins, ending the first half with a 34-7 deficit for the Panthers. (There was a missed extra point by the Tops… their only real mistake)

An Ending As Underwhelming As The Season

The third quarter saw both teams put up points, but once again the Hilltoppers responded after FIU found success. It meant that any form of comeback was almost impossible given the circumstances.

A few positives did happen to the Panthers regarding the record books, however. Linebacker Donovan Manuel forced a fumble that was recovered by Adrian Cole, and taken to the house for the Panthers score.

Aside from just an FIU touchdown, this also set the all-time forced fumbles in a season record for Manuel, who stands alone with five in 2023.

In addition, wide receiver Kris Mitchell recorded 116 yards, which helped him set the all-time receiving yards record (1,118) in a single season for the Panthers.

He’s also only the third FIU receiver to reach the 1K yards mark in a season, joining TY Hilton and Tyrese Chambers.

But aside from that, the game was a wash. Jenkins didn’t have an awful game despite the loss, however, racking up 249 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions.

Wide receiver Eric Rivers led all playmakers with two touchdowns. The Panthers only managed 52 rushing yards, with Shomari Lawrence being the leader with 20 yards.

But the FIU defense could not stop the WKU offense. They recorded 407 total yards, 21 first downs, and dominated the time of possession.

Final Thoughts On The 2023 FIU Football Season

Just like that, FIU finished the 2023 football season with a 4-8 record. This is the same record that they had last season, and they even lost their last four games just like in 2022 as well.

The early quarterback woes of Grayson James against LA Tech in Week 0 paved the way for freshman QB Keyone Jenkins to step in. Through ups and downs, Jenkins started every game and put up mixed results, with 2,422 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

He had to be benched a few games down the stretch, but at the same time, he also set a single-season rushing touchdown record as a quarterback. Overall, there’s a lot to be excited about Jenkins and how he can develop in his second year.

It’ll also be interesting to see how this team handles the transfer portal – both on who they lose and who they can bring in to fill empty positions, such as Kris Mitchell, Donovan Manuel, and Josiah Miamen.

We’ll also have to see if any changes are made to the coaching staff. I feel like Mike MacIntyre will receive one more year to see if he can lead the Panthers to a record better than 4-8, but if you felt like he’s on the hot seat next season, I wouldn’t blame you.

To conclude, this season was a disappointment in my opinion. I had such a great start, but FIU laid an egg against conference opponents, and couldn’t muster a fifth win, let alone a bowl game appearance.

Still, college football is way too short, and the offseason is way too long. Hopefully, during that time, this team can make the adjustments needed to make it back to a bowl game and please the FIU faithful. Anything is possible in this sport, and we’ll be there to provide coverage every step of the way.