Skip To Main Content

FIU Athletics

PanthersCalendar

Full Calendar
Up Next Liberty - 2 - 2023

Football Looks For Fourth Straight Win on Homecoming vs. Liberty

Panthers and Flames to battle in CUSA tilt at The Cage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET

9/19/2023 2:27:00 AM

GAME 5
FIU (3-1, 0-1 CUSA) vs. Liberty (3-0, 1-0 CUSA)

DATE
Saturday, September 23, 2023

KICKOFF
6:30 p.m. ET

STADIUM
FIU Stadium (20,000)/Miami, Fla.
 
 
 TV  ESPN+
 RADIO  WQBA 1140 AM
 INTERNET  Listen Live | Watch Live
 LIVE STATS  Stats Link
 FOLLOW US  Twitter | Instagram
 TICKETS  BUY NOW
 WEEKLY PRESSER  WATCH
 GAME NOTES  FIU | LIBERTY
 
 
THE COACHES
FIU                                                          
Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre (Georgia Tech '89)
Overall Record: 53-74 (11th season)
Record at FIU: 7-9 (2nd season)
 
LIBERTY                   
Head Coach: Jamey Chadwell
Overall Record: 102-57 (14th season)
Record at LU: 3-0 (1st season)

WATCH FIU FOOTBALL WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE
FIU FOOTBALL MEDIA AVAILABILITY – GAME 5  - Liberty


 
FIU football head coach Mike MacIntyre met with the media on Tuesday afternoon to preview this Saturday's showdown with Liberty.
 
Joining MacIntyre at the weekly media availability was junior linebacker Avery Huff, sophomore defensive back Brian Blades and junior wide receiver Jalen Bracey.
 
QUICK HITS
  • The Panthers will be facing Liberty for just the second time in history and the first as members of Conference USA.
  • Saturday's meeting with Liberty will mark the first time the programs have met in Miami.
  • The only previous meeting came during the 2020 season in Lynchburg - a 36-34 LU win.
 
PANTHERS TO RUN WIN STREAK TO FOUR ON HOMECOMING
FIU returns to The Cage for its annual Homecoming Game on Saturday, Sept. 23 vs. Liberty in a Conference USA clash that is slated for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff in Miami.
 
Saturday's game will be aired on ESPN+ with AJ Ricketts (pxp) and Johnathan Cyprien (analyst) calling the action.  The game can also be heard on Miami's WQBA 1140 AM with Corey Brooks (pxp) and Patrick Murray (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.
 
The Panthers and Liberty will be meeting for the first time since the only previous meeting in 2020 and for the first time with both members of Conference USA, with the Flames joining the league prior to this season.
 
Liberty will mark the Panthers' second league opponent this season after opening the campaign with a 22-17 road loss at Louisiana Tech on August 26.
 
PANTHERS ROLLING FOR LAST THREE
FIU has won each of its last three games entering Saturday's clash with undefeated Liberty - the first such streak since 2019.
 
The last time the Panthers have won four consecutive games was during the 2018 season.
 
FIU is a perfect 2-0 this season in Miami entering Saturday's meeting with the Flames.
 
LOOKING FOR RECORD START ON SATURDAY
FIU will be seeking the best start to a season over the first five games when it hosts the Flames for Homecoming on Saturday in Miami.
 
The Panthers' 3-1 start to 2023 matches their best four-game start in program history, which they also accomplished in 2017 and 2011.
 
A win over Liberty on Saturday and a 4-1 record would be the best start in program history - as FIU dropped their fifth game in both 2017 and 2011 after starting with three wins in the initial four games.
 
JENKINS ALREADY RANKING AMONG FBS BEST
True freshman quarterback Keyone Jenkins has wasted little time making his presence known since taking over as starter the last three games.
 
He currently boasts a total of 867 passing yards over his three starts entering Saturday's game vs. Liberty - which currently ranks as the 21st-highest total in FBS - and tops among all freshman nationally.
 
In addition, his five touchdown passes over the last three games is the 48th best mark among all FBS signal callers and is tied for second most among all freshman.
 
His average of 289.0 passing yards per game sits as the top mark in Conference USA and the 17th best mark in the nation.
 
In addition, Jenkins has shown a knack for the big play with an average of 17.3 yards per completion - the fifth best total among all FBS quarterbacks.
 
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.
 
In his most recent start, his first road test, he went for 284 yards and two TDs in a 24-17 win at Connecticut - which also saw him complete passes to seven different receivers.  He also added 24 yards on the ground and a rushing TD in the win over the Huskies on Sept. 16.
 
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 3-0 as a starter for FIU entering Saturday's clash vs. Liberty in Miami.
 
OFFENSE OVER THREE-GAME WIN STREAK
FIU is riding its first three-game winning streak since 2019 and the offense has been rolling during the stretch.
 
Over the last three wins the FIU Offense has averaged:
289.0 passing yards
105.3 rushing yards
394.3 total offense
28.0 points
 
 
DEFENSE OVER THREE-GAME WIN STREAK
The FIU defense has been carrying its end as well during the Panthers' three-game run - below are the highlights.
 
