The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

PANTHERS GET REVENGE AS THEY ARE NAMED NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!

Texas A&M Aggies at Florida International Golden Panthers
Jan 17, 2027	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#11 Texas A&M Aggies ((13-3))	7	3	7	7	17
#8 Florida International Golden Panthers ((14-2))	7	21	17	0	45

Team Stats Comparison
	TA&M	FIU
Total Offense	332	467
Rushing Yards	108	105
Passing Yards	199	362
First Downs	14	18
Punt Return Yards	0	24
Kick Return Yards	0	57
Total Yards	332	548
Turnovers	2	1
3rd Down Conversion	5/14	5/9
4th Down Conversion	0/2	0/1
2-Point Conversion
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	1-1-66%	2-0-66%
Penalties	8-80	5-52
Possession Time	29:28	30:32

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		TA&M	FIU
6:21	(TA&M) I.Glennon 41 yd FG	3	0
3:40	(FIU) J. Wilcox 2 yd run	3	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		TA&M	FIU
7:29	(TA&M) D. Naanee 18 yd pass from A. Malveaux (PAT)	10	7
5:26	(FIU) J. Wilcox 11 yd pass from K. Minchey (PAT)	10	14
5:14	(TA&M) B. Cheek 75 yd pass from A. Malveaux (PAT)	17	14
0:00	(FIU) Jack Willard 25 yd FG	17	17
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		TA&M	FIU
10:51	(FIU) Jordan Faison 75 yd pass from K. Minchey (PAT)	17	24
9:15	(FIU) Leonard Moore 62 yd INT return (PAT)	17	31
7:18	(FIU) Jack Willard 52 yd FG	17	34
4:59	(TA&M) Cole Tabb 7 yd run	24	34
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		TA&M	FIU
9:43	(TA&M) Isaiah Dennis 1 yd run	31	34
3:22	(FIU) Jack Willard 35 yd FG	31	37
0:20	(TA&M) Tyler Cisco 1 yd pass from Clayton Dees (PAT)	38	37

GAME RECAP

Florida International spend Sunday night as a team rewatching their 2nd round loss to TAMU in last year's playoff. Fresh on their minds was the (55-23) beat down that that saw QB Keyone Jenkins throw 5 INT's. Clayton Dees is no stranger to the Aggie Defense either though as the Junior finished the game completing just 3/11 pass's including a INT in the 4th Quarter loss.


FIU won the toss and elected to kick giving the TAMU Offense first crack at points and SR QB Marcel Reed (86) delivered leading a 9 play drive that ended with a 21 yd touchdown to FR WR Sean Carden (81) to make it (7-0).

Clayton Dees and the Panthers though would answer back as FIU uses just 3 plays before Dees hits Alabama transfer Freshman Brian Cheek on a 64 yd bomb to tie the game (7-7).

After Successful 1st Series, both teams saw turnover plagued their 2nd. Reed would be picked off by SR SS Dominick Mays but Dees turned around and threw a INT to SR CB Terry Bussey (90). The Aggies however would settle for a 24 yd FG making it (10-7).

The Panthers would close out the 2nd Quarter scoring 21 unanswered points as Dees throws 3 more TD's on the day (49 yd to K. McNeal, 13 yd to Juju Lewis and another 20 yd strike to Cheek) as FIU takes a pretty commanding (28-10) lead into the half.

FIU opened up the 2nd half with the ball and it was SR Cole Tabb's turn to get into the action as the Star Running back scores the first of (2) 3rd Quarter touchdowns breaking off a 26 yd TD run to make it (35-10) and then it was SR CB Mister Clark improving his school record for most INT's in a season picking off Reed for his 9th INT of the year to set up another Tabb TD run as FIU extends the lead to (42-10).

The Panthers were not done scoring though as JR PK Issac Glennon comes in and nails a 51 yd yarder to make it (45-10) entering the 4th.

Reed would rebound from his early INT leading a 11 play scoring drive finished off by a 17 yd TD pass to JR WR Ashton Bethel-Roman (90) to make it (45-10)

After a turnover on downs by the Panthers, TAMU tried to add 3 points to the scoreboard, but JR PK D. Speed (72) missed a 46 yarder with 6 minutes to play. FIU not taking any chances would run as much time off the clock before punting, but TAMU was unable to mount any type of comeback as the turn the ball over on downs. FIU again tried to run as much time off the clock as possible before sending out Louis Myers for his 2nd punt of the game as Myers pins the Aggies deep inside the 10 yd line with a nice 47 yd punt.

Ball game over. The Florida International Panthers are your 2027 National Champions!!!!

KEY PLAYER STATS

QB C. Dees-20/26 (76%) 362 yds 4 TD 1 INT, 30 yds rushing
RB C. Tabb-19 carries 64 yds 2 TD
RB TJ Snowden-5 carries 11 yds
WR B. Cheek-4 rec 104 yds 2 TD
WR K. McNeal-4 rec 92 yds 1 TD
WR E. Cortez-3 rec 70 yds
WR Juju Lewis-3 rec 25 yds 1 TD
TE D. Naanee-1 rec 23 yds
DE D. Nduwe-7 Tackles 2 Sacks
SS D. Mays-1 INT
CB M. Clark-1 INT

QB M. Reed-16/30 (53%) 199 yds 2 TD 2 INT, 10 carries 70 yds
RB B. Bautista-14 carries 63 yds
WR J. Platt-4 rec 63 yds
WR S. Carden-3 rec 48 yds 1 TD
WR A. Bethel-Roman-2 rec 20 yds 1TD
CB T. Bussy- 1INT

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

TEAM NEWS

OC CHARLES CLEMENTS LEAVES FOR THE SEC

Rumors have been flying around for the past 2 years that Mississippi State was hot after FIU OC Charles Clement and they have finally pulled the trigger making Clement one of the highest paid OC's in the nation with a annual salary higher then HC Matt Miller makes at FIU.

During Clements tenure at FIU, the Panthers have finished in the Top-5 in Total yards, Passing Yards, Rushing Yards and PPG well leading the nation all 3 years in 1st Downs. In fact this season, FU was 1st in everything.

Total Yards (8059) TAMU (6732), Notre Dame (6413) Clemson (6239) and Cincinnati (5946)

Passing Yards (5809) Notre Dame (4806) Clemson (4551) TAMU (4448) LSU (4323)

Rushing Yards (2156) TAMU (2088) BSU (1933) Cincinnati (1920) UTEP (1693)

PPG (41.2) Clemson (41.0), Notre Dame (38.7) Cincinnati (36.5), Maryland (35.6)

1st Downs (362) Georgia (245), LSU (243) TAMU (240) Notre Dame (232)

Coach Miller

"I wish Coach Clements the best and I appreciate what he has done for this program. He will always be a friend and I wish him and the Bulldogs success as they look to challenge for future SEC titles"

Reports are Coach Miller has reached out and agreed to terms with former Panther WR T.Y. Hilton.. Hilton the Career record holder for Receiving yards (3531) and Receptions (229) was a 3rd round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 played 10 years in the NFL and was a 4 time Pro Bowler, before retiring after the 2022 season.

