FIU Football Wraps Up 2024 With Dub Over MTSU

MIAMI, FL – 2024 was not the season anyone wanted for FIU. Three straight seasons of a 4-8 record can’t be even considered mid, it’s below average.

A lot of questions will have to be answered, but at least the FIU faithful can take solace in the fact that the Panthers have defeated Middle Tennessee for the first time since 2018 in a pretty convincing fashion by a score of 35-24.

The Lyghtz Came On Early

FIU’s offense was red-hot from the beginning with two touchdowns on their first two drives of the game. The first came from Lexington Joseph in his final game as a Panther, and the second from a 21-yard sprint by Devonte Lyons.

Lyons, by the way, is the first FIU running back to rush for 100 yards in a single game this season, as he finished with 101 on the day.

He came close last week against Kennesaw State with 99 total. The freshman RB has potential to become a focal point of the Panthers offense next season.

Keyone Jenkins was in his bag today, racking up 319 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

He was not only accurate with his passes but didn’t force many questionable throws. His offensive line also came through, denying a single sack on Lyghtz.

History Was Made Today

The duo of Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson were borderline unstoppable.

Rivers’ 117 yards helped him seal the single-season receiving yards record at FIU, taking the spot from Kris Mitchell with 1,172 total.

Patterson was lethal in the end zone with a pair of touchdowns on the day as the Panthers led by a score of 28-7 at one point before halftime.

This was an amazing season for Rivers, breaking three all-time FIU records at the position. Jenkins’ 50-yard bomb to Rivers in the fourth quarter practically sealed the game at that point.

FIU’s defense played a solid game, shutting out MTSU in the first and third quarters. The Blue Raiders did find more success through the air as the game progressed, but the Panthers made the stops that they had to.

A long drive for MTSU in the third quarter was thwarted by Travion Barnes, who came down with an interception. In MTSU’s final drive, the defense held them to a field goal they missed.

So… What Now?

That’s it for FIU Football until 2025. There’s always something to look forward to, and that includes an interesting non-conference schedule with trips to Penn State and UConn, as well as home games between FAU and an unknown FCS opponent.

The CUSA slate will likely include the usual suspects such as Western Kentucky, Jax State, and Liberty. It can also include the two newcomers to the conference – Delaware and Missouri State.

For now, FIU will hold its initial press conference for the first national signing period this upcoming Wednesday, December 3rd.