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

[SIZE="4"][PANTHERS 4TH QUARTER COMEBACK KEEPS HOPE ALIVE!!/SIZE]

Florida International Golden Panthers at Marshall Thundering Herd
Nov 4, 2028	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#18 Florida International Golden Panthers ((7-1)	7	13	7	10	37
Marshall Thundering Herd ((5-3))	16	3	8	7	34

Team Stats Comparison
	FIU	MRSH
Total Offense	403	328
Rushing Yards	175	36
Passing Yards	224	269
First Downs	15	12
Punt Return Yards	64	62
Kick Return Yards	89	60
Total Yards	556	450
Turnovers	3	1
3rd Down Conversion	4/14	3/14
4th Down Conversion	2-2
2-Point Conversion		1-1
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	1-1-66%	1-1-50%
Penalties	9-95	8-88
Possession Time	31:42	28:18

Looking to spark the offense a little after a season low 148 yds passing by Clayton Dees, Coach Miller made a change at QB as True Freshman Zach Wire made his 2nd start of the season, seeing his first action since Week 0's win over Montana State. Wire's debut to CSUA play didn't go all that well though as his season comes to a end.

GAME RECAP

Wire's return to action started out exactly like what Coach Miller was hoping as the Freshman connects on a 65 yd TD bomb to Enrique Cortez to give FIU the early (7-0). But after a Panther Defensive stop, Wire would throw a quick INT giving the Herd the ball right back and this time Marshall marches down the field to tie the game (7-7). Then after a poor decision by Titus Tompkins on the kick return trying to take it out of the endzone, FIU is hit by back to back penalties pushing the ball back inside the 3 yd line, were on the next play Wire is sacked in the endzone as Marshall takes the lead (9-7). It didn't stay that way long though as Marshall extends the lead to (16-7) as SR RB Shamir Ward (86) caps off a 6 play drive with a 19 yd TD run.

Both teams would trade FG's early in the 2nd Quarter to make it (19-10).. Then it was the FIU Defense coming up with a big play as SO SS Oscar Beal picks off JR QB Athony Kane (80) to set up a Wire 19 yd TD run as the Panthers make it (19-17) with 4 minutes to play. After a quick 3 and out, FIU got the ball back as Wire led the team out hoping to give the Panthers the lead before the half, but Wire not known for his running skills takes off looking to pick up another big gain, the Freshman is hit hard after he fails to slide, as Medical comes in to help him off the field.. The Panthers would rally behind their fallen player though as Glennon delivers a 41 yd FG to give FIU the (20-19) lead at the half.

For Wire his day and season was over as we learned that his injury is a Partial MCL tear that will sideline him for at least 7 weeks..

Marshall would open up the 2nd half with the ball and Kane shaking off his 2nd Quarter INT, wastes little time hitting SR WR Marcel Williams (81) on a 57 yd bomb. to make it (25-20). Marshall would elect to try the 2pt conversion and succeed as they push the score to (27-20).

FIU would tie the game though late in the 3rd Quarter as Tavon Logan scores his 11th TD of the season tying the game (27-27).

Marshall would retake the lead (34-27) with 8 minutes to play in the game as Kane hits Williams for his 2nd TD of the day.

FIU would rally back though behind backup QB Victor Ojukwu. The JR QB getting just his 2nd action of the season and a opportunity to maybe showcase his skills to teams looking to add a QB via the transfer portal, would complete 6/6 pass's on the drive including his first career TD as he connects with E. Cortez on his 2nd TD of the day as the Panthers tie the game (34-34) with 4:41 to play in the game.

After a forced punt but the Panther Defense, Ojukwu has a great drive leading the Panthers as he completes 3/3 pass's including a 4th and 2 to Tyler Cisco to keep the Panthers drive alive as FIU gets Issac Glennon in range for his game winning FG..

KEY PANTHERS

QB V. Ojukwu-11/15 (73%) 122 yds 1 TD, 1 sack,
QB Z. Wire- 5/16 (31%) 102 yds 1 TD 2 INT, sacked twice including the safety, 4 carries for 25 yds and 1 TD.
RB T. Logan-14 carries 97 yds 1 TD, 2 rec 21 yds
RB M. Benshaw-5 carries 43 yds
RB T. Tompkins-2 carries 4 yds
WR E. Cortez-4 rec 138 yds 2 TD
WR T. Cisco-2 rec 26 yds
WR B. Cheek-3 rec 14 yds
TE J. Malik-3 rec 25 yds


UP NEXT

With the win FIU moves to 8-1 Overall and 5-1 in CUSA. The Panthers jump 4 spots in the Rankings this week climbing back to #14 as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive.

FIU will return home for a Week 11 matchup with (4-5) East Carolina.

Well the Pirates are not ranked and are currently just trying to get Bowl eligible this matchup has lost some luster on the national scene but trust me Coach Miller and his team knows this game is still one of the biggest of the year for both squads as ECU would like nothing more then to continue their regular season dominance of the Panthers and potentially end their CUSA title and playoff dreams.