Miller

"We couldn't be more excited for T.Y. to return to FIU and help us in our quest for #2.. We have a great WR room and I couldn't think of a better person to come in and help these guy's get even better"

A HISTORIC SEASON

15 wins, a National Championship, A Cotton Bowl win, a Peach Bowl Win, the schools 2nd CUSA title.. I am not sure the FIU Panthers will ever have a season of success like this one, but what I do know is Coach Miller in just 3 years has established himself already into the FIU Hall of Fame..

2027 was just a Historic season for the Team. Several players set new school records along the way.

RB Cole Tabb already the school record holder for the Single Season record of Most Yards in a season (1772-2026), set a new school record for Most TD's (24) well also setting new school records for Most Yards in a Career (4093) and Rushing TD's (49).

OLB Josiah Taylor set a new school record for Most Sacks in a Career with (28) and WR Kyle McNeal broke TY Hilton's record of 24 TD's finishing his Career with (25).

CB Mister Clark has a historic season recording a new single season record of 9 INT's well finishing 2nd on the team with 92 Tackles.

SAYING GOODBYE

Well we still don't know the official # is as several players on the roster are expecting to transfer what we do know is FIU graduates 13 Seniors many who played a a huge role in securing this National Championship win.

No name is bigger or had more of a impact then Stanford transfer SR RB Cole Tabb (86 Ovr) . Tabb followed up a Junior season of 1772 yds and 15 TD's with 1529 yds and 24 TD's well also finishing with 60 rec for 520 yds and 1 TD.

It's already been mentioned but Tabb leaves FIU has the a 5 time school record holder..

WR Kyle McNeal (85 OVR)

A 3 year starter, McNeal caught 70 rec for 989 yds and 10 TD's this season giving him 207 rec for 3298 yds and 25 TD's in his career as he surpassed TY Hilton's career TD mark.

WR Juju Lewis(81 Ovr)

Lewis was a absolute stud as a SO in Miller's first season catching 63 rec for 937 yds with 11 TD's but as FIU added more depth and talent in the WR room, Lewis lost snaps and abilities to make plays, but he did manage 34 rec for 507 yds and 4 TD's this season leaving FIU with 105 rec for 1537 yds and 15 TD's.


RB TJ Snowden (79 Ovr)

Like McNeal and Lewis, Snowden played the past 3 seasons for Coach Miller.. Never able to secure the #1 RB role, but always willing to help where ever he could Snowden leaves FIU with 134 carries for 495 yds (3.7 avg) and 7 TD's, well adding 22 rec for 130 yds and 1 score.

CB Mister Clark (83 Ovr)

Clark almost left FIU in the Transfer Portal in Year 1 but was 1 of the few that came back and gave Coach Miller a chance. After posting just 50 Tackles and recording 1 INT in 2025, Clark improved in 2026 with 70 tackles and 4 INT, and then did it again this year finishing second on the team with 92 Tackles well grabbing 9 INT's to set a new school record for the Most in a Season.

His career totals are 235 Tackles with 6 TFL and 15 INT well also registering 25 Pass Deflections.

OLB Josiah Taylor (84 Ovr)

A 3 year starter and Team Captain. Taylor leaves FIU as the school recorder holder for most Sacks in a career (28). After posting 10.5 as a Soph, he followed it up with 10.0 last season, but saw his # drop to just 7.5 this year, but his Tackles went up as well as TFL. He leaves FIU with 177 career Tackles, 26 TFL's and the 28 Sacks. He will be missed..

FS Preston Thompson (81 Ovr)

Thompson a 3 year starter who finished with 183 Tackles and 5 INT's had 1 TFL in his career but it was a huge one, as he was the man who hit the Notre Dame RB in the backfield to force the Punt which lead to the FIU winning touchdown.

SS Dominick Mays (81 Ovr)

Mays a key reserve leaves FIU with 114 Tackles over 3 seasons with 4 INT's.

DT Germaine Carter (86 Ovr)

Another Defensive Team Captain. Carter was the teams best player in term's of Overall (86) and he posted his best season as a Senior with 48 Tackles, 11 TFL's and 6.5 Sacks.

OTHER GRADUATING SENIORS
LT L. Simmons (86 Ovr)
RT D. Michael (86 Ovr)
RT M. Rabess (76 Ovr)
LG J. Buchanon (85 Ovr)
CB J. Holliman (79 Ovr)
DE W. Denaud (80 Ovr)

NFL DRAFT

None of the FIU Panthers are projected to get drafted, but I would assume many especially RB Cole Tabb will receive a FA offer after the draft.



TRANSFER PORTAL RUMORS

Well it's not official word is that former Syracuse transfer RS SO QB Jamaal Church (2867 yds 24 TD 12 INT), and former South Carolina transfer RS SO Antwan Malevaux (363 yds 3 TD 4 INT) are both expected to join the transfer portal once again as FIU has already secured the commitment of (2) high profile 4* QB's in this year's recruiting class.

We are also hearing word that RS FR Tarvais Maijeh (369 yds 2 TD 3 INT) will also be joining them as well as former 3* Evan Clapp (71 Ovr) who redshirted last season.

Should all 4 leave, that would leave RS SR Clayton Dees (2356 yds 21 TD 7 INT) as the projected #1 and former 3* RS JR Victor Ojuwku (71 Ovr) as the only other returning QB on the roster.

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

FIU went into the Off-Season with 16 players (6-4*, 10-3*) committed and just 3 players left on their big board.

3* CB Alex McPherron (#855 Overall/#109 FL/#62 CB)
3* OLB Alex WooleyHand (#1634 Overall/#202 FL/#71 OLB)
3* FS Emmett Jean-Pierre (#484 Overall/#71 FL/#31 FS)

With several players expected to hit the Portal, Coach Miller once again has like 8-10 scholarships to play with as he looks to fill holes in the roster with talent from the Portal.

#1 Overall 4* LT Mauricio Hinds (FAU) was Coach Miller's #1 target. A RS JR, Hinds (6'5 305lbs) would fill a huge hole on the O-Line that saw 3 starters graduate.


#51 Overall 4* CB Deylen Platt (USF) was another. the 6'3 180lb TR JR would be the ideal replacement for Mr Clark as the Panthers new shutdown CB1.

