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

ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS!!!

Washington State Cougars at Florida International Golden Panthers
Jan 1,	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Washington State Cougars ((7-5))	0	6	13	10	29
Florida International Golden Panthers ((8-4))	14	0	7	13	34

Team Stats Comparison
	WSU	FIU
Total Offense	332	446
Rushing Yards	50	142
Passing Yards	265	285
First Downs	15	14
Punt Return Yards	49	36
Kick Return Yards	58	66
Total Yards	439	548
Turnovers
3rd Down Conversion	6-12	4-10
4th Down Conversion	0-0	1-1
2-Point Conversion	0-1	0-1
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2-0-66%	3-0-100%
Penalties	6-45	6-40
Possession Time	31:10	28:50

GAME RECAP

Coach Miller makes history in his first season at FIU as he guides the Panthers to their first Bowl victory since 2018 and tying the most wins in a single season with 9.

Coach Miller

"I came into this game wanting a win for the 9 Seniors that stuck with me and finished out their careers here. Brian Blades II, Eddie Walls III and Shomari Lawrence could've been starters and stars at alot of schools this season so it meant alot for me to have them stay and play a big role in the success we had this season"

FIU jumped out to a early (14-0) lead as QB Keyone Jenkins throws a pair of TD's to SO WR Jujo Lewis (his 9th and 10th of the season setting a new school record). Washington State would battle back in the in the 2nd Quarter as SO RB Wayshawn Parker (83 Ovr) caps a 7 play 80 yd drive with a 25 yd TD run, but WSU miss's the XPT, leaving it (14-6) at the half.


Washington State opened up the 2nd half with the ball and JR QB John Mateer (86 Ovr) quickly put the Cougars in the endzone as he completes 5/5 pass's including a 26 yd score to SR WR Josh Meredith (84 Ovr) to make it (14-12). WSU would attempt the 2 pt play to try and tie the game but the FIU "D" comes up with a big stop leaving it a 2 point game.

Jenkins and Lewis were not done though as the Duo completes the Hat Trick with their 3rd Touchdowns of the day making it (21-12) with 6 minutes to play in the 3rd. Washington State wasn't going down without a fight though as Mateer throws his 2nd TD of the game hitting Parker out of the backfield for the 6 yd score to cap a 11 play 80 yd drive to make it (21-19) as we go into the 4th Quarter.

FIU would open up the 4th Quarter scoring with a 54 yd TD run by Shomari Lawrence (his longest run of the season, and also gave up a 1000+ yds on the season) to make it (27-19). Leading by 8, Miller would leave the offense on the field to attempt the 2 pt play and give the Panthers a 10 point lead but the Cougars deflect Jenkins pass leaving it just 8.

WSU however on their next series is forced to settle for a 44 yd FG by Darin Priest making it (27-22) with 5 minutes to play. FIU looking to take time off the clock continues to run the ball as Jenkins/Snowden/and Lawrence combine for 55 yds including Lawrence's 2nd rushing TD of the day to make it (34-22) with 1:48 to play.

Down by 12, with under 2 minutes to play Mateer leads the Cougars downfield in a 2 minute offense complete with a 20 yd scoring strike to JR WR Carolos Hernandez (his 18th TD of the season) as WSU makes it (34-29)

WSU was forced to try the onside kick but the Panthers hand's team was ready and after forcing WSU to use the last of their timeouts, Coach Miller Jenkins take a knee and with the final seconds off the clock, the 9 Seniors gathered around their coach and gave Miller his last Gatorade bath of the 2025 season.

Mateer finished the game 26/39 (66%) with 265 yds and 3 TD's.

KEY PANTHERS

QB Keyone Jenkins-22/30 (73%) 285 yds 3 TD, 7 carries 28 yds rushing
RB S. Lawrence- 8 carries 85 yds 2 TD , 2 rec 13 yds
RB TJ Snowden-6 carries 37 yds
WR K. McNeal- 1 carry 11 yds, 2 rec 35 yds
WR JuJu Lewis-11 rec 199 yds 3 TD (POG honors, Bowl MVP)
TE Rocky Beers-4 rec 33 yds

[Deuce2223]

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

2025 SEASON RECAP

GEORGIA IS YOUR 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

The playoffs pretty much went as expected. #5 Oregon, #8 Iowa State #6 Tulane all won their home field advantage 1st Round games. #10 Michigan pulled off the upset over #7 TTU in Lubbock.

#5 Oregon makes it 3-0 vs #4 BSU as the Ducks beat the Broncos (30-21) in the Rose Bowl.

#1 Clemson beat Iowa State (28-26) in the Orange Bowl.

#3 Kansas State beat #6 Tulane (31-17) in the Sugar Bowl.

#2 Georgia beats #10 Michigan (29-3) in the Cotton Bowl

#1 Clemson beat #5 Oregon (49-13) in the Fiesta Bowl

#2 Georgia beats #3 K-State (31-14) in the Peach Bowl.

Georgia then destroys Clemson (52-28) in the Natty.