INJURY UPDATE

Zach Wire wasn't the only injury this week, as FIU also loses DE Robert Williams and SS Jayden Williams. Both Seniors are expected to miss the rest of the regular season including "Senior Day" Robert could return to action for the the CUSA title game but it appears Jayden's only hope will be a deep run into the playoffs.

[Deuce2223]

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

WEEK 10 AROUND THE NATION RECAP

TOP-25 UPDATE


#1 9-0 Notre Dame (Up next @ Pitt)
#2 8-1 Texas A&M (Up next Ole Miss)
#3 9-1 Penn State (Up next "Bye")
#4 8-1 Cincinnati (Up next @ Middle Tennessee)
#5 8-1 Kansas State (Up next @ Oklahoma State)
#6 7-2 Southern Miss (Up next @ Temple)
#7 7-2 Nebraska (Up next @ Stanford)
#8 9-1 West Virginia (Up next "Bye")
#9 7-2 TCU (Up next @ Baylor)
#10 9-0 UAB (Up next Georgia Southern)
#11 6-3 Virginia Tech (Up next Georgia Tech)
#12 7-2 Iowa (Up next Colorado)
#13 6-3 Auburn (Up next @ Tennessee)
#14 8-1 FIU (Up next vs ECU)
#15 6-3 Georgia (Up next vs Alabama)
#16 7-2 Wisconsin (Up next @ #18 Ohio State)
#17 6-3 Michigan (Up next vs Michigan State
#18 7-2 Ohio State (Up next #16 Wisconsin)
#19 8-1 Tulsa (Up next vs New Mexico State)
#20 6-3 LSU (Up next @ Arkansas)
#21 6-3 Duke (Up next @ UNC)
#22 5-4 Oklahoma (Up next Miss State)
#23 6-3 Iowa State (Up next vs Kansas)
#24 6-3 Texas (Up next vs Missouri)
#25 7-2 Central Michigan (Up next vs Western Michigan)

PLAYOFF PROJECTIONS

#12 Iowa vs #5 Notre Dame winner plays #4 West Virginia
#9 TCU vs #8 Nebraska winner plays #1 Texas A&M
#11 Virginia Tech vs #6 Kansas State winner plays #3 Cincinnati
#10 UAB vs #7 Southern Miss winner plays #2 Penn State

COACHES ON THE HOT SEAT

Several Power 4 programs are already putting out feelers for their next potential HC.

Purdue
USC
UCLA
Boston College
Texas Tech
Louisville
Colorado
Vanderbilt
Oregon
Washington
Wake Forest

HEISMAN APPEARS TO BE A 3 HORSE RACE

If the season ended today SR QB Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame) would be your Heisman winner. Minchey has not only led the Irish to the #1 ranking and a perfect season, but he has done it by passing for 2981 yds with 38 TD and just 2 INT so far, well also adding 312 yds rushing and 2 TD's.

Minchey's biggest competition might be his own teammate. SO WR Mac Crabtree leads the team with 67 rec for 953 yds and had 9 TD's well also adding 4 rushing TD's on 14 carries for 96 yds.

If one of the 2 Irish don't win, then my money is on Penn State JR QB Lester Paxton. Paxton currently has 2519 yds passing with 24 TD and 4 INT, well also adding 423 yds and 5 TD on the ground.

RECRUITING UPDATE

Once again, Miami has jumped to the lead for this year's #1 Recruiting Class. The Hurricanes are off to a quick start with 20 commits. Besides 5* WR D. Yancey, Miami has signed 18 4* Recruits and 1 3* Recruit giving them a 20 player class so far.

TAMU is currently #2 the Aggies have 12 commits including a pair of talented 5* and 10 4*

Notre Dame is #3 The Irish lead the way so far with the most 5* Recruits (3) well also landing (8) 4* verbals.

Georgia 11 (1 5*, 10-4* is #4
LSU 11 (11-4*) is #5
Virginia Tech 10 (10-4*) is #6
Penn State 9 (2-5*, 6-4*, 1-3*) is #7
Washington 11 (6-4*, 5-3*) is #8
Tennessee 10 (8-4*, 2-3*) is #9
Texas 9 (1-5*, 8-4*) is #10

USC 9 (9-4*) is #11 and UCLA 12 (2-4*, 10-3*) is #12

I find it interesting that Washington, USC, and UCLA are all currently in the Top-12 yet are looking at new HC in the off-season.


[U]CLEMSON LANDS TOP QB/U]

5* Casey Vaughn (#16 Overall/#1 AL/#1 QB) from Gardendale Alabama shocked the nation when he announced he was turning down the Tide and 3 other SEC programs to sign with Clemson.

Fellow 5* QB Kofi Stumph (#17 Overall/1 NJ/#2 QB) is still unsigned with scholarship offers from Penn State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Illinios.

PENN STATE LANDS TOP RB

5* Joel Shembo (#30 Overall/1 MI/#1 RB) was this year's only 5* RB and like Vaughn, surprised everyone picking Penn State over Michigan. In fact rumors are Shembo even had Fresno State #2 with the Wolverines coming 3rd.


