MIAMI — FIU's football program fell to Delaware in its Conference USA (CUSA) opener at home on Saturday night, 38-16.
The Panthers (2-2, 0–1 CUSA) were bested by the Blue Hens (3-1, 1-0 CUSA) as Delaware outscored FIU 21-0 in a pivotal second quarter. The loss snaps a 22-game home winning streak for head coach Willie Simmons that dates back to 2018, during his time with Florida A&M.
FIU had chances to take control of the game early and led 7-3 following a Keyone Jenkins rushing touchdown. Delaware answered with a second-quarter onslaught, using two touchdown drives and a punt return touchdown to take a commanding 24-7 lead to the halftime locker room. The Panthers managed a field goal after a promising first drive in the second half, but the Blue Hens used a 12-play, 79 yard touchdown drive to distance themselves again.
FIU responded with a long drive, marching down the field 75 yards, that was capped by a touchdown from Jenkins to Alex Perry. After a missed two point conversion by the Panthers, Delaware scored a touchdown late to seal the win, 38-28.
Kejon Owens led all rushers and had 74 yards on 15 carriers, 39 of which came on a long run in the first quarter. Anthony Carrie finished with 73 yards thanks to a 53-yard rush that set up FIU's second touchdown drive. with On the receiving end, Perry scored his second touchdown of the season and finished the night with five catches for 84 yards. Jenkins eclipsed the 200-yard mark with 203 passing yards and one touchdown and two interceptions.
Defensively, Johnny Chaney Jr. led the way with 13 tackles, a career-high. Mister Clark and Josiah Taylor each added seven tackles in support. Olasunkonmi Agunloye had a sack early in the game and finished with two total tackles. Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine intercepted a pass late in the first half as Delaware was driving.
QUICK NOTES
- Jenkins rushed for his fourth touchdown on the ground this season, of which is currently the lead in CUSA.
- Carrie's rush of 53 yards was the longest play of the season for the Panthers.
TICKETS
For more information on FIU Football tickets, including season tickets, single game and multi-game package tickets, 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.
