Jaymz Cosme | Staff Writer
The FIU football is playing their final game of the season against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
After they suffered a 44-20 loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks in their previous game on Saturday, Nov. 18, the Panthers record dropped to 4-7 on the season. That loss marked the beginning of a three-game losing streak and their second losing streak of the season.
Vs. Arkansas:
Striking first, senior quarterback KJ Jefferson connected with sophomore wide receiver Jaedan Wilson on a 10-yard touchdown pass. After connecting on the field goal, Arkansas opened up a 7-0 lead and claimed the first lead of the game.
Responding on their subsequent drive, freshman quarterback Keyone Jenkins made a deep pass and junior wide receiver Kris Mitchell pulled it in for an 80-yard completion. Jenkins finished off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run and tied the game at 7-7.
Able to get a defensive stop, FIU was finding momentum early on and stole the lead on their next possession. Jenkins orchestrated a 75-yard, nine-play drive that culminated in a 12-yard touchdown catch by sophomore wide receiver Dean Patterson.
Failing on the extra point, they were able to limit their opponent early and take a 13-7 lead in the first quarter. However, the Razorbacks dominated the second quarter and scored 24 unanswered points.
Arkansas rallied with a 75-yard drive, which ended with a four-yard touchdown catch by senior wide receiver Tyrone Broden.
With the game tied, Jenkins was picked off by senior defensive back Alfahiym Wolcott which was returned for 33-yards and a touchdown.
Reclaiming the lead, Arkansas took a 21-13 advantage and looked to continue adding onto the score. Before halftime, the added on a field goal and a rushing touchdown by junior running back Dominique Johnson.
Trailing 31-13 at halftime, the lead proved to be insurmountable for FIU as they only went on to score one more touchdown in the game. Outscored 13-7 in the second half, they took a 44-20 loss to Arkansas and lost their third game in a row.
Mitchell led all receivers with 157 receiving yards and notched his third 100-plus yard game of the season.
Making history, he elevated his season total to 1,002 receiving yards and accumulated the fourth most receiving yards in a single season for FIU.
Wide receivers Tyrese Chambers and T.Y. Hilton were previously the only two other players in school history to achieve over 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Mitchell added his name to the list as the third player to ever achieve such a feat.
He also caught his seventh touchdown of the season and tied himself for the fourth-most in a season for the Panthers. Two touchdowns short of tying the record, Chambers previously set the record with nine in the 2021 season.
Setting up his receivers, Jenkins completed 21 of his 36 pass attempts for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He distributed the ball evenly and efficiently, as he connected with eight different receivers in the game.
Also making history of his own, Jenkins rushed for his sixth touchdown of the season and broke the team’s single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.
On the opposing side, Jefferson also made history and became the Razorbacks’ all-time leader in passing touchdowns and yards after his performance. He completed 15 of his 28 passes for 187 yards and three touchdowns.
Looking to bounce back in their final game, FIU returns to their home field to take on WKU in their last game of the season.
Vs. WKU:
Bolstering a 6-5 record this season, the Hilltoppers are coming off a 28-23 victory over the Sam Houston Bearkats on Saturday, Nov. 18. The victory pushed their record over the .500 marker and elevated the Conference USA record to 4-3.
In a closely contested matchup, WKU’s offense secured a crucial go-ahead touchdown in the early stages of the fourth quarter. Subsequently, the defense made crucial stops and forced turnovers on Sam Houston’s final three possessions.
Winning the game, the victory qualified them for a bowl game, making their tenth bowl game appearance over the past 12 years.
Statistically, the Hilltoppers beat the Panthers in nearly every category. However, FIU still has the opportunity to attack their defensive discrepancies, as they allow 200 rushing yards per game.
Finding opportunities for sophomore running back Kejon Owens and sophomore running back Shomari Lawrence to get free and run will be the key to a victory. If they wish to snap their three-game losing streak before the season ends, they must find offensive consistency.
Heading into their final game, the FIU football team is traveling home to Miami, Florida to take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at the FIU Football Stadium and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
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