GAME 4
FIU (2-1, 0-1 CUSA) at Connecticut (0-2)

DATE
Saturday, September 16, 2023

KICKOFF
3:30 p.m. ET

STADIUM
Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field (40,000)/East Hartford, Conn.
 

TV	CBS Sports Network
RADIO	WQBA 1140 AM
INTERNET	Listen Live | Watch Live
LIVE STATS	Stats Link
FOLLOW US	Twitter | Instagram
GAME NOTES	FIU | UConn
WEEKLY PRESSER	WATCH

 
THE COACHES
FIU                                                          
Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre (Georgia Tech '89)
Overall Record: 52-74 (11th season)
Record at FIU: 6-9 (2nd season)
 
CONNECTICUT                      
Head Coach: Jim Mora
Overall Record: 52-39 (8th season)
Record at UConn: 6-9 (2nd season)
 
WATCH FIU FOOTBALL WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE
FIU FOOTBALL MEDIA AVAILABILITY – GAME 4  - at Connecticut


 
FIU football head coach Mike MacIntyre met with the media on Tuesday afternoon to preview this Saturday's non-conference game at Connecticut.
 
Joining MacIntyre at the weekly media availability was sophomore wide receiver Dean Patterson and junior defensive back CJ Christian.
 
QUICK HITS

• The Panthers will be playing in East Hartford for the first time in program history on Saturday.
• FIU and the Huskies are also scheduled to meet in 2025 (at UConn) and 2027 (at FIU).
• Saturday's game will mark the furthest that the Panthers have headed north since playing at Central Michigan during the 2021 season.

 
PANTHERS HEAD TO THE NORTH FOR A BATTLE WITH UCONN
FIU will travel to New England for a nationally-televised non-conference showdown with Connecticut on Saturday, Sept. 16 - which is slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff from East Hartford, Conn.
 
The Panthers will be meeting Huskies for the second consecutive season and for the first time ever at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.  The game marks the second of a four-game non-conference series that began last year in Miami and will conclude with the final two games in 2025 (East Hartford) and 2027 (Miami).
 
UConn represents the Panthers' third of four non-conference opponents with the final coming in the next to last game of the regular season at Arkansas on Nov. 18.
 
Saturday's game will be aired on CBS Sports Network with Dave Ryan (pxp), Christian Fauria (analyst) and Keiana Martin (sideline) on the call.
 
The game can also be heard on Miami's WQBA 1140 AM with AJ Ricketts (pxp) and Corey Brooks (analyst) behind the mic.
 
The pregame show on WQBA 1140 AM will start 30 minutes prior to kickoff and a postgame show will follow the conclusion of the contest.
 
FRESH DUB FIU – VICE AND BISCAYNE BLUES
FIU Football's Vice themed uniforms were ranked as the top look in all of college football for the 2023 season by Sports Illustrated.
 
The publication touted the "Miami Vice old-school look" – that features black jerseys with fuchsia accents – which will be worn by the Panthers when they take on UTEP at home on Wednesday, Oct. 11, before a nationally-televised audience on ESPN2 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.
 
In addition, the Panthers also unveiled to high acclaim their brand new Biscayne Blue duds in their most recent home contest vs. North Texas on Sept. 9.
 
The "Biscayne Blue" is a nod to Biscayne Bay, another tribute to the great city of Miami, which FIU calls home.
 

WEEK 2 UNISWAG COUNTDOWN

#8 @FIUFootball #uniswag pic.twitter.com/8hT5ZNGJXu

— UNISWAG (@UNISWAG) September 11, 2023

 
KRIS MITCHELL AMONG NATION'S BEST
FIU junior wide receiver Kris Mitchell enters this weekend's game at UConn with 297 receiving yards - which ranks as the third-highest total in FBS and tops in Conference USA.
 
He is averaging 99.0 receiving yards per contest (20th/best in FBS) and his three touchdown catches are the seventh-most nationally.
 
DEFENSE STIFFENS IN RED ZONE
The Panthers defense has tightened when it has mattered most this season as FIU currently boasts the 14th best red zone defense in FBS and the tops in Conference USA.
 
FIU has allowed scores on 6-of-10 opponents red zone chances and only four touchdowns.
 
 OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Senior linebacker Donovan Manuel continues to rack up the tackles and sophomore running back Shomari Lawrence continues to reside near the top of the FBS rushing leader chart.
 

• Manuel ranks 6th among FBS leaders in total tackles with an average of 12.7 per game
• He has totaled 38 stops this season (20 solo) and 5.0 TFLs.
• Lawrence ranks 9th among FCS leaders and second in Conference USA with 254 yards.
• He has scored a pair of touchdowns in his first three games as a Panther, including a 67-yarder in the season opener at Louisiana Tech.

 
MASSES FIRST INT GOES TO THE HOUSE FOR SIX
Sophomore Hezekiah Masses recorded his first career interception in the second quarter of the Panthers' 46-39 win over North Texas on Sept. 9 and ran it back 40 yards for a touchdown - one of numerous big plays for the Panthers defense in the victory.
 
Masses' pick six represented the first for FIU since Rishard Dames ran one back 80 yards vs. Western Kentucky on Sept. 7, 2019.
 