Penn State didn't just stop with the adding of Shembo though as the Nittany Lions also land one of the best pass catchers in the nation as well signing 5* WR Chester Davis (#9 Overall/#1 PA/#2 WR)

#1 OVERALL STILL UNSIGNED

This year's #1 Overall is 5* WR Jeremiah Emmons from Cordele GA. Listed at 6'5 196lbs, Emmons says he still has 5 schools in the mix.. Instate Georgia and Georgia Tech are #1/#2 but surprisingly Boise State is still hanging on at #5.

[Deuce2223]

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

WEEK 10 PANTHERS UPDATE

TITLE HOPES

FIU at (5-1) is 1 game back of Liberty currently in the CUSA Standings. The Flames are currently (6-1) and are riding a 7 game winning streak.

The Panthers final 3 games of the season are all at Pitbull Stadium.

The Flames also play their final 2 games at home ending their season hosting (4-5) Charlotte who is far better then their record shows.

FAU is waiting in the wings at (5-2) riding a 5 game winning streak the Owls but being how both teams hold the tie breaker over the FAU in the head to head matchup they will need 1 of the 2 teams to lose 2 more games in order to make the title bout.

PLAYOFF HOPES

With Cincinnati, Southern Miss and UAB all currently ranked in the Top-10, the Panthers will need some help. The Bearcats and Golden Eagles will most like in the American Conference Championship so that should knock one of them out, but the Blazers control their own destiny. If they win out they are in and the Panthers could be left on the outside looking in.

"WOLVERINE

RS FR Tavon "Wolverine" Logan is still a dark horse in the Heisman race, listed at #5 on the Watch list which is fine, but the great news is Logan is currently #1 in the voting for the Doak Walker Award as he looks to follow in Cole Tabb's footsteps.

Logan currently leads the nation in rushing with 181 carries for 1102 yds (6.1 ag) and a nation high 11 TD's. Logan is also having a solid year out of the backfield as well with 21 rec for 295 yds and 3 TD's.

RECRUITING UPDATE

FIU suffered another huge loss this past week in Recruiting as their final hopes of secure a 5* Recruit are no more.

5* OLB Philip Enemkpali (#12 Overall/#2 FL/#1 OLB) from Freeport FL, is leaving the state and signing with Texas. The 6'4 244lb pass rusher was considered to be a game changer for Coach Miller's Defense.

Well Enemkpali was target #1A for the Defense, 5* DT George Rechsteiner as was #1B. Rated #27 Overall/#5 FL/#3 DT from Largo FL. Rechsteiner had FAU #1 for 4 weeks before he signed with Florida.

Well FIU struck out with both 5*, the Panthers did manage to land another talented 4* despite not having a major need.

WR Carlos Badet (#103 Overall/#14FL/#13 WR) will be joining fell 4* Steve Trapasso in a very crowded WR room, but reports are several current Panthers could see moves to the Defensive side of the ball as Coach Miller looks to take advantage of the size, hands and speed of his current roster.

With the addition of Badet, FIU now had (4) 4* commits and a class that currently rankes #69 in the nation and 5th in CUSA behind Liberty (#35), Charlotte (#36) , Marshall (#43) and FIAU (#63).

**ECU has yet to sign a recruit and currently is ranked #133.

[redsox907]

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

Charlotte always plays hard regardless of their ranking. Tough L, but I expect it to be a blip on the radar for FIU! Great job rallying against Marshall, back to back Ls would have likely ended the title defense

excited to see how Wolverine does down the stretch, a strong finish with FIU surging back into the title picture could boost his Heisman profile

[Deuce2223]

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

Charlotte always plays hard regardless of their ranking. Tough L, but I expect it to be a blip on the radar for FIU! Great job rallying against Marshall, back to back Ls would have likely ended the title defense

excited to see how Wolverine does down the stretch, a strong finish with FIU surging back into the title picture could boost his Heisman profile

Yeah Charlotte is tough. They got a solid QB and the 2nd best RB in the nation not named Wolverine Logan..

I was worried about Marshall earlier in the season when they were 5-1 and they always seem to play me tough at home.

Logan is going to have to carry us because I honestly don't have a clue what I am doing with Dees right now.. He played so great last year in the playoffs and even at the beginning of the season, but all of a sudden I can't do anything with him.. After the ECU game I actually now have more INT's then TD's this season.

[Deuce2223]

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

PANTHERS OVERCOME TURNOVERS WITH RECORD NIGHT!!

East Carolina Pirates at Florida International Golden Panthers
Nov 11, 2028	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
East Carolina Pirates ((4-5))	0	7	7	7	21
#14 Florida International Golden Panthers ((8-1))	7	17	10	13	47

Team Stats Comparison
	ECU	FIU
Total Offense	236	516
Rushing Yards	55	223
Passing Yards	165	293
First Downs	9	33
Punt Return Yards	16	44
Kick Return Yards	110	68
Total Yards	362	628
Turnovers	1	4
3rd Down Conversion	3/13	2/8
4th Down Conversion	0/2	1/2
2-Point Conversion		0/1
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals		6-0-75%
Penalties	1-15	1-5
Possession Time	17:28	26:32

Senior Clayton Dees struggles continue as the QB throws 4 INT's in the 1st half but a school record 5 rushing TD's by Tavon "Wolverine" Logan carry the Panthers to the 9th win the the season as FIU keeps their playoff hopes.