BOWL RESULTS

Birmingham Bowl- #21 (10-3) Louisiana vs (7-5) North Carolina (UNC wins)
Camellia Bowl- (7-6) Buffalo vs (7-6) Georgia State (GAST wins)
Military Bowl- #15 (11-2) Cincinnati vs (7-5) Georgia Tech (Cincy wins)
First Responder Bowl- (8-5) Navy vs (8-4) Arkansas State (Navy wins)
Liberty Bowl- (7-5) UConn vs (8-4) TCU (TCU wins)
Holiday Bowl- (6-6) Florida State vs (7-5) Michigan State (Michigan State win)
Texas Bowl- #17 (9-4) Texas A&M vs (7-5) BYU (BYU wins)
Guaranteed Rate Bowl- (7-5) Colorado vs (7-5) Tulsa (Tulsa wins)
Fenway Bowl- (8-4) Boston College vs (7-5) Temple (BC wins)
Bahamas Bowl- (7-5) South Alabama vs #25 (8-5) Appalachian State (Appy State wins 28-26)
New Mexico Bowl- #22 (11-2) Liberty vs (8-5) Nevada (Liberty wins 42-34)
68 Ventures Bowl- (7-6) Ohio vs (6-6) UAB (UAB wins)
Cure Bowl- (6-6) Western Michigan vs #20 (9-3) Notre Dame (ND wins)
LA Bowl- (7-5) UCLA vs (9-4) Sam Houston State (UCLA wins)
Frisco Bowl (7-5) USF vs (6-6) Purdue (Purdue wins)
Las Vegas Bowl (7-5) Arizona vs (6-6) Stanford (Arizona wins)
Myrtle Beach Bowl (6-6) Fresno State vs (7-5) UMass (Fresno wins)
Boca Raton Bowl (8-4) Miami vs (6-6) Southern Miss (Miami wins)
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (6-6) FAU vs (8-4) Texas State (TXST wins)
Detroit Bowl- (7-5) Ohio State vs (6-6) Akron (Ohio State wins)
Armed Forces Bowl (6-6) Coastal Carolina vs #24 (8-4) Air Force (CCar wins (35-28)
Independence Bowl- (6-6) Illinios vs (6-6) Iowa (Illinois wins)
Gasparilla Bowl- (7-5) UCF vs (7-5) Duke (UCF wins)
Hawaii Bowl- (7-5) UTEP vs (7-5) Charlotte (Charlotte wins (38-3)
Pop-Tarts Bowl- (7-5) Texas vs #13 (9-3) Virginia Tech (Texas wins 27-25)
Alamo Bowl- (7-5) LSU vs (6-6) North Texas (LSU wins 31-21)
Reliaquest Bowl- (6-6) Nebraska vs (7-5) South Carolina (Scar wins 24-10)
Citrus Bowl- (7-5) USC vs #14 (8-4) Florida (UF wins (28-25)
Gator Bowl- #18 (8-4) Oklahoma vs #23 (6-6) West Virginia (Oklahoma wins)
Duke's Mayo Bowl- (6-6) NC State vs (7-5) Kent State (NC State wins)
Sun Bowl- (6-6) Memphis vs #(7-5) Toledo (Toledo wins)
Arizona Bowl- (6-6) Miami OH vs (7-5) San Jose State (San Jose State wins)
Music City Bowl- #19 (8-4) Alabama vs (7-5) Pitt (Alabama wins 41-34)

[Deuce2223]

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

FIU END OF THE YEAR RECAP

MILLER COMMITTED TO FIU!!

It didn't take long for other schools to notice just how good Coach Matt Miller is. The University of Utah was the first to make a offer asking Miller to come back to the West Coast as the Utes OC, after a 2-10 last place finish in the Big 12.

2 time Sun Belt Champs Louisiana was next to call. The Ragin Cajuns coming off a 10 win season and #19 finish in the Top-25 rankings saw their HC position open up .

But Miller declined both stating he loves Miami and wants to see the Panthers become the Boise State of South Florida.




TOP-25 RANKED

With FIU's win over Washington State, the Panthers 9-4 record was good enough to move into the final Top-25 Poll at #25.

MILLER HIRES NEW DC

Despite recording a CUSA "Best" 17 INT and finishing 3rd in Sacks (34), the Panther D gave up almost 4800 yds of Offense including the most passing yards in CUSA (3657 yds) and the 2nd most points (419 only James Madison was worse with 459).

With that said, Coach Miller fired DC Alex Thorn at the end of the season hiring Malcom Brooks (C prestige, Level 19)

RECORD SETTING YEAR


9 wins and a Bowl victory in Coach Miller's 1st season was the only records set in 2025.

JR QB Keyone Jenkins set new single season records throwing for 4087 yds and 34 TD's.

SO WR Kyle McNeal set a new school record for receptions (80) and yards (1337) in a single season as well.

SO WR JuJu Lewis sets a new school record for TD's (11) and SR CB Brian Blades II sets a new record for most INT's (6) in a season.

LAWRENCE FINISHES WITH 1000+

Despites having multiple games with under 50 yds rushing, Shomari Lawrence finished strong finishing the year with a team high 228 carries for 1014 yds and a team high 13 TD's.

SAYING GOODBYE TO KEY CONTRIBUTERS

Besides Lawrence, Coach Miller will have some huge shoes to fill next season.

TE Rocky Bears-62 rec 789 yds 5 TD
MLB Dwight Nunoo-81 Tackles 10 Pass Deflections
CB Brian Blades II-71 Tackles 6 INT 6 Pass Deflections
DE Eddie Walls III- 5 Sacks this season after a school record 11.5 sacks last season.

[Deuce2223]

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

45 Schools saw Head Coaching Changes at the end of 2025 including several in the CUSA (Liberty, Coastal Carolina, Charlotte, James Madison and Marshall) and with coaching changes comes players looking to move on from situations where they could position themselves for more playing time under a new HC.

Last season Coach Miller saw 27 players leave the FIU program, but Miller struck gold this year retaining all his players besides the 9 graduating Seniors from a 9 win season.

Here is a look at some of the Top Prospects in this year's Portal

4* QB Aidan Chiles (Michigan State) #30 Overall
"The former Oregon State Beaver followed his Coach to MSU but is alreaady ready to move on"
4* QB JJ Kohl (Iowa State) #57 Overall
4* QB Justyn Martin (UCLA) #70 Overall
3* QB Zeon Chriss (Houston) #91 Overall
3* QB Brock Lowry (W. Michigan) #97 Overall
3* Julian Sayin (Ohio State) #100 Overall

4*RB Darius Taylor (Minnesota) #2 Overall
4* RB Issac Brown (Louisville) #3 Overall (Has FIU listed as #4)
4* RB Amari Daniels (Texas A&M) #10 Overall
4* RB Jamarion Wilcox (Kentucky) #12 Overall
4* RB Dante Dowdell (Nebraska) #14 Overall
4* RB Raleek Brown (Arizona State) #16 Overall
4* RB Cam Edwards (UConn) #29 Overall
4* RB Jalen Buckley (W. Michigan) #33 Overall
4* RB Cartevious Norton (Charlotte) #35 Overall
4* RB Terrance Gibbs (GA Southern) #39 Overall
4* RB Joquez Smith (Temple) #47 Overall
4* RB Christian Washington (Coastal Carolina) #55 Overall
4* RB Tavorus Jones (Missouri) #56 Overall
4* RB Lee Beebe Jr (Appalachian State) #73 Overall

4* FB Gabe Fisher (Vanderbilt) #72 Overall (1st time I have ever seen a 4* FB)

5* WR Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) #1 Overall
4* WR Elic Ayomanor (Arizona) #5 Overall (Has FIU #4)
4* WR Malachi Coleman (Nebraska) #8 Overall
4* WR Talyn Shettron (Oklahoma State) #11 Overall
4* WR Posfele Ashlock (Hawaii) #20 Overall
4* WR Jaylen LLoyd (Nebraska) #25 Overall
4* WR Jonathan Paylor (NC State) #27 Overall
4* WR Easton Messer (W. Kentucky) #31 Overall
4* WR William Fowles (Appy State) #60 Overall (Has FIU #2)
3* WR Victor Jones JR (Liberty) #165 Overall (Has FIU #2)

