Football team ‘has been working hard’ to stay on top this season

FIU Football HelmetPhoto by PantherNOW

Jasmine Casimir // Asst. Sports Director

Before FIU’s winning streak ended on Oct. 22, the team earned a 27-26 victory prior, playing against the North Carolina Charlotte 49ers. One major contributor to the team’s win on Oct. 15, was Tyree Johnson, a sophomore safety.

Because Johnson blocked an extra-point attempt by Charlotte kicker Stephen Muscarello early in the fourth quarter, the team was able to seal a win and make history.

“It’s not that we couldn’t accomplish this,” Johnson told Student Media. “Our team has been working hard.”

Johnson’s appearance against the 49ers was his fifth of the season, recording four tackles with two of them being solo tackles. However, the blocked PAT was not his first. Last season, the Miami native blocked an extra-point attempt by Old Dominion kicker, Chris Kirtley.

The strategy and game plan for the team has been to execute and never feel discouraged when they’re down, since that can affect their play, according to the safety.

“It’s a different feel on the team right now,” said Johnson. “Everybody claps for each other, and everybody has each other’s back.”

Along with the team’s new energy came two catchphrases that have surfaced on social media. Players and coaches have been tweeting out “new era” and “don’t flinch” in reference to the Panthers’ fresh outlook on the season and their motto on the field.

For the Panthers, Johnson said “new era” or as they call it sometimes, “Coop era,” means that this is a new team starting over with new sense of togetherness.

“Don’t flinch” was a phrase Interim Head Coach Ron Cooper created to remind his team to stay focused regardless of what may happen in the game.

“He always says that if you don’t finish, you’ll never know what happens,” said Johnson.

“That’s what happened on Saturday when we came back, because we didn’t flinch.”

On Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., FIU will fight for a win against Middle Tennessee. The Panthers hold an overall 3-5 record, while the Blue Raiders are currently 5-2. Last season the Panthers fell short and lost to the Raiders 42-34.

It’s up to defense to work hard to keep Middle Tennessee from reaching the end zone on Saturday.

“I believe we have the best DB group in Conference USA and we can go toe to toe with anybody,” Johnson said.

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