#204 3* DE Sergio Hooks (Miami OH) was the Panthers #3 target. With Josiah Taylor OLB/DE graduating, the Panthers return just 1 starter that registered over 6 sacks last season.


The current Class ranked #17 in the nation leading CUSA, with ECU 2nd at #32 Overall with 15 players(1-4*,14-3*) Charlotte #43 with 13 players (10-3*,3-2*) and FAU #53 with 21 players (4-3*, 17-2*).

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

TRANSFER PORTAL/SIGNING DAY

FIU LOSES 2 KEY PORTAL PROSPECTS

#1 OT Maurcio Hinds (FAU) signed with Miami
"I actually didn't even finish #2, UCF jumped me as well. His #1 want was Playing Style (I was only a B+) and Conference Prestige was #3 (I am only a C+)

DE Sergio Hooks signed with Florida
"Finished #2. I am pretty set at DE, with alot of incoming Redshirt Freshman, so hopefully I will find someone who can rush the passer"


Coach Miller did manage to land CB D.Platt for our 7th 4* of the season. Platt will battle with #2 CB Raheim Sexil and #3 CB James Chenault for the chance to replace Mr. Clark at CB1

Coach Miller also add 3* DT Deontary Garnes (Ranked #102 Overall and the #2 DT from Middle Tennesee).

"Garnes instantly becomes our best DT and will replace G. Carter as our #1 DT."

Miller also signed McPherron, Lean-Pierre and Wooleyhand as well finishing out our original recruiting board as well as add 3* WR/ATH Garrison Falah (#942 Overall/#119 FL/#104 WR) from Gainsville FL as a last minute add to finish with 22 players total and the Top-25 Class hitting my goal just barley in signing a Top-25 class with #25 Overall


TOP PROSPECTS IN THE PORTAL AND WHERE THEY SIGNED

4* QB Trey Ownens (#3 Overall) went from Texas to TCU
4* QB Drew Mestemaker (#30 Overall) went from N. Texas to TCU
3* QB Trevonn Wright (#68 Overall) went from Louisville to UAB

4* RB Tae'Von Dunbar (#14 Overall) left W. Virginia for Tennessee
4* RB Josh Ringer (#21 Overall) left Miami OH for Notre Dame
4* RB Luis Cherry (#32 Overall) left Kansas for Miami
4* RB Armon Hunt (#39 Overall) left Ohio State for Notre Dame
4* RB Frankie Aruther (#50 Overall) left UTSA for Texas Tech

4* WR Caleb Pickett (#5 Overall) left Indiana for Oregon
4* WR Braylon Staley (#29 Overall) left Tennessee for South Carolina
4* WR Braylon Burnside (#31 Overall) left Miss State for Ole Miss
4* WR Jacob Jordan (#34 Overall) left Oklahoma for TCU
4* WR (#41 Overall) M. Vanderdoes left Texas for TCU
4* WR (#42 Overall) KJ Jonesleft Marshall for Tennesssee

4* TE (#15 Overall) J. O'Keefe left Oklahoma State for Oklahoma
4* TE (#35 Overall) B. Lorzano left Louisville for TCU

4* DE (#6 Overall) A. Kissayi left Minnesota for Miami
4* OLB (#24 Overall) Bo Tate left Stanford for Pitt
4* MLB (#4 Overall) Ron Rogan left Boise State for Oregon
4* MLB (#8 Overall) Matt Rossouw left Jax State for Tennessee
4* MLB (#9 Overall) G. Wilson left Okie State for LSU
4* MLB (#13 Overall) M. Johnson left Rutgers for Notre Dame
4* MLB ( #23 Overall) C. Redd left Illinois for Notre Dame.
4* CB (#7 Overall) C. Lester III left Wake Forest for Florida
4* CB (#17 Overall) Zach Cody left Coastal Carolina for TCU
4* CB (#22 Overall) K. Doman left Minnesota for Boise State
4* FS (#2 Overall) J. Smith left Nevada for Alabama
4* FS (#38 Overall) D. Rypien left Coastal Carolina for Alabama
4* SS (#19 Overall) D'Mon Marable left Tennesee for Duke

TCU was obviously the huge winner in the Transfer Portal land (6) 4* including the Top-2 QB's

* I plan to recap where FIU players sign in my Season Preview*

Here is a look at the final Recruiting Class's in the Top-25

(5*/4*/3*/2*/1*)

#1 Miami FL signed 34 (3/29/2)
#2 Georgia signed 31 (4/21/6)
#3 Oregon signed 34 (3/21/10)
#4 Alabama signed 27 (2/16/13)
#5 Penn State signed 31 (2/16/13)
#6 Virginia Tech signed 31 (0/21/10)
#7 Notre Dame signed 34 (1/24/9)
#8 Tennessee signed 30 (2/17/11)
#9 LSU signed 26 (1/16/9)
#10 Florida signed 33 (2/17/14)
#11 Pitt signed 30 (0/14/16)
#12 Texas signed 29 (2/13/14)
#13 TCU signed 29 (0/19/10)
#14 Nebraska signed 25 (1/9/15)
#15 Oklahoma signed 22 (1/12/9)
#16 Clemson signed 21 (2/8/11)
#17 USC signed 26 (0/14/12)
#18 Texas A&M signed 27 (1/8/18)
#19 Michigan State signed 27 (0/13/14)
#20 Michigan signed 27 (0/14/13)
#21 Boise State signed 19 (1/7/11)
#22 Colorado signed 23 (0/8/12/3)
#23 Wisconsin signed 19 (0/8/11)
#24 Ohio State signed 18 (1/6/11)
#25 FIU signed 22 (0/7/15)

East Carolina ended up #44 with 26 players (0/1/24/1)
Charlotte ended up #60 with 20 players (0/0/14/6)
James Madison was #69 with 23 players (0/0/13/5/5)
Liberty was #70 with 22 players (0/0/13/9)
Coastal Carolina was #71 with 25 (0/0/13/9/3) but lost 2 former 4* in the Portal.

[redsox907]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25



Nice job guiding FIU from the depths of C-USA to the top of the mountain. It will be interesting to see how recruiting goes next year with the prestige bump you'll surely get. And how the job offers will look going into next season with a natty under your belt.

Excited to see how the title defense goes. They shouldn't have been sleeping on FIU before and they certainly won't now

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Nice job guiding FIU from the depths of C-USA to the top of the mountain. It will be interesting to see how recruiting goes next year with the prestige bump you'll surely get. And how the job offers will look going into next season with a natty under your belt.