4* TE Terrance Carter (Louisiana) #4 Overall
4* TE Ben Brahmer (Iowa State) #6 Overall
4* TE Jamai Johnson (Louisville) #15 Overall
3* TE Wyatt Sullivan (FAU) #90 Overall

4* OT Carter Smith (Indiana) #7 Overall
4* OT Philip Daniels (Minnesota) #45 Overall
4* OT Evan Malcore (N. Illinois) #46 Overall
4* OT Blake Steen (Virginia) #50 Overall

4* OG Jalen Farmer (Kentucky) #67 Overall
4* OG Carter Sweazie (James Madison) #72 Overall

4* C Lane Parks (Army) #37 Overall

4* DE Jordon Ross (Tennesee) #9 Overall
4* DE Nuer Gatkuoth (Colorado State) #22 Overall
4* DE Maurice Davis (Louisville) #26 Overall

4* OLB Carmycah Glass (Louisiana) #21 Overall
4* MLB Kam Robinson (Penn State) #19 Overall
4* MLB James Heard (Syracuse) #32 Overall

4* CB Za'Quan Bryan (Minnesota) #18 Overall
4* CB Noble Thomas Jr (Oregon State) #24 Overall
4* CB Andre Jordan Jr (Oregon State) #28 Overall
4* CB Jami Sharpe (Indiana) #40 Overall
4* CB Quincy Harold (Old Dominion) #43 Overall

4* FS Ryan Yaites (Cal) #13 Overall
4* FS Cedrick Hawkins (UCF) #17 Overall
4* FS Paul Black (Charlotte) #23 Overall
4* SS Kaleb Harris (Auburn) #36 Overall
4* SS Trevon Howard (Iowa State) #41 Overall

[Deuce2223]

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

COACH MILLER BUILDING SOMETHING SPECIAL!!

Coach Matt Miller went into the off-season with just 9 players committed and a class ranking of #60 (4th in CUSA),but Miller and has staff worked hard in the off-season pulling in 6 players off the Transfer Portal

3* DE Wilky Denaud (Wake Forest)-#380 Overall
3* HB Cash Jones (Georgia) #156 Overall
3* HB Cole Tabb (Stanford) #124 Overall
3* CB James Chenault (USF) #160 Overall
3* WR Victory Jones Jr (Liberty) #165 Overall
3* QB Brady Allen (Louisville) #190 Overall
3* CB Ryan Robinson Jr (#155 Overall

(missed out on 4* RB Issac Jones (UCF) and 4* WR William Fowles (Florida) but Coach Miller signed 11 other 3* Recruits giving him a total of 26 players (2-4*, 24-3*) with a Class ranking of #40 in the Nation and #1 in CUSA.

Coach Miller

"We are supper excited about this year's class. We believe that Jones and Tabb can come in and push TJ Snowden for the starting job at RB. I think that Brady Allen will give us another solid option behind KJ at QB and push SO Clayton Dees for the backup job. Victor Jones gives us another great WR who can help KJ in the passing game, and Chenault and Robinson give us some solid depth at CB."

Other noteworthy schools
Appy State #50, Liberty #55, FAU #82, Coastal Carolina #86 East Carolina #98 but they did sign 4-4* Recruits.

#1 Texas 32 players (4-5*,20-4*, 8-3*)
#2 Georgia 31 players (3-5*, 24-4*, 4-3*)
#3 Notre Dame 34 players (2-5*, 28-4*, 4-3*)
#4 Miami 35 players (1-5*, 27-4*, 7-3*)
#5 Alabama 26 players (1-5*, 18-4*, 7-3*)
#6 LSU
#7 Penn State
#8 Tennessee
#9 Oregon
#10 USC

Boise State was #23 23 players (2-5*, 4-4*, 17-3*)

[Deuce2223]

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

TOP-25 PRESEASON POLL

#1 Georgia (91/90/92) (41 votes)
#2 Oregon (89/90/89) (4 votes)
#3 Clemson (86/86//87) (26 votes)
#4 Florida (87/87/87)
#5 Michigan (86/86/87)
#6 Notre Dame (88/87/90)
#7 Penn State (86/87/86)
#8 Alabama (89//89/89)
#9 Tennessee (87//8787)
#10 Iowa State (84/84/84)
#11 Kansas State (83/82/84)
#12 Texas A&M (89/90/89)
#13 SMU (84/84/85)
#14 Oklahoma (88/86/90)
#15 Texas Tech (85/85/85)
#16 Boise State (84/84/84)
#17 Maryland (81/80/82)
#18 Virginia Tech (84/84/84)
#19 Tulane (83/82/85)
#20 Cincinnati (82/84/82)
#21 Texas (89/89/90)
#22 West Virginia (84/84/84)
#23 North Carolina (83/82/85)
#24 Miami (87/89/87)
#25 Liberty (82/81/84)

No major shockers hear. We have the the 2025 Natty winners (Georgia) sitting at #1 and the 2024 Natty winners (Oregon) sitting at #2 with 2025 Natty Runner-up Clemson at #3.

Despite sending just 1 team to the playoffs last years the SEC looks pretty dominating with 7 teams starting the year in the Top-25, with the ACC having 5 teams, the Big 12 having 4 and the Big Ten having 3 (but all are in the Top-7).

Cool to see Liberty start the year in the Top-25 as it will give me a chance to hopefully knock them off and claim top dog in CUSA.

[Deuce2223]

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

LIBERTY LOOKING TO REPEAT

Despite a Coaching change and the graduation of QB Kaidon Salter, the Flames (83/82/85) are once again picked to win CUSA. The Flames Roster is loaded with 17 players selected as CUSA Pre-Season 1st Team All-Americans including 9 players on Defense led by SR DE TJ Bush Jr (87 Ovr) and JR MLB Ethan Crisp (86 Ovr), 4 Offensive Lineman and JR RB Vaugh Blue (81). In total Liberty has 23 players rated 80 or higher .

However Liberty will get a push as FIU (84 Overall/84 Offense/84 Defense) looks to build off a 9-4 season coming off their Bowl victory against Washington State, Coach Miller signed the #40 Overall Recruiting Class and the #1 Recruiting Class in CUSA (Liberty was #52, Appalachian State was #56). FIU will be led by 1st team All-American QB Keyone Jenkins who is coming off a 4000+ yd season with 34 TD's and 13 INT's. Jenkins will have a new WR to throw at as well as FIU adds former Flame Victor Jones Jr who had 52 rec for 794 yds and 14 TD's last season.