GAME RECAP

Clayton Dees returned to the starting lineup but didn't even make it out of the 1st half.

FIU took a early (7-0) lead as Logan scores the 1st of 5 TD's on the day. The despite 2 early INT's in the 1st Quarter the Panther D did a great job holding ECU to just 22 yds on the ground and 88 yds passing. In fact ECU's only points of the game came off a INT turned into a "Pick 6" as SR CB Isaiah Crumpler (84) takes it 20 yds back for the score to make it (7-7) early in the 2nd.

Despite 2 more INT's giving him 4 on the day, FIU would manage to pair 2 more Logan TD run's and a Glennon 41 yd FG at the end of the half to take a (24-7) lead into the locker room

ECU opened up the 2nd half almost doubling the passing yards in 1 play as JR QB Landon Wagoner (84) hits SO WR Cole Shank (82) on a 71 yd bomb to open up the 2nd half making it (24-14) but the Panthers respond with a nice 11 play drive capped off by Logans 4th TD of the day as FIU extends the lead to (31-14). FIU would add a Glennon 41 yd FG toward the end of the 3rd Quarter to make it (34-14) going into the 4th.

A Wagoner INT to MLB Trevaughn Stewart sets up Logan's 5th TD of the day as the Redshirt Freshman sets a new FIU school record for most TD's in a game. (41-14).

Wagoner bounced back from his INT by throwing a 30 yd TD pass to SR WR Jyron Waiters (77) to make it (41-21) but after forcing a turnover on downs by the Panthers the Pirates would do the same setting up a Titus Tompkins touchdown late in the 4th to make it (47-21). Using the opportunity to try a 2pt play, FIU leaves the offense on the field but they fail to convert..

ECU would get the ball back 1 more time with 1:28 to play in the game but for turned the ball over on downs again, as FIU runs off the final 18 seconds.

KEY PANTHERS

QB C. Dees-12/23 (53%) 181 yds 4 INT
QB V. Ojukwu-8/11 (72%) 112 yds , 24 yds rushing on 2 carries
RB T. Logan-33 carries 169 yds 5 TD, 5 rec 57 yds
RB T. Tompkins-9 carries 29 yds 1 TD
WR B. Cheek-9 rec 152 yds
WR T. Cisco-4 rec 55 yds
WR F. Okwara-1 rec 21 yds
WR E. Cortez-1 rec 8 yds
MLB T .Stewart 1 INT


UP NEXT

With the win, FIU got some great news in the rankings as they jump 5 spots to #9 moving to (8-1) on the season.

The Panthers will host (3-7) Appalachian State in Week 12 as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive.

With a win FIU can clinch a spot in the CUSA Championship.

[Deuce2223]

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

PANTHERS CLINCH A SPOT IN CUSA TITLE GAME!!

Appalachian State Mountaineers at Florida International Golden Panthers
Nov 17, 2028	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Appalachian State Mountaineers ((3-7))	0	7	7	6	20
#9 Florida International Golden Panthers ((9-1))	14	10	0	14	38

Team Stats Comparison
	APP	FIU
Total Offense	358	489
Rushing Yards	38	116
Passing Yards	312	360
First Downs	14	13
Punt Return Yards	23	22
Kick Return Yards	23	124
Total Yards	404	635
Turnovers	1
3rd Down Conversion	4/12	4/11
4th Down Conversion	1/2	2/2
2-Point Conversion	0/1
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2-0-100%	3-1-100%
Penalties	5-39	6-45
Possession Time	30:03	29:57

FIU has clinched a spot in the CUSA title game for a 3rd straight year as they pick up their 10th win of the season keeping their playoffs hopes alive as they look to make another run at a National Championship.

GAME RECAP

With SR QB Clayton Dees still struggling and with True Freshman Zach Wire on the IR, Redshirt JR QB Victory Ojukwu got his first career starter and the former 3* delivered throwing for over 300 yds with 4 TD's on the day.

The Mountaineers won the toss and elected to kick as FIU opens the 1st drive of the game with a nice 9 play drive ending in Ojukwu's first TD of the game as he hits TE Jose Malik on a 16 yd score (7-0). The Panthers would extend the lead to (14-0) as Ojukwu hits Faitele Okwara on a 14 yd gain after leading another 9 play drive.

Appalachian State opened up the 2nd Quarter scoring a touchdown as SR QB Bruce Shimonek (84) hits RB Marquee Tull on a 1 yd gain on a 4th and 1 after a 12 play drive almost ended in a FG to make it (14-7).

It didn't stay (14-7) for long though as Ojukwu hits Tyler Cisco on a 89 yd bomb to make it (21-7) just 1 play later.

FIU would tack on a 25 yd FG by Issac Glennon late in the 2nd Quarter to make it (24-7) at the half.