Excited to see how the title defense goes. They shouldn't have been sleeping on FIU before and they certainly won't now

Thanks.. It for sure helps. Both FIU and ECU start in the Top-25 again and CUSA is looking solid. ODU is the only team rated under 80 Overall FIU is now officially a 3* and we have our first 5* Recruits actually listing us in their Top-10 to start the year. Of course Miami, Florida, FSU are all targeting them as well, so it could still be a year or 2 before we have any success landing one, but if Coach Miller can keep adding more 4* to the roster it won't really matter.

At this point I have a list of probably 5-6 schools I would leave FIU for, it they don't offer I think i would like to stay here at least another 4 years to finish out the careers of some of these 4* we just signed. But that's a road we will cross when the offers come in. I am probably going to look at some potential changes to the Conferences but I think that's still at least 2 years away (2030). I think I would like to wait 5 years before making any chances. Cincinnati if they keep dominating the American would probably need a bump back up joining the Big Ten and I would like to put Notre Dame in the Big Ten as well.

With FIU, I got options. With Florida teams in the ACC, SEC and Pac-12, I could see moving them to any of the conferences depending on our success the next 2 seasons. My plan if I do move them is probably to take the new job with Coach Miller at some point and they create TY Hilton as the Panthers new HC and actually play with both schools. I have done this in the past with NCAA14.

[Careless Whisper]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Title #1 for Miller at FIU! What a crazy season, from the opening struggles to midseason surge, annual regular-season loss to ECU and revenge win in the CUSA title tilt, and then beating them for a third time in the CFP before finishing the job. The recruiting class you're putting together looks stellar - it seems like this could only be the beginning for the Golden Panthers!

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Title #1 for Miller at FIU! What a crazy season, from the opening struggles to midseason surge, annual regular-season loss to ECU and revenge win in the CUSA title tilt, and then beating them for a third time in the CFP before finishing the job. The recruiting class you're putting together looks stellar - it seems like this could only be the beginning for the Golden Panthers!

Honestly didn't think I would win one this year, but FIU recruiting in Florida has some major advantages. Even the 3* seem better then other 3* around the country. I have been lucky enough to land a few 4* pieces and several guys in the Portal who made a huge impact on the team. Cole Tabb despite his 84 Overall rating was best best RB in the nation the past 2 years in my offense and we got some legit WR's who make big plays. Cheek is the fast player I have had in all my Dynasty teams.

The win has had a huge impact on this upcoming class. I actually had 3-5* with me in their Top-10 and I have over 30 4* with FIU in their Top-10. I currently have 21 open scholarships for next season and figure I have probably 4 players I will plan on cutting or losing to the Portal, so my goal is 25 players. I feel like if I can land 10+ 4*, I should have a decent shot at maybe a Top-10 class after finishing this year at #25. If I can do that for the next 2 years, then I think FIU could be ready to make a jump possibly in conferences.. I have Florida schools currently in the Pac-12, SEC, and ACC so I got some options to see where I feel like they would be the best fit.

Always appreciate the follow/comments.

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

FORMER PANTHERS FIND NEW HOMES.

QB RS JR J. Church (was a 79 bumped to a 82)
Signs with Iowa State. He is projected as the team's #2 behind SR C. Moberly. So he could very well be the Cyclones starter in 2029.


QB RS JR A. Malveux (was a 79 bumped to a 82)
Signs with Miami OH, but is in a 3 way battle with 2 other JR QB's. Doesn't look very promsing as he is the lowest rated of the 3 (85/83/and 82).

QB RS FR E. Clapp (was a 68 bumped to a 70)
The former 3* from North Fort Myers is heading to the West Coast to be a Boise State Bronco. Where it looks like he will be a career backup as the he starts the year #6 on a roster with 6 QB's.

RB RS JR J. Haslam (80)
The former 3* Athlete signed with FIU after the 2024 season and spent 2025 as the Panthers primary Kick and Punt returner before redshirting in 2026, after limited PT he too is joining Boise State were he is projectected as BSU's 3rd RB behind SR's Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines, meaning he could be the Broncos starter in 2029.

**Despite being the highest ranked QB's who entered the Portal, RS FR Tarvaris Maijeh (82) didn't sign with a squad and has disappeared from the game.**

PANTHERS ANNOUNCE 2028 SCHEDULE

For the first time since Coach Miller's arrival to FIU, the Pre-Season ranked #13 Panthers will kick off their season at home hosting a FCS Program as Coach Miller's former employer Montana State comes to Pitbull Stadium for a Week 0 matchup.

Coach Miller

"We are excited to host the Bobcats in Week 0.. They have been a powerhouse in the FCS for the past 10 years making the National Championship in 2024"

The National Champs will then hit the road for a rematch of last year's season opener as they take on Florida State who handed FIU one of their worst defeats in school history (69-37).

FIU will stay on the Road for Week 2 as they kickoff CUSA play taking on the Liberty Flames before returning home for the Shula Bowl vs the FAU Owls in Week 3.

FIU will finish off their non-conference schedule with a Week 4 matchup at home vs South Florida before taking a "Bye" in Week 5.

FIU returns to action in Week 5 vs Old Dominion followed by another "Bye" Week in Week 6.

The Panthers final 6 games of the season are broke up into 2 groups.

Week 8,9,10, The Panthers are on the road @ James Madison, Charlotte and Marshall before returning home for their final 3 games vs #17 ECU, Appalachian State and "Senior Day" vs Coastal Carolina.

RAPPER PITBULL ADDS MORE MONEY TO PANTHER NIL FUND AS FIU LOOKS TO SECURE A TOP-10 CLASS

Last season following the Panthers National Championship, Coach Miller secured a Top-25 Recruiting Class (Ranked #25) with the addition of 7-4* Recruits to the Panther Roster.

Reports are armed with some additional NIL money Coach Miller and his staff are hoping to land the schools first ever 5* Recruit as FIU is said to be targeting 3 players in Rated in the Top-30 Recruits in the nation and 25 players rated in the Top-375.

Coach Miller

"Every season we start our recruiting process with 35 players on our big board, with the plans to offer and sign 20-25 of those recruits. This year we have 21 open scholarships with probably 4 more available should we choose to skip the Transfer Portal signing period. Right now our Top-35 board is made up of 28-4* Recruits with hopes that we can land 15 of them. If we do that, it's going to take money, and we are excited to partner with Pitbull as we look to bring another Championship back to the 305"

PANTHERS LAND 13 ON CUSA PRE-SEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS.

The 2028 Pre-Season All-American Teams have been released and FIU has placed (8) players on the 1st Team and (5) players on the 2nd Team.

RS SO's WR Brian Cheek and Tyler Cisco were both named 1st Team along with RS JR Center David Okyayinou. On Defense RS SO MLB Tevaugh Stewart and SR CB Raheim Sexill along with SS Jaden Williams all made the 1st Team selection.