Coach Miller

"We have a great WR room returning from last year in McNeal/Lewis/Okwara as well as Redshirt Freshman Enrigue Cortez and 4* Recruit Tyler Cisco but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to snag Jones Jr off the portal."

Jones Jr wasn't Miller's only Portal signing as he adds 2 talented RB's to his roster including JR Cole Tabb who had 197 carries for 727 yds and 9 TD's last year for Stanford.


Well it looks like CUSA will likely come down to Liberty vs FIU, you can't count out the rest of the conference despite 7 teams having 1st year Head Coaches.

East Carolina (79 Overall/77 Offense/81 Defense) is led by SR QB Katin Houser (84) and the Pirates added 4* QB Zack Adcock (74) in this year's class.


Marshall (80 Overall/79 Offense/82 Defense) won just 5 games last year, but are just 1 season removed from playing in the Sun Belt Title game. I expect the Heard to make a push this year.

Appalachian State (77//77/77) finished last year in the Top-25 despite losing to Liberty in the CUSA title game, the Mountaineers were hit hard with graduation but I expect them to make another run at the title.

Charlotte (77/79/77) finished 4th last year winning 8 games including their Bowl game over UTEP. It wouldn't shock me to see them make a run at the crown too.

Coastal Carolina (75/75/76) is coming off a Bowl victory over Top-25 ranked Air Force and are led by a pretty talented QB in SR Ethan Vasko (84 Ovr) who threw for 3454 yds with 37 TD and 13 INT after throwing for 3330 yds with 24 TD's in 2024.

Florida Atlantic (75/76/75) like 5 teams of the 6 teams ahead of them also went bowling last year but the Owls were hit hard with graduation and the Portal and will have to rely on RS FR QB Barry Pappoe (75 Ovr).

Old Dominion (76/76/77) won their final game last year finishing with 3 wins. They will hope to improve and just not finish last. The Monarchs are led by JR QB Colton Joseph (79 Ovr) who threw for 2514 yds with 13 TD and 6 INT last season, but the rest of the roster is pretty bare.

James Madison (74/73/76) coming off just 1 win last year, the Duke will hope not to repeat that performance again. SO QB JC Evans (76 Ovr) got some valuable playing time though finishing the season with 2303 yds with 13 TD and 17 INT. if he struggles though the Dukes new HC could turn to fellow SO QB Larry Colon (73 Ovr).

[Deuce2223]

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

2026 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL MEDIA GUIDE

COACH STAFF

The Panthers coming off their best season since 2018, will look to make history once again under 2nd Year Head Coach Matt Miller.. Miller made a bold move at the end of the season firing his DC bringing Malcom Brooks who has South Florida ties (pipeline). OC Charles Clement returns to help guide a Panther Offense that led the nation with (245) 1st Downs last year and a Passing Offense that finished 2nd CUSA play and 13th in the nation well also averaging 33.7 PPG.

THE SCHEDULE

FIU has a bit more of a balanced schedule this season playing 6 games at home in Pittbull Stadium and 6 road matchup's. However 4 of those home games will come in the first 5 weeks of the season including a pair of Top-25 matchups as FIU will host #24 Miami and former Panther HC Mario Christobal in the City Championship as well as Coach Miller's former team the #16 ranked Boise Broncos in Week 4 (the CPU scheduled the game and I just kept it).. Here is a look at the full schedule

Week 0- vs #24 Miami (Rivalry Game-City Championship)
Week 1- @ USF (Rivalry Matchup)
Week 2- @ Coastal Carolina
Week 3- vs FAU (Rivalry Game-Shula Bowl)
Week 4- vs #16 Boise State (Miller faces former team)
Week 5- vs Marshall
Week 6- "Bye"
Week 7 @ James Madison
Week 8 vs Appalachian State
Week 9 vs East Carolina
Week 10 @ Old Dominion
Week 11 @ Charlotte
Week 12 "Bye"
Week 13 vs #25 Liberty (Senior Night)

THE ROSTER

FIU will go into the season with 75 players (42 Offense/31 Defense/2 ST) including 13 Seniors, 14 Juniors, 19 Soph's and a combined 29 Freshman (Red and True). Of those 75 players 59 are from the State of Florida and 16 of those are from Miami.

QB

SR QB Keyone Jenkins (83 Ovr)
"Jenkins returns as a 4th year starter, as he looks to cement his name further into the FIU history books"

SR QB Brady Allen (77 Ovr)
"The Louisville 3* Transfer didn't complete a pass last season for the Cardinals but gives Coach Miller another option should Jenkins miss any time"

SO Clayton Dees (77 Ovr)
"Dees spent last season as the team's #2 but never played a snap. He currently the front runner to replace Jenkins next season, so look for Dee's to get some PT this year should FIU find itself with a lead in the 4th Quarter"

RS FR Victor Ojukwu (69 Ovr)
"A 3* from the 2024 Class, Ojukwu redshirted last season and will look to pus Dee's for the starting job next year unless Coach Miller finds better option in the 2026 class"

(R) FR Tavarius Maijeh (68 Ovr)
"A late addition to the 2025 Class after original target Tim Graham signed with Florida State. Maijeh will redshirt this season and look to compete for the starting job next Fall or at worst the #2 job"

RB/FB

JR Cole Tabb (79 Ovr)
"The Stanford transfer will look to replace 1000 yd rusher Shomari Lawrence as he wins the RB1 job coming out of the Spring game. Tabb has 216 career carries (197 last year) for 792 yds (727 last year) and 10 TD's (9 last year)"

SR Cash Jones (74 Ovr)
"The former Georgia Bulldog transfered to Wyoming in 2025 where he rushed 45 times for 192 yds and 1 TD. Now he is looking to push Tabb and Showden for more carries giving Coach Miller another option in the run game. He also has the best hands of the group and will likely see action on 3rd down's and on Special teams"

JR TJ Snowden (76 Ovr)
"Snowden carried the ball 84 times for 303 yds (3.6 avg) with 5 TD's last season well also adding 15 rec for 85 yds. Listed at just 5'9 and 161 lbs (Tabb is 5'8 200 and Jones is 6'0 182), Snowden will look to carve out a role this year as the team's #2/3