App State opened up the 2nd half with the ball and showed their ability to make a big play as Shimonek hits SO WR Damien Dayes (71) on a 76 yd bomb to make it (24-14).

Fast forward to the 4th Quarter, App State would cut the lead to (24-20) as Shimonek dives in from 4 yds out after a 8 play drive. The Mountaineers would leave the offense on the field and try for the 2pt play as they looked to make it a 2pt game, but the Panther D was ready knocking down the pass leaving it (24-20).

It didn't stay that way for long though as Ojukwu continues to show off his ability to make big plays hitting Enrique Cortez on a 51 yd bomb to make it (31-20).

Both teams had played a turnover free game up until that point but Shimonek feeling the pressure of trailing by 11 throws into double coverages as as OLB Sam Truong come away with the INT..

FIU looking to take some time off the clock goes back to their ground game as Tavon Logan adds to his nation leading rushing yard total but facing a 1st and goal, Coach Miller dials up a Jet Sweep to Brian Cheek who takes it 9 yds to the house for the final score of the game (38-20).

App State would have 1 more chance on offense but turned the ball over on downs..

Bruce Shimonek finished the game 25/33 (75%) for 312 yds with the 2 TD and 1 INT well leading the team in rushing with 12 carries for 32 yds and 1 TD.

KEY PANTHERS

QB V. Ojukwu- 22/35 (62%) 360 yds 4 TD, sacked twice, 18 yds rushing
Rb T. Logan-13 carries 108 yds, 2 rec 12 yds
WR B. Cheek-1 carry 9 yds 1 TD, 3 rec 49 yds
WR T. Cisco-4 rec 121 yds 1 TD
WR E. Cortez-4 rec 74 yds 1 TD
WR F. Okwara-1 rec 14 yds 1 TD
TE J. Malik- 6 rec 67 yds 1 TD

UP NEXT

FIU will play their final regular season at home next week as they host Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers are (5-6) hoping to win their 6th game and become Bowl eligible after winning their past 2 games.

For FIU it's "Senior Day". The Panthers have 13 Seniors on this year's roster but 3 of those (DE Robert Williams, SS Jayden Williams, DE Daniel Ndukwe) will all miss the game as they are currently on the IR.

CUSA NEWS

The past 2 years have featured FIU taking on ECU in a Top-25 Battle in the CUSA Championship. Well the Panthers opponent will be different, matchup will still feature a Top-25 opponent as Liberty joins the Top-25 this week at #17.. The Flames started the year 0-3, but instead of throwing in the towel they went on to win their past 8 games going 7-0 in CUSA play.

TOP-25 NEWS

#7 UAB won their Week 12 matchup over Jacksonville State (34-17) to stay perfect as they move to 11-0 on the season.

#12 Tulsa moves up 2 spots to #10 after a (24-14) win over Sam Houston as the Gold Hurricanes are entering the playoff picture.

With (10-1) Cincinnati at #4, and FIU and Liberty both ranked, there is a good chance this year's playoff could feature 4 teams (actually 5 if you count #1 Notre Dame) from Non-Power 4/5 conferences (Pac-12 currently has no one with playoff hopes

[Deuce2223]

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

PANTHERS WIN BUT IT COMES AT A HUGE COST!!

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Florida International Golden Panthers
Nov 24, 2028	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers ((5-6))	0	0	0	7	7
#11 Florida International Golden Panthers ((10-1))	14	3	6	10	33

Team Stats Comparison
	CCAR	FIU
Total Offense	273	435
Rushing Yards	61	203
Passing Yards	204	232
First Downs	14	27
Punt Return Yards	0	44
Kick Return Yards	98	48
Total Yards	371	527
Turnovers	3
3rd Down Conversion	4/13	8/15
4th Down Conversion	0/1	0/2
2-Point Conversion
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals		3-3-75%
Penalties		2-14
Possession Time	15:10	28:;50

FIU closed out their season with a victory over CCU as Coach Miller moves to 4-0 on "Senior Day" in his career, but this victory was a costly one, that could impact the Panthers playoff hopes.

GAME RECAP

FIU dominated on both sides of the ball as the Panther Defense comes up with 3 First half INT's well the Panthers Offense plays smart football with the return of SR QB Clayton Dees at the helm, using a ground attack to rush for over 200 yds and 3 touchdowns on the day.

FIU jumped out to a early (14-0) lead both Tavon Logan and Titus Tompkins got into the action each with a score.

FIU would fail to convert a 4th and 2 turning the ball over midway through the 2nd Quarter but Tim Hudson's 2nd INT of the day gave FIU the ball right back. This time the Panthers would settle for a Issac Glennon FG to make it (17-0) at the half.

Coastal Carolina would drive the length of the field as Hudson leads the 2 minutes offense but with 12 seconds to play, Hudson's endzone pass is picked off for a 3rd time as the Panthers keep CCU off the scoreboard.

FIU opened the 2nd half with the ball but again were stopped on a 4th and 3 inside facing a 4th and goal from the 5. CCU however again failed to get anything going on Offense as they punt for the 7th time in the game.