Joining them on the 1st Team also was PK Issac Glennon and Punter Louis Myers.

Glennon has also been put on the Pre-Season Lou Groza Award Watch list. For his career Glennon has hit 67/78 FG's well converting 100% of his XP's (204/204).

RS FR RB Tavon Logan, RS SR LT Jon Rodriguez, RS SO RT Dontee Penny, RS SR DE Daniel Ndukwe, and RS SR CB James Chenault were all named to the 2nd-Team.

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

INDEPTH LOOK AT THE 2027 FIU PANTHERS

(Current Overall)
QUARTERBACKS

QB RS SR Clayton Dees (82)- Palmetto FL
2027 stats-146/237 (61%) 2210 yds 20 TD 6 INT, Sacked 12 times.
"Dees returns after guiding the Panthers to a Week 14 win over ODU, Dees led FIU to a win over ECU in the CUSA Championship and then proceed to guide the Panthers to 4 playoff victories Dees has earned QB1 and will look to finish his career at FIU on a high note."

QB RS JR Victor Ojukwu (78)-Madson FL
The former 3* has yet to attempt a pass for the Panthers, but rather then join the portal like 4 other FIU QB's he is sticking it out and will rotate with the 2 incoming 4* Recruits as the Panthers #2 QB this season."

QB (T) FR Zack Wire (78)-Lakeland FL
A 4* Recruit rated #209 Overall and #27 QB in the class. Reports are Coach Miller is going to use a new approach this season, with Wire likely to see action in 4 games before redshirting"

QB (T) FR Enrique Verrett (75)-Apopka FL
A 4* Recruit in the 2027 class, Verrett was ranked #103 Overall and the #13 QB. Like Wire, Reports are Verrett will also see action in 4 games before most likely redshirting the rest of thes season.

RUNNINGBACK/FULLBACK

RB RS FR Tavon Logan (87)-Tallahassee FL
A former 4* Recruit who redshirted last season. Logan is a 5'10 231lb power back who has the speed and size to play every down the for the Panthers. as he looks to take ahold of the reigns passed down by Cole Tabb.

RB RS SO Titus Tompkins (82)-Ocoee FL
A former 3*, Tompkins spent last season as the team's #3 RB but did manage to post 10 carries for 134 yds and a TD against Marshall showing he is ready for a big role in the offense this season sharing the backfield with Logan"

Coach Miller

"We are super excited for Tompkins this year. We were somewhat afraid he might go into the portal looking for a bigger role, but it's our hopes to run more 2 RB set's this year using Logan and Tompkins together similar to USC and their years of L. White and Reggie Bush."

RB (T/R FR Shawn Boyce (75)-Neptune Beach FL
"A 4* Recruit in the 2027 Class, Boyce was rated #57 Overall and the #5 RB in the class.. Reports are Coach Miller wants to get a look at Boyce as he will probably play in 4 games before redshirting.."

Coach Miller

"We really like Shawn alot. He has the best hands of any RB on the team and we could see him move out as a WR as well. Last year we threw the ball to Cole Tabb 60 times and we want to keep that aspect in our offense."

RB RS JR Major Benshaw (75)-Brunswick GA
"A former 3* Athlete, Benshaw played as a true freshman logging 15 carries for 67 yds well also serving as one of the primary return mans 28 KR 624 yds (22.3 avg). He will likely be the teams #3 RB this season"

RB (R) FR Terrance Cantwell (66)-Miami FL
"3* Recruit in this year's class that will redshirt hoping to find some PT down the road"

RB (R) FR Kwabena Strong (61)-Boynton Beach FL
"Another 3* Recruit whose future is probably FB as he comes in at 6'2 232lbs."

FB RS SR Antonio Ferguson (78)-Apopka FL
"A converted TE, Fergy has 30 carries for 101 yds and 4 TD's the past 2 seasons well also adding 4 rec for 24 yds and 1 TD"

FB RS SO Isaiah Dennis (75)-Immokalee FL
"Former 3* Redshirted in 2025, didn't see the field in 2026, then had 21 carries for 69 yds and scored 5 TD's last season as a goal line back.. Listed at 5'10 226lbs he is actually not the biggest RB/FB on the roster this season with Logan taking over that title."

WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT END

WR RS SO Brian Cheek (89)-Cape Coral FL
"The former Alabama transfer had a breakout year with 80 rec for 1519 yds and 14 TD's, as the team's #3. He moves into the #1 WR role as Kyle McNeal graduates. Cheek also had 2 punt returns for TD's last season as well."

WR RS SO Tyler Cisco (84)-Fort Lauderdale FL
"The former 4*, caught the game winning TD against Notre Dame. He had limited PT last year because of the depth chart catching just 7 ball for 95 yds and 3 TD. He will be the team's slot WR this year a position that saw Brian Cheek catch 80 pass's last season and lead the team in yards and TD's. I expect big things from this young man as he wears the #2"

WR RS JR Enrique Cortez (81)-Miami FL
"Cortez a former 3* had 63 rec for 964 yds and 4 TD's as a RS FR and had a even bigger year last year with 1 less catch posting 1126 yds and 12 TD's on 62 receptions. Cortez returns as the team's #2 WR, as he looks to put up another 1000+ yd double digit year.

WR RS JR Faitele Okwara (79)-Boca Raton FL
"Another former 3* who could start for alot of teams around the country. After posting 57 rec for 749 yds 9 TD as a true freshman he fell on the depth chart catching just 8 balls for 189 yds and 4 TD's as a Soph. He redshirted last year to save a year of eligibily, but did come in and catch 1 pass for 12 yds in the Panthers win over Notre Dame"

WR RS FR Ryan Kunaszyk (78)-Vernon FL
"Another former 4* who redshirted last season.. He will start the year as the team's #5 WR waiting his turn to become a impact player"

WR (T/R) FR Kris Newkirk (75)-Lake City FL
"A 4* Recruit in the 2027 class, Newkirk was ranked #117 Overall and the #10 WR in the class. Like Cheek, Newkirk has insane speed running a sub 4.2 40 yd dash. Newkirk could be the teams primary Kick and Punt returner as Coach Miller looks to keep Cheek fresh and healthy for his new WR1 role."

WR/TE SR Wayne Gutierrez (74).-Miami FL
"A former 3* who was recruited to play WR, moved to TE as a Freshman because of his 6'4 205lb frame. He has 17 career receptions for 271 yds with 3 TD's

WR RS JR Kevin Osgood (71)-Miami FL
"Another former 3* who just hasn't been able to crack the rotation, posting just 1 career reception for 17 yds"

WR (RS) FR Garrison Falah (70)-Gainsville FL
"A late 3* additon to the 2027 class, Falah is 6'4 204lbs and could the Panthers a future replacement for Okwara as a redzone TD catching machine.. He will redshirt this season.