(R) FR Isiah Dennis (70 Ovr)
"A 3* Recruit in the 2025 Class, Dennis is the biggest back on the roster listed at 5'10 226 lbs. He could see a move to FB next year"

(R) SO Jalen Haslam (67 Ovr)
"The 3* Athlete carried the ball just 1 time last year (0 yds) but did play a vital role in on Special teams with 15 KR for 381 yds (23.8 avg) and 33 PR for 293 yds (8.9 avg). He will redshirt and hopes of securing a bigger role at RB in 2027"

(R) FR Titus Thompkins (67 Ovr)
"Another 3* Recruit from the 2025 Class, Thompkins could be the future feature back, as he boasts the most speed of this group (95)"

(R) SO Major Benshaw (65 Ovr)
"Like Haslam, Benshaw is a former 3* Athlete from the 2024 Class. Benshaw carried the ball 15 times for 67 yds (4.5 avg) well also serving as the teams other primary return man (28 KR 624 yds 22.3 Avg). However with the addition of Tabb and Jones, Benshaw will take advantage of being able to redshirt this season as he looks for a bigger role at RB next year"

SO Antonio Ferguson (76 Ovr)
"A former TE who moved to FB last year, returns to that role again this year. Listed at 6'3 225lbs, he could see some goal line carries after not getting a single carry in 2025"

WR/TE

RS FR Enrique Cortez (81 Ovr)
"The Star of the Spring Game (Training bumped 13 points). Cortez goes from Redshirt last year to pushing Lewis and Jones Jr for the rights to be called WR2"

RS JR Kyle McNeal (80 Ovr)
"McNeal took WR1 by storm last year posting school records for Receptions (80) and Yards (1337) well adding 8 TD's "

RS SR Victor Jones Jr (77 Ovr)
"The former Liberty Flame caught 14 TD's last season (52 rec 794 yds) With the best hands on the team (88 catch) he will most likely slide into the slot WR role this season."

RS JR JuJu Lewis (76 Ovr)
"Lewis caught 11 rec for 199 yds and 3 TD's in the Bowl win over WSU giving him the school record for most TD's in a season (11) finishing just 63 yds shy of a 1000 yd season (63 rec 937 yds). He will look to improve on those #'s but with Jones and Cortez in the mix it could be hard to do."

SO Faitele Okwara (73 Ovr)
"A 3* Recruit in the 2024 class, Okwara played a huge role last season stepping up as the team's #3 WR finishing the year with 57 rec for 749 yds and 9 TD's. He will not redshirt again this season despite falling to #5 on the depth chart. Hopefully Jenkins can find enough throws to go around to keep everyone happy."

(R) SO Kevin Osgood (71 Ovr)
"Like Okwara, Osgood another 3* Recruit from the 2024 class, played as a true freshman but didn't have a single reception. He will redshirt and hopes of earning a bigger role in 2026"

(R) FR Tyler Cisco (68 Ovr)
"1 of 2 4* Recruits in the 2025 Class, Panther fans had high hopes for Cisco but struggled to find his grove in the spring game and instead will take a year to redshirt with hopes of maybe replacing Jones Jr as the Slot WR next season"

(R) FR Terry Babineaux (61 Ovr)
"A late addition to the 2025 Class, this 3* looks liks a complete dud and will likely be a encouraged transfer next season"

FR Dominick Naanee (73 Ovr)
"The other 4* Recruit from the 2025 class will look to replace Rocky Beers as the teams #1 TE. Beers recorded over 50 rec for 700+ yards and 5 TD's last year, I think he has the talent to match those #'s"

SO Wayne Gutierrez (70 Ovr)
"A former 3* WR who moved to TE last year to backup Beers caught 7 balls for 92 yds (13.1 avg). He will be the team's #2 TE again this season.

FR Jose Malik (69 Ovr) and FR John Virgin (66 Ovr)
"Both 3* Recruits from the 2025 class, they will look to push Gutierrez for some snaps at TE2. I would expect 1 of them to potentially transition to FB next year.

O-LINE

Starting 5 will be

LT-RS JR Daniel Michel (82 Ovr)
LG RS JR Jaheim Buchanon (82 Ovr)
C-RS SR Jadarious Lee (71 Ovr)
RG RS SR-Naeer Jackson (81 Ovr)
RT-RS SR Jaleel Davis (80 Ovr)

With 3 of last year's start 5 gone to graduation it will be interesting to see how this new unit gels. Keyone Jenkins is a lefty, so well Michel is the new starter at LT, he doesn't protect the Blindside as Davis and Jackson return to anchor the right side.

The Reserves

RS SR Jackson Schutlze (76 Ovr) and RS JR Mykeal Rabess (75 Ovr) are the primary backups at Tackle.

RS FR Alex Hill (78 Ovr) and RS SO Jon Rodriguez (74 Ovr) will be the primary backups at Guard.

RS FR Wayen Merdiath (68 Ovr) is the primary backup Center well RS FR's Tony Olszewski (67 Ovr) and Tony Brewer (68 Ovr) provide additional Depth.

3* Recruits Curt Cole (67 Ovr), Ramon Anzalone (67 Ovr), Terrance Bliss (64 Ovr), Dontae Penny (69 Ovr) and Casey Hodel (69 Ovr) will all Redshirt this season as they look to carve out roles next year with 3 starters set to graduate.


D-LINE

Eddie Walls III is gone to graduation but JR Germaine Carter (85 Ovr) is ready to take over. Carter had a huge spring (improved 10 points).after registering just 3 tackles last season.

RS SO Robert Williams (76 Ovr) and Wake Forest/FAU transfer JR Wilky DeNaud (72 Ovr) will likely rotate at the other DE Spot.

DT looks to be a 3-Head moster with a Trio of SR's looking to fill the spot as Coach Brooks brings in a new 3-3-5 Defense.

Steven Shannon (82 Ovr) has recorded 33 Tackles with 6 TFL and 4.5 sacks over the past 2 seasons.

RS SR Clinton Mahoni (76 Ovr) actually recorded 28 Tackles with 5.5 sacks last year and could actually factor into the rotation with Williams/DeNaud at DE.

RS SR Claude Larkins (73 Ovr) recorded even less stats then Shannon the past 2 years with just 6 Tackles (1 TFL) as a reserve.


LINEBACKERS

SR Percy Courtney JR (78 Ovr) played well last year as a fulltime starter recording 52 Tackles with 7 TFL and 5.0 Sacks well also picking off 1 INT.