Leading (17-0), FIU would stick to the ground game as Logan and Tompkins continued to pile up yards well Glennon comes on to add a pair of FG's including a 49 yd kick to make it (23-0) as we head to the 4th.

Trailing by 4 scores , SR QB Tim Hudson (84) was forced to continue to throw despite his 3 earlier INT's and this time Hudson finally delivers as he finds SR WR Kaleb Joyce (82) on a 11 yd strike to get the scoreboard (23-7).

FIU just looking to finish this one out add on another FG by Glennon to push the lead to (26-7).. A turnover on downs by the Chanticleers would give FIU the ball back with under 3 minutes to play. Again just looking to run this one out, Coach Miller continued to feed Tavon Logan and Titus Tompkins the ball, and that's when it happened.

Already with 32 carries and 140 yds on the day, plus 4 rec for 30 yds, Logan's 33rd carry would be his last, as the Redshirt Freshman goes down hard after a 3 yd gain. Logan would motion for medical as the trainers take the field.. A few moments later, Logan was helped off the field with his arm/shoulder in some type of sling.

With Logan out of the game Tompkins would carry the ball 3 more times before breaking a 18 yd touchdown run for his 2nd score of the game as FIU wins #11.

KEY PANTHERS

QB C. Dees- 18/30 (60%) 232 yds, sacked twice
RB T. Logan-33 carries 143 yds 1 TD, 4 rec 30 yds
RB T. Tompkins-13 carries 67 yds 2 TD, 2 rec 40 yds
WR W. Gutierrez-4 rec 68 yds (*Senior got first/last start)
WR T. Cisco-2 rec 27 yds
WR B. Cheek-2 rec 25 yds
TE D. Naanee-3 rec 33 yds
TE J. Malik-1 rec 9 yds
INT SS O. Bean, CB J. Chenault, CB B. Wall

INJURY UPDATE

The news couldn't have been worse. Tavon Logan has a Broken Collarbone which will sideline him for the next 7 weeks ending his season unless by some miracle, FIU manages to find their way back to the Natty.

Logan's season ends with 260 carries for 1522 yds and 17 TD well adding 32 rec for 394 yds and 3 TD through the air, as he will finish just 84 yds shy of 2000 All-purpose yards.

Coach Miller

" I know first hand what it's like to have a season cut short because of injuries. In fact injuries are a huge reason why I never really got my chance at a NFL career. My heart breaks for Tavon. I was apart of a pretty special season in Boise with Ashton Jeanty in 2024 and Tavon is so much like him.. We have preached all year we win as a team and play as a team but the "Wolverine" has been our heart and soul and we wanted to honor that with the hopes of getting him to 2000. I know Titus is a great back and will work hard but it's tough to just replace the type of talent that Logan is"

[Deuce2223]

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

PLAYOFFS AND SEEDING ON THE LINE GOING INTO CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK

Play every game like it could be your last.. UAB learned that valuable lesson in Week 13 as the Blazers fall to Arkansas State (14-7) dropping from #8 in the poll's to #21 as they saw the playoff hopes and undefeated season disappear in a blink of an eye.

The (11-1) Blazers will look to finish strong though as they take on (9-3) Louisiana in the Sun Belt Championship


Well UAB had their season blowup in Week 13, the Buffalo Bulls got some great news as they won to improve to (9-3) on the season and earn the #25 ranking. The Bulls will take on (7-5) Toledo in the MAC Championship, as they look to finish strong despite zero playoff possibilities.


Out in the Mountain West Championship, #10 (11-1) Tulsa will put it's 11 game win streak on the line against (7-5) New Mexico. A win and the Golden Hurricanes are in the playoffs. A loss and they can join UAB's support group.

Well the Pac-12 Championship won't offer playoff dreams to the winner, it will at least give the school a building block for the future as former MWC members (9-3) San Diego State will take on (8-4) Colorado State.

For a 3rd straight year Cincinnati goes into the American Conference Championship with 1 goal. Win and they are a Top-4 seed. The Bearcats currently (11-1) and ranked #5 will take on #19 (9-3) Western Kentucky who will hope to play spoiler as the Hilltoppers look for their 10th win of the season.

It was a odd year in the ACC, as #13 (10-2) West Virginia will play #15 (10-2) Rutgers for the ACC Championship. The winner would need some of help in order to make the playoffs, with their best bet coming in the form of a Tulsa loss, as current projections have (9-3) Ohio State and (9-3) LSU both in despite neither playing in the Conference Championship games.

BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP

#3 (11-1) K-State will take on #6 (10-2) TCU with the winner most likely getting a Top-4 seed and a 1st Round Bye well the loser should still make the playoffs.

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

#4 (10-2) Texas A&M will take on #7 (9-3) Georgia for the 3rd straight season. Like the Big 12 game, whatever team wins could potentially earn the a Top-4 seed with the Aggies potentially in the hunt for the #1.

BIG TEN

With #1 (12-0) Notre Dame not eligible for the #1 seed as a Independent, #2 (11-1) Penn State is currently projected as the #1 seed as long as they beat (7-5) Stanford. The Cardinals won 4 straight to get here... A upset win would be a huge building block for the Cardinals who were rumored to potentially be leaving the Big Ten to rejoin the Pac-12 in 2030, but a victory could be the motivation they need to stick it out.

