Adrian Benitez | Staff Writer
As the FIU football team watched a last-gasp field goal attempt from Middle Tennessee sail wide left, they knew they could run out the remaining 43 seconds on the clock and celebrate a hard-fought win to end their season.
However, just a day later, many players and staff are left grappling with uncertainty about their future with the program. For some players, it is a question of whether they will see the field next year. For others, like star wide receiver Eric Rivers and quarterback Keyone Jenkins, the decision to enter the transfer portal has already been made. The wave of departures highlights the challenges FIU faces in retaining talent, particularly in the highly competitive transfer portal era.
Meanwhile, members of the coaching staff—most notably Head Coach Mike MacIntyre—were likely reflecting on their job security after a third consecutive 4-8 season. That speculation came to an end when FIU announced MacIntyre’s dismissal shortly after the season finale, signaling a significant shake-up for the program.
Before delving into the uncertain road ahead, let’s recap the Panthers’ final game of the season against Middle Tennessee State on Nov. 30, 2024, at Pitbull Stadium.
The Panthers’ opening drive was powered by junior wide receiver Ross Fournet, who made two catches for a combined 41 yards. Senior running back Lexington Joseph capped the drive with a touchdown to give FIU an early lead.
After a defensive stop, freshman running back Devonte Lyons took center stage on the next drive, carrying the Panthers downfield and breaking free for a 21-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 14-0.
Middle Tennessee’s offense struggled initially, but senior tight end Holden Willis provided a spark with a 56-yard touchdown reception, cutting the deficit in half.
FIU quickly responded. Junior wide receiver Dean Patterson hauled in a 19-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-7. Patterson struck again on the following drive, this time with a 38-yard touchdown reception to extend the lead to 28-7. The Blue Raiders, however, kept fighting, as Willis scored his second touchdown, narrowing the gap to 28-14.
Middle Tennessee gained momentum late in the first half, moving the ball efficiently to set up a field goal and cut the deficit to 11 points at halftime.
The third quarter was largely uneventful, though FIU’s defense made a key play with junior linebacker Travion Barnes snagging an interception.
In the fourth quarter, junior wide receiver Eric Rivers made history by breaking FIU’s single-season receiving yards record. He punctuated the achievement with a 50-yard touchdown catch, pushing the lead to 35-17.
Middle Tennessee answered with a touchdown by freshman running back Jekail Middlebrook, bringing the score to 35-24 with four minutes remaining. However, their comeback hopes were dashed when a last-minute field goal attempt sailed wide left, sealing FIU’s season-ending victory.
Sophomore quarterback Keyone Jenkins ended his season on a high note, completing 19 of 27 passes for 319 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Barnes, meanwhile, recorded nine tackles, finishing the season with 129, the second-most in a single season in program history behind Sage Lewis’s 132 in 2018.
Though the victory provided a positive conclusion, the overall season can only be described as disappointing. Missed opportunities in close games and poor performances against weaker opponents led to another underwhelming record.
With FIU stuck at 4-8 for three straight seasons and facing an exodus of key players like Rivers, Jenkins, and Patterson, the program faces significant challenges. The dismissal of MacIntyre underscores the administration’s recognition that major changes are needed.
The offseason will be critical for FIU as it searches for a new head coach who can stabilize a roster that is rapidly thinning due to the transfer portal. The incoming coach will need to rebuild not only on the field but also within the locker room, establishing a culture that can attract and retain top talent.
Follow Adrian Benitez on X: @ab305fiu
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