WR (RS) FR Tim Pinner (66)-Alamonte Spring FL
"Like Falah a 3* recruit from this year's class. Also like Falah he is big (6'5 204lbs) and also like Falah he will reshirt in hopes of having a big nice off-season boost in training."

TE JR Dominick Naanee (77)-Miami Gardens FL
"The former 4* had a record setting season as a true freshman posting a school record 86 rec for 1600 yds and 14 TD's. But last season was double teammed and got lost in the pecking order with the addition of Brian Cheek, he posted 68 rec for 907 yds and 4 TD's. "

TE JR Jose Malik (79)-Orlando FL
"Overshadowed by his recruiting class teammate, the former 3* has posted just 7 rec for 100 yds and 1 TD in the past 2 seasons."

TE RS SO John Virgin(70)-Ballwin MO
"Virgin unlike Malik choose to reshirt last season hoping a year in the weight room would hlep him. For now he is the #3 but he is a likely target for the transfer portal if he can't carve out a role."

**O-Line just isn't all the fun to talk about, so I am not going to go into much depth"

Starting 5

LT-RS SR Jon Rodriguez (85)-Fort Lauderdale FL
"Was the starting RG last year"
LG-RS JR Alex Hill (85)-Hollywood FL
"Started 6 games last year because of injuries as the top backup at OT/OG"
C-RS JR David Okyayinou (86)-North Charleston SC
"Gave up 6 sacks last year starting all 17 games"
RG- RS JR Shareff Williams (84)-Andalusia AL
"First year starter"
RT- RS SO Dontae Penny (81)-Frankfort KY
"Another first year starter"

Key Reserves
OT- RS JR Tony Olszewski (80) and RS SO Casey Hodel (80)
OG- RS JR Tony Brewer (78), RS FR C Phenix (76) RS JR W. Meredith (81) and RS SO R. Anzalone (80)
C- RS SO T. Bliss (81), RS SR T. Muti (80) "Former Hawaii transfer who started some games in 2026

DEFENSIVE LINE

DE RS SR Robert Williams (83)-Miami FL
"Posted 18 Tackles and 4 sacks in 2026, but saw tackles increase last year to 27 but sacks dropped to 2.5" Still holding onto a starting job but not for long"

DE RS SR Daniel Ndukwe (85)-Lithonia GA
"The Indiana transfer led the team in Sacks last year with 11.5 well recording 52 Tackles and 11 TFL."

RS FR Cortez Darby (82)-Edmond OK, RS FR Kevin Gooden (77)-Venice FL, RS FR John Dinapoli (79)-Miami FL, and RS FR Martin Phenix (75)-Groveland FL.

All 4 guy's redshirted last season but are going to push Williams for his starting spot. If not 2 of the 4 will be starters for sure next season as Williams and Ndukwe are both Seniors.

DT RS SO BJ Faust (77)-Bloomingdale GA
"A former DE, Faust moved to DT and became the instant #1 as Carter graduates. A former 3* he posted 21 Tackles with 3 TFL and 5 Sacks last season.

DT SO David Vallos (75)-Fort Lauderdale FL
"Was the #2 DT last year backing up Carter but registered just 1 tackle, as FIU plays primarly a 3-3-5 Defense "

DT RS FR Jason Carden (72) will provide depth well (T/RS) FR Diondre Kuhn (76) will redshirt.

LINEBACkERS

OLB RS SO Sam Truong (77)-Palm Beach Gardens FL
"He will get the first crack at replacing Josiah Taylor. He posted just 13 Tackles as a reserve last season"

OLB RS SR Ronnie McRae (79)-Fort Lauderdale FL
"A 2 year starter. He had 58 Tackles with 2.5 sacks and a INT as a Sophomore, but his tackle #'s dropped to 39 last year well his sacks went up to 7.0"

OLB RS JR Xavier Mattison (75)-Miami FL
"A former 1* he will be the key reserve at OLB. He posted 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2026 but had just 13 Tackles last year."

OLB (T/RS) FR Joey Guerrero (76)-Pompano Beach FL
"Guerrero a 4* in this year class, could see game action in 4 games this season before redshirting as he is expected to take over for McRae next year as a starter"

OLB's (T/RS) FR Joey King (70)-Miami FL and (T/RS) FR Alex Wooleyhand (68) are both expected to redshirt and provide depth moving forward.

MLB RS SO Tevaugh Stewart (89)-Bradenton FL
"The former 3* had a breakout season last year leading the team in tackles with 101 well recording 7 TFL , 4.5 sacks and 1 INT. He is a Team Captain, and highest rated Defensive player on the team and tied with Cheek at (89) as the best player Overall on the team."

MLB SR Jamerson Bail (74)-Tampa FL
"A former 2*, Bail had a breakout year posting 49 tackles with 2 TFL and 1 INT last season"

MLB RS FR Soni Yoon (74)-Naples FL
"A former 3* he redshirted last year and will share backup duties with Bail this year before taking over as the primary in 2028"

SECONDARY

CB RS SR Raheim Sexil (86)-Bradenton FL
"A former 2* Sexhil has been a 3 year starter averaging 64 Tackles and 1 INT per year for the past 3 years."

CB RS SR James Chenault (84)-Orlando FL
"The former USF Bull, had 58 Tackles and 3 INT last year as the team's Nickleback. He moves into the #2 role this year with the graduation of Mr Clark"

CB RS SO Joey Cordero (81)-Pahokee FL and CB RS JR Brian Wall (79)-Hollywood FL will the the primary backups and future starters unless we can land a highly touted recruit or transfer.

3* Recruits (RS) FR Alex McPherron (69) and (RS) FR Ryan Dickerson (67) are both set to redshirt.

***I had signed 4* D. Platt in the transfer portal but forgot to save and had to go back to try and recruit him, this time he signed with Miami**


FS RS SO TJ Everett (84)-Hollywood FL
"A former 3*, Everett takes over for Preston Thompson who graduated.. Everett had expressed interest in the Portal because of Play style but was persuaded to stay..

FS RS SR Shamir Sterlin (76)-Port Saint Lucie FL
"A career backup he has 8 career tackles"

FS (T/RS) Anthony Cookus (74)-Sebastian FL
"A 4* in this year's class, Cookus will likely play in 4 games and then reshirt the rest of the year. He could potentially move to SS so he could become a 4 year starer"

FS (RS) FR Emmett Jean-Pierre (70)-Jacksonville FL
"A 3* that was a late addition to the 2027 class, he is most likely a career backup

SS RS SR Jaden Williams (86)-Plantation FL
"Former 2* who has started the last 2 seasons averaging 86 Tackles per year. He had a huge year last season recording 4 INT's. He also had 4 Forced Fumbles as well."