CUSA

#9 (11-1) FIU vs #11 (9-3) Liberty.

The Flames victory over Charlotte saw them win their 9th straight showing the entire nation that a 0-3 start doesn't completely kill your playoff dreams.

This game is pretty simple. The winner is in the playoffs, well the loser will have to wait and see just how far they fall in the rankings. For Liberty a 4th loss would probably kill their hopes with whoever wins the ACC most likely jumping up to at least #12 well current #12 Ohio State would most likely move despite not playing.

IF FIU was to lose, current projections still have the Panthers making the playoffs with both teams basically switching rankings with FIU dropping to #11 and Liberty going to #9.

CURRENT PROJECTIONS

#12 (9-3) Ohio State vs #5 (12-0) Notre Dame winner playing #4 Cincinnati

#9 Liberty taking on #8 (9-3) LSU winner playing #1 Penn State

#11 FIU taking on #6 TCU winner playing #3 Texas A&M

#10 Tulsa taking on #7 Georgia winner playing #2 K-State.

[redsox907]

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

I still see this as a must win game for playoff selection. The big boys can lose a CCG and still sneak in, but I think the game weighs conference prestige pretty heavy in the selection committee, I can definitely see a loss putting you on the 1st out list. Just means its time to win it for Logan

[xboxxerx]

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

Tough loss for Logan. Knowing him, though. He will be fresh and ready when game time comes for the Natty. You will be able to ride him then to Natty #2.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Operation Sports mobile app

[Deuce2223]

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

COULD MILLER LEAVE FIU??

With the 2028 season over for many schools (well everyone who isn't bowl eligible), we turn our attentions to 2 programs rumored to be making a strong push for FIU's Head Coach Matt Miller.

Miller who is in Year 1 of a 5 year extension with FIU has a pretty modest buyout of 5 million and for top tier programs looking to make a change that's chump change.

After a (5-7) season and now Bowl game USC has announced they are moving on from Derek Mason (CPU name not sure real coach) despite USC currently listed having the #13th Best Recruiting Class (11-4*,5-3*).

After guiding FIU to a National Championship in 2027, Miller has quickly become the top target for alot of schools and there is a good reason for it.

Miller in just 4 seasons at the helm of the Panthers has posted a (46-10) record winning 2 CUSA titles, well getting ready to play in his 3rd and he has a (5-1) Bowl/Playoff record including the Panthers 4 straight wins last season to claim the crown.

For USC the program offers everything a coach would want. The Roster is loaded with 4* talent that is just a coach away from competing for a Big Ten and potential National title. USC also offers some of the best Athletic Facilities in the nation as well as a pretty nice Campus Lifestyle for their students. USC is also one of the most well known programs not just in the country but world wide offering it's players a rich history and ability to capitalize off the Brand name.

But USC isn't the only former Pac-12 team and current Big Ten team making a play for Miller's services. Reports are Washington is ready to move on from Datt Murfee (CPU Name). Murfee in 4 seasons in Seattle has gone just (32-31) Overall and just (8-9) against Top-25 programs.. His one bright spot is a 3-0 record in Bowl games.

Like Mason, well Murfee hasn't had great success on the field, he is one of the best recruiters in the nation and Washington like USC checks off alot of things players are looking for when wanting a place to play that helps them get to the next level.

The Huskies current class in 2028 is currently ranked #9 in the nation (10-4*,12-3*) including a pair of talented 4* RB that could help ease Miller's pain of walking away from Tavon Logan.

Reports are if Miller was to leave, FIU is ready to move forward with 1st Year OC and former Panther great T.Y. Hilton as their next HC.

[redsox907]

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

Both teams would be a significant upgrade from FIU in terms of prestige and with you planning on still using FIU it will be a nice change of pace. It depends on how you want Coach Miller to move. USC is basically an end stop, few teams are higher on the list of prestige if you get them back on top. Whereas Washington could be a stop gap into that "top tier" role of a Texas, ND, Bama, etc. The idea of building a mid tier program into an elite is nice, but being the "savior" of a once proud school, a la Nick Saban with Bama, is also appealing.

[Deuce2223]

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

Both teams would be a significant upgrade from FIU in terms of prestige and with you planning on still using FIU it will be a nice change of pace. It depends on how you want Coach Miller to move. USC is basically an end stop, few teams are higher on the list of prestige if you get them back on top. Whereas Washington could be a stop gap into that "top tier" role of a Texas, ND, Bama, etc. The idea of building a mid tier program into an elite is nice, but being the "savior" of a once proud school, a la Nick Saban with Bama, is also appealing.

I totally agree with your take. That's basically how I feel. I feel like if I go to USC it's basically where Miller would probably finish his career and I feel like you already did such a great job with your USC thread, I am not sure the followers/readers need another USC thread with the Trojans winning multiple Championships.

