MIAMI — FIU's football team opened Conference USA (CUSA) play with a one-sided win over New Mexico State, 22-3, on Wednesday night at Pitbull Stadium.
The Panthers (3-2, 1-0 CUSA) defeated the Aggies (2-4, 1-1 CUSA) behind another impressive showing from the defensive unit, which didn't allow a touchdown for the second-straight game. FIU led wire-to-wire following a one-yard touchdown run from Anthony Carrie late in the first quarter.
Robert Czeremcha knocked in five field goals to lead the scoring effort, matching a school record. Defensively, Wesley Miller and Demetrius Hill each had interceptions as the Panther defense forced three turnovers in the game. FIU had three sacks, one each from Lamont Green Jr., DeeJay Holmes Jr. and Kenton Simmons as the defensive line was creating relentless pressure.
On the ground, Devonte Lyons gained 78 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. JJ Kohl finished with 115 yards passing with 12 completions on 21 attempts.
After a slow start for both teams, Miller set FIU up with prime field position after intercepting an Aggie pass and returning it 20 yards to the Panthers' 47 yard line. FIU then went on a nine-play, 53-yard drive, of which was capped by a Carrie one-yard TD plunge, putting the Panthers up 7-0. NMSU answered with a field goal on its ensuing drive, but FIU quickly responded with another long drive, moving deep into the red zone. Czeremcha knocked in his first field goal from 40 yards out, putting FIU back up seven, 10-3.
After the half, the Panthers produced another scoring drive as Czeremcha booted a 52-yarder through the uprights to extend the lead to 13-3. The FIU defense then forced a quick three-and-out, setting up another extended drive that was finished off by a field goal.
In the fourth quarter, Holmes Jr.'s strip sack deep in NMSU territory that was recovered by Germaine Carter helped to seal the result. The fourth field goal of the day for FIU ballooned the Panther lead to 16 points with 10 minutes to go. Hill then produced his takeaway with less than five minutes left, setting the Panthers up for their final scoring opportunity of the game. Czeremcha knocked in field goal No. 5 to finish off a dominant, 19-point win for FIU in its CUSA opener.
Quick Notes
- Czeremcha's five field goals made tie a school-record and are the most since Dustin Rivest made five field goals on Nov. 8, 2008. Additionally, his long of 52 yards is just one yard shy of the program-record of 53 yards.
- Holmes Jr. now has a sack in five-straight games, setting a new FIU record for longest sack streak recorded. He is one of just four players nationally with a sack in five-consecutive games.
- This is the first time in program history that FIU has held an opponent to three points or less in back-to-back games.
- The win marks FIU's first 3-0 start at home since 2017 and is the Panthers' fifth-consecutive home win dating back to last season. The five-game combined home winning streak is the most since the 2014-15 campaign and six-straight home wins would be the most in program history.
- FIU is now 7-2 overall at Pitbull Stadium under Willie Simmons and 2-0 at home all-time against NMSU.
- Kenton Simmons now has 4.0 sacks on the season and 10.0 for his FIU career. He is now just 0.5 sacks shy of moving into the top-10 all-time at FIU.
- FIU had 37:54 in time of possession while NMSU had the ball for just 22:35. The Panthers' 37:54 time of possession was their most TOP since Oct. 5, 2019 vs. UMass and ninth-most all-time in a single game.
- The interceptions for Hill and Miller are both their first of the season.
- Green Jr.'s sack is the first of his career.
The Willie Simmons Coach's Show
The Panthers have partnered with Twin Peaks Doral, one of the highest-grossing restaurants in the entire franchise, for a weekly show with first-year Head Coach Willie Simmons and other special guests. Host Corey Brooks will sit down with Coach Simmons to discuss all facets of Panther football, with an emphasis on recapping the previous week's match-ups and previewing the upcoming game.
25th Season Celebration, Presented by Miccosukee Casino and Resort
The 2026 season for the Panthers officially marks FIU's 25th season of football competition, dating back to the Panthers' first-ever season in 2002. Over that time period, FIU has qualified for six bowl games, secured six Shula Bowl victories and produced countless NFL players, including Pro Bowlers T.Y Hilton and Jonnu Smith. The program has also seen many legendary coaches and outstanding players pass through the Panther facilities throughout its history, creating a litany of incredible moments experienced by Panther Nation.
Fans can be expected to be taken on a journey back to the inception of the program all the way up to the present day, recognizing the standard set by the first teams and acknowledging how many past Panthers have helped to build on that legacy. All of this will lead up and continue through the 25th official season in 2026, the second under head coach Willie Simmons, following one of the most historic seasons on record in his first year on the sidelines.
As the campaign begins with a variety of content in the coming weeks, visit our one-stop shop for the 25th Season Celebration. In conjunction with this, fans are encouraged to follow along with the many highly-engaging pieces of content recognizing the past that will be released on FIU Football's social media channels, listed below.
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.