JR Josiah Taylor (80 Ovr) also played well actually leading the team in Sacks with 10.5 finishing just 1/2 shy of tying Walls III school record of 11. Taylor also had 43 Tackles..

With Courtney and Taylor emerging as starters, SR Alexander Phifer (72 Ovr) will move from a backup role at OLB to starting MLB replacing D. Nuno. Phifer had 13 Tackles last year as a reserve.

2 Players who had a huge Spring (Training increase) are RS FR Xavier Mattison (62 to a 74) and SO Ronnie McRae (57 to a 76). With the switch from a 4-2-5 to a 3-5-5 Defense both players should factor into some PT as they look to replace Courtney and Phifer in the starting lineup next year.

3* Recruits Tevaughn Stewart (70) and Sam Truong (67) are both set to Redshirt


SECONDARY

#1 CB Brian Blades and his team high 6 INT are gone, but the rest of the starting unit returns including SO SS Sadonnie Gay (69 Ovr) who actually led the team in Tackles with 95 well also recording 3 INT's.

JR Mister Clark (83 Ovr) takes over as the teams CB1. Clark recorded 73 Tackles last year with 2 INT's and 7 Pass Deflections.

Fellow JR's Preston Thompson (78 Ovr) and Dominick Mays (78) join them as CB2 and the FS this season. Thompson had 67 Tackles and 3 INT last year well Mays had 63 Tackles, 2 INT's and 7 Pass Deflections.

RS SO Rahiem Sexil (80 Ovr) played as the primary Dime back when FIU wen to a 6 DB set and ended up recording 61 Tackles with 1 INT and 6 Pass Deflections. With FIU staying with a 5 DB Base Defense, Sexiil will look to be the 5th starter but could b pused by fellow RS SO Jaden Williams who had a huge Spring (Training went from a 70 to a 84 Overall)

Coach Miller landed 2-3* Transfers in the Portal in RS SO's Ryan Robinson Jr (78 Ovr) and James Chenault (78 Ovr) they will join RS JR Jamair Holliman (79 Ovr) and RS FR's Brian Wall (72 Ovr) and Blair DeLuca (70 Ovr) giving FIU some of the best depth at CB in the nation.

Robinson Jr played at Iowa State last year recording 21 Tackles well Chenault had 50 Tackles last season for USF.

3* Recruits O. Beal (70 Ovr), TJ Everett (67 Ovr), Joshn Amador (64 Ovr), and Joey Cordero (67 Ovr) are all set to Redshirt.



SPECIAL TEAMS

SO Issac Glennon (77 Ovr) returns for his 2nd season.. Glennon last year as a True Freshman converted 22/25 FG's and a perfect 52/52 XPT's. He had only 1 miss inside 50 yds and recorded 39 TB's out of 86 KO's.

SO Louis Myers (73 Ovr) returns as the team's Punter. Last season Myers had 55 Punts for 2322 yds (42.2 Avg) with a Net Avg of 35.6 yds and a long of 62 yards.


With Hollman and BenShaw currently Redshirting, FIU will debut 2 new players for Kick Returns and Punts this season. Currently Backup RB Cash Jones and SO WR Faitele Okwara have seen the bulk of the action. but reports are starting RB Cole Tabb is also pushing for reps and we could also see 4* Recruit Tyler Cisco potentially come in for at least 4 games to get in some PT reps.

[tobin834]

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

Dynamite presentation on the end of the season and the transfer portal. Looking really good, ready for another season already. Moving right along!

[redsox907]

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

I like the additions made through the portal. I can definitely see a 9-3 season season with the only loses Miami, Boise, and Liberty. If you can swing any one of those, especially if you don't lose to Liberty late, and win the CUSA an auto bid into the CFP is definitely within reach!

[Deuce2223]

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

Dynamite presentation on the end of the season and the transfer portal. Looking really good, ready for another season already. Moving right along!

Thanks for the kind words.. I am kicking off some games tonight. I am excited to see my new RB's I was hoping to land the 4* from Louisville and also former Utah RB D. Staley left last year and went to Oregon State. I saw him in the Portal again but sadly he didn't want to come to FIU. The kid has like 98 Speed and 99 Acceleration. I got him in my Coastal Carolina Dynasty and he was really fun to run with.

[Deuce2223]

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

I like the additions made through the portal. I can definitely see a 9-3 season season with the only loses Miami, Boise, and Liberty. If you can swing any one of those, especially if you don't lose to Liberty late, and win the CUSA an auto bid into the CFP is definitely within reach!

Yeah Miami Week 1 will be tough but at least I am not playing them on the Road. They are a 90 Overall vs my 84, but I think if I can limit my turnovers I can hang with them.

I am excited for the BSU game. I don't expect to win but was okay with the CPU scheduling them to come play me.

I am hoping Liberty at home for Senior Day will be the push I need to get the victory. Well I would love to make a run at a CUSA title and another run at 9-10 wins, I am not going to over look Charlotte and Marshall or ECU. Last year I had 2 OT wins and several others that came down to the 4th Quarter so well my Overall has improved, I have a feeling its not going to ba a walk in the park.

I was really happy with the guy's I got in the Portal. I had a couple OLB's and a couple DE's that I was hoping to get and ended up settling for the 2 CB's I didnt really need but depth isnt bad. I was also excited to get both RB's after the 4* RB I was trying to get out of Louisville signed with Florida State.

[Deuce2223]

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

CHOICES!!!

Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Florida International Golden Panthers
Jan 1,	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#24 Miami (FL) Hurricanes ()	10	21	7	7	45
Florida International Golden Panthers ()	7	21	7	9	44

Team Stats Comparison
	MIA	FIU
Total Offense	454	695
Rushing Yards	199	139
Passing Yards	255	556
First Downs	17	38
Punt Return Yards	13	44
Kick Return Yards	88	106
Total Yards	555	845
Turnovers	0	3
3rd Down Conversion	5/14	9/19
4th Down Conversion		3/4
2-Point Conversion		0/1
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	1-1-50%	5-0-83%
Penalties	3-35	4-20
Possession Time	21:26	18:34

GAME RECAP

Choices, Good or Bad once you make it you got to live with the outcome and today, Coach Miller made a bad one and the result was FIU losing to Miami in Week 1.

The Hurricanes took the lead midway through the 1st as SO QB Judd Anderson (81 Ovr) hits SR WR Ray Ray Joseph (86 Ovr) on a 50 yd bomb to go up (7-0).

The Panthers would tie the game though as Keyone Jenkins throws a 60 yd bomb of his own to True Freshman TE Dominick Naanee to tie the game (7-7) just 2 plays later.