The thing with Washington, is I am actually more of a WSU fan. I actually applied to go to school there out of high school but just didn't have the funds to make it happen but in my mid 20's I lived 40 minutes outside of Pullman and had season tickets to WSU Football and Basketball for 3 years, so going to the Huskies almost feels like a Betrayal to the Cougars. Both teams have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, so honestly I don't think either would be much of a rebuild, I have a feeling it would almost be like Coach Scott going to TTU and winning a Natty in my 1st or 2nd season.

I am leaning more like you mentioned in your thread, going with a bottom tier school.

Even though I have already played alot in the Big 12 with TTU, In this current conference setup I would totally be down to go to a school like Arizona State, Oklahoma State, or maybe Utah in this Big 12, or going to a school like Minnesota or Cal if I wanted do do a Big Ten, or in my current Pac-12, I like the idea of Colorado State, UTSA or even USF or UCF if I wanted to keep Coach Miller in Florida. Or if I went SEC building Florida into a National Power house again, or Auburn would be cool. I had a long running dynasty with Auburn in NCAA14 .

I am also just leaning toward sticking it out 1 more season with FIU in the CUSA and just moving them to the ACC where it would then give me another 3-5 years trying to win a ACC title and building a rivalry with Miami and FSU and see if maybe the move will help me land some 5* talent.

The only downside is I will always have a stadium capacity of like 18-20k people. It's hard to compare home field stadiums when I am so use to playing a Boise State on the Blue or AT&T Jones with TTU.

[Deuce2223]

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

PANTHERS CLAIM 3RD CUSA TITLE!!

Liberty Flames at Florida International Golden Panthers
Dec 8, 2028	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#11 Liberty Flames ((9-3))	6	0	7	7	20
#9 Florida International Golden Panthers ((11-1)	3	14	7	7	31

Team Stats Comparison
	LIB	FIU
Total Offense	316	404
Rushing Yards	104	107
Passing Yards	201	292
First Downs	13	14
Punt Return Yards	33	29
Kick Return Yards	22	145
Total Yards	371	578
Turnovers		1
3rd Down Conversion	3/13	8/13
4th Down Conversion	2/3
2-Point Conversion
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2-2-100%	3-1-80%
Penalties	6-54	6-45
Possession Time	31:25	28:35

Not wanting to take any chances with the Playoff Selection Committee, the FIU Panthers took care of business as they won their 3rd straight CUSA title beating #11 Liberty in the process to secure a Top-10 finish in the rankings and their 3rd straight trip to the College Football Playoffs with a chance to defend their 2027 title.

GAME RECAP

FIU opened up the game with the ball, but a Clayton Dees INT sets up the Flames with great field position but a 3rd down drop forces Liberty to settle for a 38 yd FG. For Dees it was really his only mistake of the game as the SR QB played the rest of the game more like the QB who led the Panthers to 6 straight wins and a National title instead of the QB we have seen all season.

FIU would tie the game with a Issac Glennon 24 yd run after Titus Tompkins is stopped short on a 3rd and 2 run (3-3).

The Flames would retake the lead at the end of the 1st Quarter with another Josh Polanco (66 ovr) FG making it (6-3) as we head to the 2nd Quarter.

Well the 1st Quarter was a slow start for Dees he was lights out in the 2nd, as he throws a pair of touchdowns (39 yds to F. Okwara and 20 yds to E. Cortez) to give FIU the (17-6) lead at the half. Dees finished the 2nd Quarter 10/10 after just 4/8 in the 1st.


Liberty opened up the 2nd half with the ball and finally found the endzone as SR QB Jayden Bradford (79) leads the Flames on a 9 play drive ending with a 15 yd TD pass to JR WR Richard Robinson (79) to make it (17-13). FIU would answer the drive with their own double digit drive (12) including a Dees 1 yd TD pass to to TE Dom Naanee to extend the lead to (24-13).

Moving to the 4th, Liberty again finds the endzone as Bradford throws his 2nd TD of the day this time hitting SO WR Robert Allen (80) on a 14 yd score to make it (24-20) after going for it twice on 4th down as the Flames complete a 13 play drive in the process.

Looking to slow things down, Coach Miller ran the ball 12 times on a 15 play drive that chewed up 5 minutes off the clock ending in a 2 yd TD run by WR Enrique Cortez as FIU tacks on 7 more to their lead...

Liberty got the ball back 1 more time but turned the ball over on downs with under 2 minutes to play. FIU would just run off the clock with a pair of 1st down runs..

Bradford finished the game 20/32 (62%) for 201 yds with 2 TD in the loss. JR RB Khali Williams had 10 carries for 75 yds (but 54 yds came on 1 carry).

KEY PANTHERS

QB C. Dees -21/30 (70%) 292 yds 3 TD 1 INT, sacked once, 14 yds rushing
RB T. Tompkins-13 carries 92 yds (7.1 avg), 1 rec 9 yds
WR E. Cortez-1 carry 2 yds 1 TD, 5 rec 56 yds 1 TD
WR T. Cisco-9 rec 146 yds
WR F. Okwara-2 rec 44 yds
TE J. Malik-2 rec 34 yds
TE D. Naanee- 1 rec 1 yd 1 TD