Over the last three wins the FIU Offense has posted:
20 Tackles for Loss
6 Sacks
4 Turnovers
 
 
KRIS MITCHELL AMONG NATION'S BEST
FIU junior wide receiver Kris Mitchell enters this weekend's game vs. Liberty with 370 receiving yards - which ranks as the fifth-highest total in FBS and tops in Conference USA.
 
He is averaging 92.5 receiving yards per contest (25th/best in FBS) and his four touchdown catches are the sixth-most nationally and tops in CUSA.
 
DONOVAN MANUEL LEADING SURGING DEFENSE
Senior linebacker Donovan Manuel has been one of the unquestioned leaders of the Panthers' defense in 2023.
 
Manuel currently ranks among the nation's leaders in a number of defensive categories including:
 
Forced Fumbles - 1st in FBS - 1st in CUSA (0.75 pg)
Total Tackles - 4th in FBS - 2nd in CUSA (12.0 pg)
Solo Tackles - 4th in FBS - 2nd in CUSA (7.2 pg)
Tackles for Loss - 13th in FBS - 1st in CUSA (1.8 pg)
 
Manuel has recorded double-figure stops in four of the last five games overall - dating back to the final game of 2022.  He has totaled 7.0 TFLs and 48 tackles to lead the Panthers in both categories through four games.
 
 
DEFENSE STIFFENS IN RED ZONE
The Panthers defense has tightened when it has mattered most this season as FIU currently boasts the 16th best red zone defense in FBS and the tops in Conference USA.
 
FIU has allowed scores on 8-of-13 opponents red zone chances and only five touchdowns.
 
BRIAN BLADES HOLDING DOWN THE ISLAND
Sophomore cornerback Brian Blades has stepped up for the Panthers after making starts in three of the last four games overall.
 
He currently ranks eight among all FBS players and leads CUSA with an average of 1.7 passes defensed per game - he has also recorded 16 tackles and 2.0 TFLs over three starts in 2023.
 
MOST POINTS IN OPENING HALF SINCE 2019
FIU opened its 24-17 win at Connecticut fast as it scored 24 points in the opening minutes to head into halftime holding a 24-3 edge over the Huskies.
 
The Panthers' 24 points in the first half marked their highest first-half total since scoring 28 vs. Charlotte on Oct. 12, 2019.
 
PANTHER D STIFFENS IN ROAD WIN AT UCONN
The FIU defense had to withstand a late push by Connecticut in its eventual 24-17 win in East Hartford on Sept. 16 as the Huskies scored 17 unanswered points in the second half after falling behind 24-3 in the first half.
 
The Panthers forced a turnover on downs with less than a minute left in regulation after the Huskies got as deep as the Panthers' 11-yard line.
 
Connecticut was forced to go for a fourth and 14 attempt, with less than a minute remaining in regulation, and came up two yards short following a completion and tackle by FIU junior Jamal Potts.
 
The FIU defense limited the Huskies to just 119 yards in the first half to set the tone.  Senior linebacker Donovan Manuel recorded a team-best 10 tackles – marking the fifth consecutive game he has recorded at least nine stops and fourth in last five games with double-figure totals.
 
 
BRACEY HAS CAREER DAY IN UCONN WIN
Junior Jalen Bracey enjoyed a career afternoon during FIU's 24-17 win at UConn on Sept. 16 as he snagged five passes for a career-high 90 yards and a touchdown. 
 
He scored on a 45-yard completion in the second quarter – the longest catch of his career.
 
OTHER TAKEAWAYS FROM UCONN WIN
  • True freshman quarterback Keyone Jenkins posted 240 passing yards and two TDs (11-of-14) in first half of Saturday's win at UConn.
  • FIU's 24 points in the first half marked its highest first-half total since scoring 28 vs. Charlotte on Oct. 12, 2019.
  • Saturday's game marked FIU's second-ever meeting with Connecticut and the first that was played in East Hartford.
  • Freshman quarterback Keyone Jenkins completed passes to seven different receivers in the win at Connecticut.
  • Jenkins won his first-ever road start and is now 3-0 when opening under center for FIU.
  • FIU outscored UConn 17-0 in the second quarter and 24-3 in the first half.
  • The Panthers posted 294 yards of total offense in the opening half – while limiting Connecticut to 119 in the first 30 minutes.
  • UConn's Mumu Bin—Wahad was ejected for targeting in fourth quarter.
  • Neither team committed a turnover in the game.
 
FIU DEFENSIVE BOSS JOVAN DEWITT HONORED AFTER UCONN WIN
FIU defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt was named as one of the Group of 5 Top Five Coordinators of the Week by On3 following the Panthers' 24-17 road win at UConn.

The Panthers limited the Huskies to just 119 yards in the first half as they opened a 24-3 lead first half lead they would not relinquish in posting their third consecutive victory.
 