OWENS FIRST WITH THREE RUSHING TDS SINCE 2019
Sophomore Kejon Owens scored three rushing touchdowns in the Panthers' 46-39 win over North Texas on Sept. 9 - marking the first three TD effort on the ground for FIU since Anthony Jones turned the trick vs. Charlotte on Oct. 12, 2019.
 
SCOUTING CONNECTICUT
The Huskies enter Saturday's clash with the Panthers looking for their first win of the 2023 campaign following losses against North Carolina State (14-24) and at Georgia State (14-35) in their initial two games.
 
Connecticut have played a pair of newcomers at quarterback in the opening two weeks in Ta'Quan Robinson (Penn State transfer) and Joe Fagnano (Maine transfer).
 
Offensively the flipped from being rush heavy in the opener vs. NC State (160 ground yards) to being limited to 50 in the loss at Georgia State - but gaining 276 through the air - 216 from Robinson - who entered the contest in place of Fagnano - who opened in each of the first two games.
 
The Huskies have not intercepted a pass this season and have only forced one turnover in their first two contests.
 
Despite the total against Georgia State, UConn ranks 102nd nationally in passing offense, but defensively have allowed the 22nd fewest passing yards in FBS.
 
UConn is averaging 14.0 points over the first two games of 2023 - which ranks 123rd in FBS.  The Huskies' average of 29.5 points allowed ranks 101st.
 
MATCHUP OF SECOND YEAR HEAD COACHES
FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre and UConn head coach Jim Mora will be in similar positions when their programs square off on Saturday in the Nutmeg State.
 
They are both entering their second year in their current positions following previous collegiate head coaching positions at Pac-12 schools - with MacIntyre at the helm at Colorado and Mora at UCLA.
 
Both also have an NFL pedigree with MacIntyre serving under Bill Parcells with both the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets.  Mora was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2004-06 and Seattle Seahawks (2009).  He was an assistant with the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and the Seahawks.
 
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. UCONN
Saturday's game between FIU and UConn will mark only the second meeting between the programs and the first in Connecticut.
 
The Panthers dropped a 33-12 decision in Miami in the initial meeting between the programs on Oct. 8, 2022.
 
UCONN-FLORIDA CONNECTION
The Huskies feature 11 players on their roster that hails from the state of Florida.
 

Timothy Passmore Jr.	Cocoa, Fla.	Cocoa
Eriq Gilyard	Jacksonville, Fla.	Trinity Christian
Langston Hardy	Jacksonville, Fla.	Sandalwood
Alfred Chea	Jacksonville, Fla.	First Coast
D'Mon Brinson	Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.	Dillard
Zion Turner	Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.	St. Thomas Aquinas
Brian Brewton	Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.	St. Thomas Aquinas
Malik Dixon-Williams	Orlando, Fla.	Wekiva
Jalen Mitchell	Rockledge, Fla.	Rockledge
Donovan Branch	Winter Haven, Fla.	Foundation Academy
Zackary Drawdy	Yulee, Fla.	Yulee

 
LAST TIME vs. CONNECTICUT
FIU committed three turnovers in the first half that led to a 20-point deficit and an eventual 33-12 defeat against the University of Connecticut (Oct. 8, 2022).
 
Junior running back Lexington Joseph paced the Panthers in defeat with a season-high 103 rushing yards – the most by a FIU player this season.  FIU quarterback Grayson James completed 28-of-43 passes for 256 yards.
 
Connecticut used its running attack to secure the win as it posted 295 yards on the ground and averaged 6.4 yards on 46 attempts.  Devontae Houston led the way for the Huskies with 135 yards.  UConn signal caller Zion Turner finished 14-of-19 through the air for 102 yards.
 
FIU lost despite outgaining the Huskies by a 409-402 margin.  The Panthers finished with 256 passing yards and 153 rushing.
 
Connecticut opened an early 14-0 lead after capitalizing on a pair of turnovers by the Panthers.  Following a fumble by FIU's Grayson, which set up the Huskies at the UConn 25-yard line, Connecticut marched the remaining 75 yards on 11 plays before capping it with a five-yard run by Rosa to go up 7-0 with 6:34 left in the first.
 
The Huskies increased the lead to 14-0 on a second scoring run by Rosa, this one from four yards out, with 13:35 remaining in the second.  The drive went for a total of 64 yards and began following an interception of James by UConn's Tre Wortham.
 
 Connecticut increased the margin to 17-0 with a 26-yard field goal off the foot of Noe Ruelas with just over a minute left in the opening half – capping a 12-play, 87-yard drive.
 
James tossed his second interception of the game on the Panthers' next play from scrimmage, giving UConn possession inside the Panthers 10-yard line.  The FIU defense stiffened and forced the Huskies to settle for a 31-yard field goal on the final play of the half.
 
Joseph put FIU on the board when he broke free for a 47-yard TD run on the Panthers opening possession of the second half, making the score 20-7 with 11:45 remaining in the third.
 