Miami would retake the lead with 1:12 to play in the 1st as Jalen Osborne kicks a 32 yd FG.

FIU opened up the 2nd Quarter taking the lead as JR RB Cole Tabb scores his first Panther TD (3 yd run) to make it (14-10) but Miami answers back as SR RB Mark Fletcher (88 Ovr) scores the first of his 3 TD's in the day (9 yds) to make it (17-14)

Tabb though was ready to go head to head with Fletcher and the Miami Defense all day as the Stanford transfer scores his 2nd TD (3 yds) with 5:54 to play in the half giving the Panthers the (21-17) lead and then with 3:58 to play Tabb dives in again from 2 yds out for his 3rd touchdown of the day to make it (28-17).

Miami not looking to back down from the fight goes to the air as Anderson hits SR WR Isiah Horton (90 Ovr) on a 59 yd bomb to cut the lead to (28-24) with 2:55 to play.

Rather then just run out the clock and take their lead into the half, Coach Miller and the Panthers kept the pedal to the medal on Offense but Jenkins is picked off with 1:22 to play as JR CB OJ Frederique Jr (86 Ovr) takes it 80 yds to the house for the "Pick 6" INT to give Miami the (31-28) lead going into the half.

Another Jenkins INT would kill the Panthers opening drive of the 2nd half as Freddy Jr comes up with his 2nd INT of the day, but the Panther D holds and forces a Punt getting the ball back, Jenkins puts his 2 early INT's out of his mind and finds Naanee for a 11 yd score as FIU retakes the lead (35-31) with 5:35 to play in the 3rd.

Miami wastes little time retaking the lead though as Fletcher scores his 2nd rushing TD of the day taking it 25 yds for the score making it (38-35).

Still (38-35) midway through the 4th, FIU would send out Issac Glennon for a 40 yd FG to tie the game after missing a 51 yd try earlier in the quarter.. He drills this one making it (38-38).

FIU would get the ball back with 3:43 to play with a chance to retake the lead but Jenkin's 3rd INT of the day (CB R. Stafford 88 Ovr) gives Miami the ball midfield, and Mark Fletcher Jr wasn't done as Fletcher runs over a gassed Panther Defense for 23 yds to give the Hurricanes the (45-38) lead with just 1:37 to play.

Still armed with all 3 timeouts, Jenkins leads the offense out 1 more time and with 28 seconds to play KJ throws a bullet over the middle to Liberty transfer Victor Jones for the 4 yd TD to make the score (45-44). Kick the PAT and go to Overtime at home is probably what 99% of the coaches in America would choose, but not Miller as he doesn't even hesitate leaving his offense on the field.

With Trips right including 6'6 Naanee, 6'4 Faitele Okwara and 6'1 Juju Lewis and 6'1 E. Cortez and Victor Jones to the left. Jenkins drops back and fires a bullet to Lewis crossing over the middle, but the pass is deflected at the last moment as the sold out crowd of 20,000 watch as Miami celebrates their victory.

But with 28 seconds to play, FIU still had a chance as the Panthers line up the onside kick, the kick looked good as it took a hop toward the arms of Okwara, but the Hurricanes recover and after the Panthers burn their final timeout, Anderson would go into the kneel down formation to run out the clock.

KEY PLAYERS

QB K. Jenkins-36/63 (57%) 556 yds 3 TD 3 INT, -11 rushing yards (sacked 4 time)
RB Cole Tabb-35 carries 140 yds 3 TD, 3 rec 14 yds
RB C. Jones- 1 carry 5 yds
FB A. Ferguson-1 carry 5 yds
WR V. Jones Jr-10 rec 117 yds 1 TD
WR K. McNeal-5 rec 114 yds
WR Juju Lewis-5 rec 54 yds
WR E. Cortez-4 rec 40 yds
TE D. Naanee-9 rec 217 yds 2 TD
OLB J. Taylor-7 Tackles 2 TFL, 1 Sack

QB J. Anderson-21/35 (60%) 255 yds 2 TD, -5 rushing yards (sacked 3 times)
RB M. Fletcher Jr-23 carries 184 yds 3 TD
RB C. Vildor-4 carries 20 yds (83 Overall True Freshman)
WR Ny Carr-6 rec 53 yds
WR R. Joseph-4 rec 67 yds 1 TD
WR I. Horton- 4 rec 93 yds 1 TD
MLB R. Aguirre Jr-26 Tackles (Holy crap)
FS Markeith Williams-16 Tackles
CB R. Stafford- 1 INT
CB O. Frederique Jr-2 INT (1 Pick 6)

UP NEXT

FIU will look to rebound from the disappointing loss with a trip to Tampa as they take on the USF Bulls in Week 1.

[Deuce2223]

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

IT'S WHY YOU PLAY BOTH HALF'S!!!

Florida International Golden Panthers at South Florida Bulls
Jan 1,	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Florida International Golden Panthers ((0-1))	21	10	14	14	59
South Florida Bulls ((0-1))	0	7	16	28	51

Team Stats Comparison
	FIU	USF
Total Offense	689	453
Rushing Yards	143	86
Passing Yards	541	359
First Downs	35	18
Punt Return Yards	12	31
Kick Return Yards	101	259
Total Yards	802	743
Turnovers	2	1
3rd Down Conversion	12/20	7/19
4th Down Conversion	0/1	2/5
2-Point Conversion		3/4
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	6-1-77%	2-0-33%
Penalties	4-45	2-17
Possession Time	18:22	21:38

GAME RECAP

Both teams came into the game with disappointing loss's (USF lost to BYU 17-14) in Week 0.

It looked like a packed house at Raymond James Stadium with a pretty solid sea of blue shirts in the stands as FIU fan's make the 4 hour drive north to Tampa for the "Battle of the Sunshine State"

FIU jumped out to a early (21-0) lead as Stanford transfer Cole Tabb continues to run over opposing team's Defenses as the scores 2 times including a 24 yd run where he ran through 4 different arm tackles.

The Panthers would extend the lead to (31-0) as Keyone Jenkins continues to put up huge #'s after throwing for a school record 556 yards last week as he finds Enrique Cortez for his first career touchdown (29 yds).

Jenkins though would fumble the ball with 2 minutes to play in the half and Bulls OLB Zavier Hamilton scoops it up and takes it 34 yds to the house to put the Bulls on the scoreboard (31-7) as we head to the locker room.

