It's a fresh start for the FIU Panthers as Willie Simmons made his head coaching debut with a bang. His tenure kicked off with the Panthers decisively stamping their authority in a 42-9 win over Bethune-Cookman at the Pitbull Stadium, according to Local 10. Not only did the team secure a win to start its season for the first time since 2022, but they also managed to quickly undo an early 3-0 deficit.
In what can only be seen as a display of dominance, the Panthers went on to score 28 unanswered points with quarterback Keyone Jenkins efficiently completing 18 of his 30 passes for 187 yards, as FIU Sports outlined. Despite a delay due to the weather, the Panthers eventually showcased a power-packed game with six rushing touchdowns, asserting their ground superiority by clocking 223 yards and averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per carry.
Simmons' players weren't just strong on offense. The defense allowed no touchdowns and nailed their first game without surrendering a touchdown since 2019. Detailing the action, FIU Sports highlighted notable performances like Kejon Owens, who led the team with 71 rushing yards and two scores, thereby eclipsing 1,000 career yards in the process. With different players stepping up, from Owens to Devonte Lyons, the Panthers' team effort was ostensibly on point. Lyons' 35-yard dash was the longest of his career so far, tying the school's record for single-game rushing touchdowns.
Looking ahead, Simmons and his squad have to truly fasten their seatbelts for a much tougher challenge. Their next matchup is against No. 2 Penn State, and that game is sure to test the mettle of this team. Fans will be focused to find out next Saturday when FIU treads into the lion's den for a high-noon showdown, as noted by Local 10 in their coverage of the game.
