Defense rules the day in football’s 52-16 win over Central Michigan

Adrian Benitez | Staff Writer

The FIU football team recorded a 52-16 win in its home opener against the Central Michigan Chippewas on Saturday, Sep. 7, 2024, at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, Florida. The win improved the Panthers record to 1-1 on the season.

In a dominant performance, the Panthers held the lead throughout the entire game. The defense in particular was exemplary. They grabbed five interceptions in the contest, tying a single-game program record.

Both teams opened the game with punts. The Chippewas’ second drive ended abruptly after senior defensive back Jamal Potts picked off an underthrown pass from junior quarterback Joe Labas. This was the first interception of Potts’ career.

The Panthers capitalized on the short field, reaching first and goal on a 23-yard completion to senior tight end Josiah Miamen. Sophomore quarterback Keyone Jenkins closed the deal, running it into the endzone and giving the Panthers a 7-0 lead.

Central Michigan got a drive going in the second quarter but eventually had to settle for a field goal attempt. The kick fell short in a disappointing result for a 14-play drive that consumed over seven minutes of game time.

FIU’s next drive went by quickly. Jenkins began the drive by escaping pressure and scrambling for a 34-yard gain. He found junior wide receiver Eric Rivers in the endzone for a 36-yard touchdown pass soon after, doubling the Panthers lead.

Later on in the quarter, FIU would get some good luck when Central Michigan muffed a punt return. The Panthers fell on the ball and got possession in opposing territory. 

The offense swiftly advanced on the ensuing drive, with some help from offsides and horse-collar penalties on the Chippewas defense. Eventually, Jenkins found senior wide receiver Nazeviah Burris for a 17-yard touchdown pass.

The Panthers wouldn’t let their foot off the gas. Central Michigan’s next drive resulted in junior defensive back Brian Blades II picking the ball off and running it all the way back, giving the Panthers a 28-0 lead. The pick was the first of Blades’ career.

Central Michigan would finally get on the board on their last drive of the half when sophomore tight end Gavin Harris scored a 12-yard touchdown. The score was 28-8 after a successful two-point conversion.

Midway into the third quarter, Labas was picked off for a third time. Junior defensive back JoJo Evans caught the underthrown ball and gave the Panthers their fourth drive of the game starting from opposing territory. 

Junior running back Kejon Owens got loose for a 26-yard touchdown soon after the drive began. Junior wide receiver Dean Patterson reeled in a stunning one-handed catch on the two-point conversion attempt, setting the scoreline at 36-8.

The Chippewas offense responded with a 44-yard touchdown reception from junior wide receiver Chris Parker. The score moved to 36-16 after another successful two-point conversion.

FIU opened the fourth quarter with yet another touchdown on the ground, this time a 35-yard strike from senior running back Lexington Joseph. This was Joseph’s first touchdown since 2022. 

Sophomore linebacker Percy Courtney Jr. put an end to the Chippewas’ next drive with yet another interception. It was the first of Percy’s career. FIU would end up kicking a field goal on the ensuing drive to make the score 45-16.

For the second straight drive, and the fifth and final time on the night, Labas would be picked off. Sophomore defensive back Antonio Patterson caught this one, making the fourth Panther to record their first career interception in the game.

After a great return on the pick by Patterson set the Panthers up in the red zone, freshman wide receiver Luby Maurice Jr. took it to the house on a jet sweep. It was Maurice’s first career touchdown.

A few minutes later, the game came to a close with a final score of 52-16 Panthers.

The game was a much-needed bounce-back effort after the first week’s loss, and it augurs well for the Panthers matchups ahead. The game’s final attendance was 17,852, eclipsing every Panther home football game from last season.

The running game was stout in the contest. The Panthers recorded 185 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground, all of which were from different players.

Jenkins only attempted 18 passes throughout the day, the least he’s ever had in a game where he played in all four quarters.

Of his 18 passes, he completed 10 for 124 yards, over 12 yards per completion, throwing two touchdowns. The passing game was a low-volume, high-efficiency operation.

The offensive line was improved, only allowing one sack as opposed to four in the previous game.

One interesting thing to note is that Central Michigan led in total yards, passing yards, first downs and time of possession. The turnover differential and FIU starting drives in opposing territory six times were crucial to the game’s outcome.

Head coach Mike MacIntyre spoke about his satisfaction with the team’s defensive effort. 

“We were able to pressure the guy, we were able to hit him some, sack him some. Get him off the pocket. Our secondary did a great job playing the coverages, playing them tighter, having good vision,” MacIntyre said. “The linebackers getting in the window helps. It’s a combination of all of it.” 

MacIntyre also applauded Joseph for scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter. 

“It was incredible. it really was. When he hit and busted out of there. It was really, really amazing. For the type of leader he is and the type of player he is, seeing him come back from that was awesome. Really blessed,” MacIntyre said. 

MacIntyre now looks forward to the team’s next matchup against a longtime rival. 

“It is a huge game, and Florida Atlantic has had their way with us around here for a while, so we’ve got a lot of work to do to hopefully just stay on the field with them.”

Hoping to generate momentum off this win, FIU football’s next game is against the Florida Atlantic Owls in the Shula Bowl rivalry. The game is on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton.

Follow Adrian Benitez on X: @ab305FIU

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