FIU would open the 2nd half with the ball and Jenkins would make quick work of the Bulls secondary as he hits Kyle McNeal on a 60 yd bomb to make it (38-7). The touchdown was McNeal's 2nd of the game.

Then it was the Panther D going to work as SO CB Raheim Sexil picks off Bulls SR QB Israel Carter (80 Ovr). Again Jenkins goes to work as the SR QB throws his 4th TD of the day hitting Victor Jones on a 33 yd dime to make it (45-7)

Carter looking to make up for his early INT completes 6/8 pass's on the next series including a 29 yd TD strike to JR WR Joshua Porter (80 ovr) to make it (45-13). USF would leave the offense on the field for the 2pt try and convert making it (45-15).

Then it was Jenkins turn to throw a INT as FR FS Josh Jose (75 Ovr) comes up with the Pick setting up the Bulls inside the 40 yd line. Now it was Carter making quick work of the Panther secondary as he throws a 28 yd strike to SR WR Jqyquan Smith (78 Ovr) and USF for a 2nd time in a row leaves the offense out to convert the 2pt play to make it (45-23), as we head to the 4th.

With the 22 point lead, Coach Miller decides to give his starters the rest of the afternoon off, as SO Clayton Dees takes over a QB and Georgia/Wyoming transfer Cash Jones replaces Tabb at RB.

Dees looks solid in his debut as he completes 4 of his first 5 pass's including a 3 yd TD pass to FB Antonio Ferguson, as FIU extends the lead to (52-23).

USF wasn't going down without a fight though as the Bulls score 28 unanswered including a pair of rushing TD's from SR RB Jaylen Johnson (83 Ovr) to make the game (52-51) with under 3 minutes to play.

USF had a chance to tie the game up but failed to convert the 2pt play after going 3/3 earlier in the game.)

The Bulls would attempt the onside kick but FIU recovered.. Leading by just 1, Coach Miller still left the 2nd Team Offense on the field as Dee's stays in the game. Again the SO QB comes up with some key throws including a 31 yd strike to SO WR Faitele Okwara and a 33 yd pass to backup and a 17 yd strike to SO Kevin Osgood who makes his first career catch to help setup a 1st and goal with under a minute to play. After Jones is stopped for a 1 yd loss, Miller goes to his playbook giving FB Antonio Ferguson a chance at another score and the Fullback delivers taking it in from 3 yds out to seal the victory.

Bulls QB Isarel Carter finished the game 21/40 (52%) for 359 yds with 3 TD and 1 INT.

SO RB Alvon Isaac (90 Ovr, he was only a 3* Recruit) was held to just 52 yds on 20 carries.

KEY PANTHERS

QB K. Jenkins-23/43 (53%) 455 yds 4 TD 1 INT, sacked 7 times, 1 Fumble
QB C. Dees-7/10 (70%) 86 yds 1 TD
RB C. Tabb-23 carries 119 yds 2 TD
RB C. Jones-13 carries 58 yds
FB A. Ferguson 1 carry 3 yds 1 TD, 1 rec 3 yds 1 TD
WR K. McNeal-4 rec 94 yds 2 TD
WR V. Jones Jr-7 rec 94 yds 1 TD
WR E. Cortez-4 rec 75 yds 1 TD
WR F. Okwara-2 rec 57 yds
TE D. Naanee-6 rec 154 yds
TE R. Guiterrez-2 rec 38 yds
TE J. Malik-2 rec 13 yds

UP NEXT

FIU will make it's 2nd straight trip to Conway SC as they take on (2-0) Coastal Carolina in a Week 2 CUSA matchup.

The Chanticleers opened up their season with a (28-7) win over Temple in Week 1 and then defeated Army (24-21) in Week 1.

[Deuce2223]

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

PANTHERS WIN CONFERENCE OPENER!!

Florida International Golden Panthers at Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Jan 1,	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Florida International Golden Panthers ((1-1))	7	21	7	3	38
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers ((2-0))	3	0	0	7	10

Team Stats Comparison
	FIU	CCAR
Total Offense	450	210
Rushing Yards	154	26
Passing Yards	282	168
First Downs	19	5
Punt Return Yards	34	7
Kick Return Yards	54	85
Total Yards	538	302
Turnovers	1	1
3rd Down Conversion	9/14	1/12
4th Down Conversion	1/1	1/2
2-Point Conversion
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	4-0-100%	0-0-0%
Penalties	2-15	6-60
Possession Time	38:08	21:52

GAME RECAP

FIU hands Coastal Carolina their first loss of the season with scoring 3 times in the 2 Quarter to take a commanding lead at the half as the Panther Defense plays their best game of the season holding the Chanticleers to just 210 yds of Total Offense and just 5 1st Down's on the day.

Coastal Carolina opened up the game settling for a 39 yd FG to make it (3-0) but after that it was all FIU as the Panthers QB Keyone Jenkins throws (4) 1st half TD's to give FIU the (28-3) lead at the half.

FIU would open up the 2nd half using just 3 rushing plays to put 7 more points on the board as Cole Tabb breaks off a 27 yd gain followed by a Jenkins 34 yd run all the way down to the 4 yd line before Cash Jones takes it in from 4 yds out for his 1st Panther touchdown.

Both teams would trade INT's with each other to finish out the 3rd Quarter, leaving it (35-3) until midway through the 4th Quarter before Coastal finally gets in the endzone as SR QB Ethan Vasko (84 Ovr) hits FR WR Thomas Rubin (73 Ovr) on a 62 yd pass to make it (35-10). FIU would add a late FG to close out the scoring.

Vasko finished the day just 13/26 (50%) for 168 yds with the 1 TD and 1 INT.

KEY PANTHERS

QB K. Jenkins-19/31 (61%) 282 yds 4 TD 1 INT, 56 yds rushing
RB C. Tabb-17 carries 92 yds
RB C. Jones-9 carries 12 yds 1 TD
RB TJ Snowden-3 carries 3 yds, 1 rec 15 yds
WR V. Jones-1 carry 5 yds 3 rec 39 yds
WR E. Cortez-6 rec 94 yds 1 TD
WR K. McNeal-3 rec 67 yds 1 TD
TE D. Naanee-5 rec 59 yds 1 TD
TE W. Guiterrez-1 rec 8 yds
CB Mister Clark-1 INT


UP NEXT

After back to back road wins, FIU will return home to PittBull Stadium for their next 3 games starting with a rivalry matchup against FAU in the Shula Bowl.

FAU comes into the game (1-1). After losing to South Carolina in Week 1 (35-24), The Owls defeated UCF (42-14) in Week 2.