SS RS SO Oscar Beal (74)-Lakeland FL
"Redshirted in 2026, then saw limited PT last year recording 6 tackles"

SS RS SR Sadonnie Gay (72)-Miami FL
"Posted 95 tackles with 3 Sacks and 3 INT as a FR in 2025 but got buried on the depth chart the past 2 years behind Williams. Will look to get him back on the field as a Dime back this season."

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK-SR Issac Glennon (83)-Florence SC
"Has been Mr Automatic almost inside 50 yds He has made 67/78 FG's the past 3 seasons and 6 of those 11 misses were from 50+, 3 were from 40-49 and 2 were from 30-39 both coming last year after being 19/20 the previous 2 years. He has made 204 straight XP's .

After posting just 39 TB's as a Freshman he increased that # to 61 last year and did even better last year with 81.. He has plenty of leg to kick the long FG's if only someone at the sticks was bette with accuracy."

PK (RS) FR TJ Dozier (68)-Houston TX.
"A 3* in this year's class, Dozier will redshirt with the plans of taking over for Glennon after graduation."

P SR Louis Myers (75)-Lake City FL
"Myers has improved all 3 seasons,but last year had a career low 48 punts (avg 56 the previous 2 years) but had his best avg at 44.9 yds (39.3 Net) well pinning 8 kicks inside the 20 and 6 on TB's matching his career long of 63 yds"

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

2027 TOP-25 PREASON POLL

(Overall/Offense/Defense)

#1 Texas A&-35 (90/89/91)
#2 Notre Dame-6 (91/91/91)
#3 Georgia-6 (92/92/92)
#4 LSU (90/90/91)
#5 Oregon (90/89/91)
#6 Maryland (81/82/81)
#7 Oklahoma (90/91/90)
#8 Michigan (89/90/89)
#9 Clemson (89/89/90)
#10 Florida (89/89/89)
#11 Michigan State (86/86/86)
#12 Virginia Tech (84/84/84)
#13 FIU (86/87/86)
#14 Tennessee (88/90/87)
#15 USC (85/85/85)
#16 Cincinnati (85/85/86)
#17 ECU (84/84/84)
#18 Auburn (89/89/90)
#19 BYU (84/84//84)
#20 Southern Miss (83/82/85)
#21 Penn State (91/92/91)
#22 Stanford (88/87/89)
#23 Ole Miss (89/89/90)
#24 TCU (86/86/87)
#25 Boise State (87/85/89)

"The Top-25 doesn't really have much surprise other then maybe Pac-12 Champs and playoff contender Boise State starting at #25, but they did lose Nelson at QB, but return Riley and Gaines at RB who combined for almost 2000 yds last year. Penn State starting at #21 probably deserves to be higher.. The SEC looks tough with 5 teams in the Top-10"

CUSA PROJECTIONS

It looks like it should be another year of Top-25 ranked FIU and ECU battling it out for the CUSA title, but I expect to see both Appalachian State (84/84/84) and Liberty (83/82/84) as well as Charlotte (81/81/82) all still push for the Top half of the league.

Marshall (81/81/81), Coastal Carolina (81/81/82), James Madison (80/79/82) and ODU (81/81/81) will probably fight to stay out of the cellar and get to 6 wins and earn a Bowl.

A FUTURE LOOK AT CONFERENCE REALIGNMENT

The 2025 season brought major changes to conferences around the country.. NCAA Commish Deuce Scott announced that original plans were not to make any changes until the 2030 season. Even though we are still 2 years away, here are the rumors many think will happen.

Many believe that Notre Dame and Cincinnati will both join the Big Ten, as we could see a exodus of some Westcoast teams as UCLA and Cal attempt to rejoin the Pac-12 hoping to become more competitive.

The Pac 12 currently at 12 teams would then expand to 14 but rumors are they would like to get to 16 to match the current Power 4 of the ACC/Big Ten/Big 12 and SEC bringing back the Power 5. Rumors are the Pac-12 could offer FIU a spot in the East division giving them natural rivals USF and UCF to play every year. Reports are the Pac-12 could look at the Sunbelt to fill the other spot in the east possibly going with with South Alabama or Louisiana who would give Tulane a natural regional rival.

Reports also say the ACC is very interested in replacing current members Rutgers and Wake Forest with ECU and FIU as they look to bolster their conference with some more Top-25 caliber teams.. Reports are Rutgers would most likely land in the American replacing Cincinnati well Wake Forest would likely end up in CUSA as they would look to rebuild their program giving them instate matchups with Charlotte and regional matchups with Coastal Carolina.

A move to the ACC South would give FIU yearly matchups with Florida State and Miami as well as Clemson as they look to continue to build the program into a national power house.

ECU would join the North division with UNC, NC State and Maryland and could challenge those schools for a Division crown and a spot in the ACC Championship.

Rumors are if CUSA does lose both ECU and FIU, but gain Wake Forest they would then have just 9 teams but could try and poach away Kennesaw State, Georgia State and Georgia Southern as they look to build to a 12 team conference.

The fallout of the SunBelt losing potentially 4 teams would leave them with just 7 teams, but they could try and get UTEP and New Mexico State to vacate the MWC giving them 9 teams well dropping the MWC down to 10 teams unless they can become the poaches of the bottom feeders in the Pac-12 like Utah State and Colorado State who have yet to put together winning seasons since leaving for the Pac-12.

A EARLY LOOK AT THE HEISMAN WATCH LIST

The early watchlist has 3 QB's and 2 WR's on the list. All 5 players are Redshirt SR's.

Ohio State QB Air Noland (90)
"Noland is a 3 year starter who has passed for 9900 yds with 79 TD's and 31 INT's well also adding 969 yds rushing with 14 TD's in his career."

Indiana QB Tyler Cherry (90)
Like Noland, Cherry has been a 3 year starter for the Hoosiers. with over 10,000 yds passing and 86 TD's. He had a great season last year passing for 3656 yds and 40 TD's with 11 INT's."

Utah QB Issac Wilson (89)
"Wilson threw for 2647 yds with 14 TD and 10 INT as a Freshman, but then surpassed 3200 yds the past 2 seasons well averaging 25 TD's. Last season he also only threw 3 INT's. He is also a dual threat averaging over 300 yds per season and had 6 rushing TD's last year.

UCF WR Jordyn Bridgewater (92)
"Bridgewater's best season came as a freshman when he posted 61 rec for 895 yds and 14 TD's, so I am not sure why he is on this list."

USC WR Xaiver Jordan (92)
"Jordan had 68 rec for 913 yds and 10 TD's as a Sophomore, but saw his #'s dip to 49 rec for 720 yds and 4 TD's last season, so like Bridgewater, I am unsure he will stay on this list for very long."