 
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Here is a list of some other FIU players who rank on the national and conference leaderboards:
 
Passing Efficiency
Keyone Jenkins - 149.8
48th/FBS
3rd/CUSA
 
Points Responsible For
Keyone Jenkins - 12.7
56th/FBS
4th/CUSA
 
Punt Returns
Dean Patterson - 11.4
15th/FBS
1st/CUSA
 
Rushing Yards
Shomari Lawrence - 291
18th/FBS
1st/CUSA
 
Total Offense
Keyone Jenkins - 310.3
20th/FBS
2nd/CUSA
 
SCOUTING LIBERTY
The Flames enter Saturday's game vs. the Panthers a perfect 3-0 following a trio of convincing victories over the opening three weeks of the season.
 
Liberty opened the season with home wins over Bowling Green (34-24) and CUSA foe New Mexico State (33-17) before posting a 55-27 at Buffalo in its most recent action last Saturday.
 
The Flames are in their first season under head coach Jamey Chadwell, who took over at Liberty following a successful run at Coastal Carolina that saw him post back-to-back 11-win seasons in 2020 and 2021.
 
Liberty has made a living off turnovers in its opening three wins this season.  The Flames rank first among all FBS teams in turnovers gained with 10 - including nine interceptions - which also ranks as the top total in the nation.
 
The Flames offense has been stout over the initial three contests as it has averaged 494.7 yards - the 18th best total in FBS and tops in Conference USA.
 
The Flames' defense also sits high on the charts as it leads CUSA and is 64th nationally in fewest yards allowed at 343.3 per game.
 
Liberty is averaging 40.7 points over the opening three games, which leads CUSA and ranks 17th nationally.
 
Quarterback Kaidon Salter has tossed nine touchdown passes - the highest total in CUSA and eight-most in FBS.  He also boasts the top passing efficiency rating in CUSA and ninth in the nation at 191.3.
 
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. LIBERTY
Saturday's game between FIU and Liberty will mark only the second meeting between the programs and the first in Miami.
 
The Panthers dropped a 36-34 decision in Lynchburg in the initial meeting between the programs on Sept. 26, 2020.
 
LIBERTY-FLORIDA CONNECTION
The Flames feature 12 players on their roster that hail from the state of Florida.
 
 Christian Bodnar  Brandon, Fla.  Bloomingdale Sr.
 Errol Rogers Jr.  Deland, Fla.  Lafayette Chrisitian
 Jerome Jolly Jr.  Jacksonville, Fla.  Mandarin
 Joseph Carter  Jacksonville, Fla.  University Christian
 Larry Jones III  Lakeland, Fla.  Lakeland
 CJ Bazile Jr.  Miami, Fla.  Miramar
 Nick Days  Miami, Fla.  North Miami
 Amari Williams  North Miami Beach, Fla.  North Miami Beach
 Elijah Hopkins  Ocala, Fla.  Vanguard
 Kendry Charles  Orange Park, Fla.  Orange Park
 Victor Jones Jr.  Orlando, Fla.  Olympica
 Kobe Singleton  Tallahassee, Fla.  Chiawana
 
LAST TIME VS LIBERTY (Sept. 26, 2020)
Senior running back D'vonte Price rushed for a career-high 148 yards and scored three touchdowns, but FIU fell in its 2020 season opener AT Liberty, 36-34.
 
Price's six-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter put the deficit at just two, but FIU could not convert the two-point conversion to tie the game with 4:30 remaining.
 
Price earned 148 yards rushing on 13 carries, while scoring on runs of 30 and 65-yards.
 
Stone Norton came off the bench to pass for 120 yards on 9-for-13, tossing a pair of scores to Bryce Singleton and the aforementioned Price.
 
Price and Norton were not FIU's only bright spots for the day, as Lexington Joseph opened the contest with a 100-yard kickoff return and finished Saturday with 255 yards total in his six kickoff returns.
 
The contest opened with a bang, as Joseph shocked the home crowd with a 100-yard kickoff return to put FIU up 7-0 only nine seconds into the contest.
 
FIU ALL-TIME HOMECOMING RESULTS
 
Homecoming (9-12)
Date Opponent Result Score
10/26/02 Gardner-Webb L 14-17
10/25/03# Holy Cross W 34-23
11/13/04 No. 6 Georgia Southern L 32-53
11/19/05# WKU W 38-35
11/18/06 Louisiana L 7-17
11/17/07 Louisiana L 28-38
11/8/08 Arkansas State W 22-21
11/14/09 North Texas W 35-28
11/6/10 ULM W 42-35
10/1/11 Duke L 27-31
10/13/12 Middle Tennessee L 20-34
10/12/13 UAB L 24-27
10/18/14 No. 25 Marshall L 13-45
10/24/15 Old Dominion W 41-12
10/22/16 Louisiana Tech L 24-44
11/4/17 UTSA W 14-7
10/20/18 Rice W 36-17
10/12/19 Charlotte W 48-23
10/10/20 Middle Tennessee L 28-31
10/23/21 Western Kentucky L 19-34
10/8/22 Connecticut L 12-33
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers will follow Saturday's matchup with Liberty with the first of two bye weeks on the schedule this season.
 
FIU will return to action with the first of four consecutive nationally-televised Wednesday night contests on Oct. 4 when it travels to Las Cruces, N.M., for a clash with New Mexico State that is slated for a 9 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS Sports Network.
 
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.
 
 
Print Friendly Version