PANTHERS OUTLAST NORTH TEXAS IN THRILLER
The Panthers scored 29 second-half points, including three rushing touchdowns by sophomore Kejon Owens, to defeat North Texas 46-39 in a non-conference clash on Sept. 9.
 
The game featured seven lead changes and a pair of ties before Owens scored the eventual game clincher on a six-yard run with 7:09 left in regulation.
 
The win moves FIU to a 2-1 mark to open a season for the first time since 2018.
 
The Panthers also are now 2-0 at home for the first time since 2017 - when they opened a perfect 4-0 at home before finishing 6-1.
 
The 46 points scored by FIU marked its most against an FBS opponent since recording 48 at Charlotte on Oct. 12, 2019.
 
OWENS HONORED AS CUSA OFFENSIVE POW
Sophomore running back Kejon Owens has been recognized as the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week, for the period ending September 9.
 
Owens, a product of Miami Central, was critical in the Panthers' 46-39 win over North Texas on Sept. 9, as he scored three touchdowns, including the eventual game-clincher with 7:09 left in the fourth quarter in a contest that featured a total of seven lead changes and two ties.
 
Owens scored three touchdowns while rushing for a career-high 101 yards on 10 carries vs. the Mean Green - for an average of 10.1 yards per touch. 
 
Owens is the second consecutive FIU player to be selected by Conference USA for a weekly award this season following junior wide receiver Kris Mitchell's selection on Sept. 2.
 
It marks the first time that FIU has won CUSA Player of the Week honors in back-to-back weeks since 2014.
 
OWENS THREE TD PERFORMANCE RANKS HIGH
Kejon Owens' three touchdown effort vs. North Texas on Sept. 9 tied for the second-highest single game total in FIU history - matching a total that was accomplished 11 times previously.
 
It also matched the mark for most rushing scores by a sophomore in a single contest.  Included in the trio of touchdowns was a career-long run of 47 yards in the third quarter.
 
JENKINS SETTLES IN UNDER CENTER
True freshman quarterback Keyone Jenkins has wasted little time making his presence known since taking over as starter the last two games.
 
The product of Miami Central High completed passes to eight different receivers while completing 20-of-32 passes for 291 yards in the Panthers' 46-39 win over North Texas on Sept.9.
 
That followed a 292-yard performance in his first career start vs. Maine on Sept. 2 which shattered the record for most passing yards ever by a true freshman at FIU - a record that had stood since 2002.
 
He currently boasts a total of 583 yards over his two starts entering Saturday's game at Connecticut - which currently ranks as the 21st-highest total in FBS.
 
JENKINS STREAK AS STARTER CONTINUES
True freshman quarterback Keyone Jenkins has known little but winning in his recent seasons as a starting signal caller dating back to his prep career at Miami Central.
 
Jenkins won each of his last 26 starts at Miami Central while also guiding the Rockets to three consecutive state titles from 2020-22.
 
He is 2-0 as a starter for FIU entering Saturday's clash in East Hartford.
 
NATIONAL ACCOLADES ROLL IN AFTER UNT WIN
FIU earned some national recognition following its 46-39 win over North Texas on Sept. 9.
 
Safety CJ Christian was honored as a member of PFF's College Football Team of the Week after recording an interception, six tackles and two pass breakups vs. UNT.
 
In addition, offensive coordinator David Yost was recognized as one of the top G5 Coordinators of the Week by ON3 after directing a offense that generated 514 yards against the Mean Green.
 

WE SEE YOU @CJC__4 https://t.co/aVwOTepSv4

— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) September 11, 2023

 

Our @on3sports Group of Five conference coordinators of the week for Week 2: https://t.co/dGyiNYWuAY pic.twitter.com/5ArsZ1SWll

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 11, 2023

 
FIRST TRUE FRESHMAN QB START SINCE 2014
Keyone Jenkins became the first true freshman to start a game at quarterback for FIU - when he opened under center vs. Maine on Sept. 2 - since Nov. 22, 2014 when Alex McGough opened under center at North Texas – he started 11 games as a true freshman in 2014.
 
Jenkins start vs. Maine on Sept. 2 marked the first in a span of 93 games which saw a true freshman start at quarterback for the Panthers.
 
JENKINS SETS FRESHMAN PASSING RECORD IN DEBUT
Keyone Jenkins had a record-setting debut as his 292 passing yards vs. Maine eclipsed the FIU program record for the most passing yards ever by a true freshman.
 
He surpassed Jamie Butler, who tossed for 258 yards vs. Butler on Sept. 14, 2002 – during the inaugural season of the program.
 
Jenkins tossed the first touchdown pass of his collegiate career at 8:12 of the first quarter on a 19-yard toss to junior Kris Mitchell - his first of two to Mitchell - which also included a 62-yard scoring strike.
 

A lot can change in 308 days.

Join us as we look back at this weekend's hard-fought victory. #ELEVATE pic.twitter.com/r3qCyUXoHx

— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) September 12, 2023

 
UP NEXT
The Panthers return to The Cage in Miami for their homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 23 against Liberty in a 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff that will air live on ESPN+.
 
TICKETS
For more information on FIU Football season and individual tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIU.Football on Instagram and @FIUFootball on Twitter and Facebook.
 
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.