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

A GLIMPSE AT THE FUTURE

Montana State Bobcats at Florida International Golden Panthers
Aug 26,	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Montana State Bobcats ((0-0))	3	7	3		13
#13 Florida International Golden Panthers ((0-0))	14	14	7	14	49

Alot of people questioned FIU's decision to schedule FCS Montana State in Week 0 instead of adding a potential Top-25 matchup or renewing the Panthers "King of the City" rivalry with Miami, but Coach Miller had his reasons.

Coach Miller

"With 4 of our 6 QB's from last year hitting the portal, we wanted to get a early look at 4* Recruits Zack Wire and Enrique Verrett as well as 4* RB Shawn Boyce and WR Kris Newkirk. Also with new new OC TY Hilton installing new plays and formations into the playbook I felt it was important that we have a warm up game before taking on FSU in our grudge match"

GAME RECAP

It was a slow start for the Panthers offense as FR QB Zach Wire completes just 2 pass's before throwing his first career INT leading to the Bobcats taking a early (3-0) lead.

FIU would open up the 2nd series with the run game as Panther fans get a first look at RS FR Tavon Logan as Logan breaks off a nice 26 yd run to get things going, but it was True Freshman Shawn Boyce who would score the first TD of 2028 as he dives in from 2 yds out to make it (7-3).

After a force punt, FIU would retake the field and the Panthers wasted no time off the clock as Wire throws his first career TD hitting Logan out of the backfield for a 77 yd gain to make it (14-3).

Moving into the 2nd Quarter, the FIU offense would keep firing away as Wire throws 2 more scores including a 61 yd bomb to TE Dominick Naannee and a 31 yd strike to Tyler Cisco to put the Panthers up (28-3) with just over 3 minutes to play in the half. Another punt by the Bobcats gave FIU the ball back with over a minute to play, but Wire's 2 INT would end any thoughts of another score and actually led to Montana State's only TD of the day making it (28-10) at the half.

For Wire his day was done. As he finishes the 1st half 8/24 (33%) for 240 yds with 3 TD and 2 INT.

FIU opened up the 2nd half with the ball and Logan continued to show he is more then capable of filling Cole Tabb's shoes as he rushes for the first of (2) rushing TD's on the day to extend FIU's lead to (35-10). Montana States struggling to move the ball all day against the Panther Defense would have to settle for a Field Goal making it (35-13)

Well Wire struggled with INT's in his 1st half of play, QB #2 Enrique Verrett struggled holding on to the ball as he fumbles twice, but both times the FIU Defense come sup big as Raheim Sexil and TJ Everett come up with INT's.

Still (35-13) as we enter the 4th, Verrett would finally throw his first career TD as he hits RS FR Ryan Kunaszyk on a 36 yd bomb to make it (42-13). Then it was SR FS Shamir Sterlin coming up with the Panthers 3rd INT of the day as he sets up another Taveon Logan touchdown, as Logan goes over 100 yds on the day rushing well adding his 3rd score.

The FIU Defense wasn't done as they record 2 more sacks giving the team 7 on the day before RS SO Joey Cordero records his first career INT giving the Panthers 4 turnovers on the day to match the offense's 4 turnover performance. FIU would just run out the clock as they move to 1-0 on the season.

KEY PANTHERS

QB Z. Wire-9/24 (33%) 240 yds 3 TD 2 INT
QB E. Verrett-6/18 (33%) 115 yds 1 TD, sacked 1 time, fumbled twice.
RB T. Logan-15 carries 117 yds 2 TD, 1 rec 77 yds 1 TD
RB S. Boyce-7 carries 26 yds 1 TD
RB/FB I. Dennis- carries 10 yds
FB A. Ferguson-1 carry 7 yds
WR T.Cisco-4 rec 72 yds 1 TD
WR F. Okwara-3 rec 70 yds
WR R. Kunaszyk-2 rec 49 yds
WR E. Cortez-1 rec 14 yds
WR B. .Cheek-1 rec 9 yds
TE D. Naanee-1 rec 61 yds 1 TD
Defense- 7 Sacks, 4 INT's

*True Freshman Kris Newkirk had 2 KR for 40 yds (20.0) avg and 6 punt returns for 111 yds (18.5 avg) including a 49 yd long that he almost broke for a score.

UP NEXT

(1-0) FIU will travel to Tallahasee to take on Florida State as the Seminoles open their season at home vs the Defending National Champs..

AROUND THE NATION NEWS

Week 0 was pretty busy as 6 other Top-25 teams were in action this week including a matchup of 2 teams.

#3 Georgia beat #20 Southern Miss in the Top-25 head to head battle (28-11).

#5 Oregon suffered a upset loss to Baylor (21-13) starting the season out with a loss.

#17 ECU scored over 50 as they beat Wake Forest (51-24)

#21 Penn State beat Syracuse (25-17)

#24 TCU beat Umass (28-24)

Well ECU and FIU both won their openers the same can't be said for James Madison and Coastal Carolina.

The Dukes lost (28-24) to Miami OH well CCU lost (49-14) to UCF.

Well neither team was ranked, we also saw 2 Power programs collide as Alabama defeats Ohio State (18-17)

[xboxxerx]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Looks like FIU and Coach Deuce have a QB battle going on as either had a stellar performance vs. Montana St. Hopefully, things turn around in time for their Wk 1 battle against Florida St. and they are able to revenge last years loss.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Operation Sports mobile app

[redsox907]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

looks like its time to find a 5* recruit at QB to take over when Dees leaves lol
Excited to see how you guys do in the grudge match against FSU

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Looks like FIU and Coach Deuce have a QB battle going on as either had a stellar performance vs. Montana St. Hopefully, things turn around in time for their Wk 1 battle against Florida St. and they are able to revenge last years loss.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Operation Sports mobile app

No QB battle yet. I scheduled the FCS game cause I wanted a chance to actually play with the 2 incoming Freshman so I could see who might be QB1 next year. I have never really taken advantage of the ability to play in 4 games before Redshirting so the plan was to give them both a full half to play.

Dees will start and be our #1 this year, Ride or Die.. and Ojukwu will be the #2, with Wire and Verrett both getting 3 more games as the #3 and then both will redshirt the rest of the season. My hopes are I will have at least a couple big leads in some CUSA games where I can insert them both back in 3rd and 4th Quarters to get some more PT.

The same goes for Boyce. Tompkins looks like a legit solid backup to Logan who despite being listed as a power back at 5'10 231lbs, He has 96 speed and great hands giving him all the tools to be a 250-300 carry type back who could lead the nation in rushing and break all the records Tabb just set.