FIU Football Winning Streak Snapped, Loses Big to Liberty Flames

MIAMI, FL – Coming into Homecoming with a 3-1 record and high expectations, the FIU Panthers were faced with their toughest opponent of the season bar none – the undefeated Liberty Flames.

From the beginning of the game to the end, the Panthers were outclassed, giving up a lead early and never looking back, ultimately blown out by a score of 38-6.

Quarterback Keyone Jenkins had his worst day of the season, managing nine completions off of 21 attempted passes, with 133 yards, an interception, a lost fumble, and no passing touchdowns. (Though he did score FIU’s only rushing touchdown of the day)

Ultimately, Jenkins was benched in favor of Grayson James, who recorded 14 yards in the air and 11 on the ground – more than in the entire LA Tech game.

The Panthers rushing offense also couldn’t produce anything against Liberty’s defense, producing 64 yards total, with running back Kejon Owens backing 42.

Wide receiver Kris Mitchell still made 89 yards out of four receptions, but FIU’s offense still only recorded 147 yards, their lowest amount since Week 0 vs LA Tech.

The Defense Had to Give

14 straight points for Liberty to begin the game would make it seem like the defense for the Panthers was slow to start, which it was. However, FIU did adjust on the fly and gave Kaidon Salter and the Flames offense all they could handle.

To their credit, they forced an interception, which led to the Panthers’ only score of the day, a punt, and a forced fumble.

FIU’s defense ultimately suffered from fatigue from having to spend the majority of the first half, and then the second half, on the field. The Panthers offense produced four punts, a one-play interception, and a fumble all before the first half.

With most of their possessions beginning around midfield, Liberty took advantage, racking up 520 total yards, 22 first downs, two different running backs with over 100 yards, and over 33 total minutes on the field.

There’s not much to say, FIU got humbled by the best team in Conference USA and maybe one of the best non-Power 5 teams as well.

FIU will get a much-needed week off, more than enough time to recover and prepare for Wednesday Night Football. They’ll be traveling to Las Cruces to take on New Mexico State Aggies on October 4th at 9pm.