The Liberty Flames (4-0, 2-0 CUSA) are back in action against Florida International (2-3, 1-0 CUSA). The Flames and Panthers are scheduled to meet at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia on Tuesday, October 8 at 7 PM. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
In the team’s meeting last year, the Flames knocked off the Panthers, 38-6, at FIU Stadium in Miami. Both Billy Lucas and Quinton Cooley rushed for exactly 102 yards as Liberty ran for 364 yards. Kaidon salter accounted for four touchdowns, two passing and two on the ground.
Last season, FIU began the season 3-1 but lost seven of their final eight contests to finish at 4-8 overall and 1-7 in conference play under second year head coach Mike MacIntyre.
MacIntyre, who has previous head coaching stops at San Jose State and Colorado, guided his previous programs to 10-win seasons by his third or fourth year in the program. He’s hoping to do the same at FIU who has begun the year at 2-3.
The Panthers lost to Indiana, 31-7, to open the season, but dominated Central Michigan, 52-16, in the first game played at the renamed Pitbull Stadium. They did suffer two straight setbacks including a 45-42 loss to FCS foe Monmouth. FIU bounced back last week, defeating Louisiana Tech 17-10 to open CUSA play at 1-0.
Sophomore Keyone Jenkins took over at quarterback for the Panthers last season. Through the first five games this year, he has completed 91 of 145 passes for 1,104 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He’s also rushed the ball 32 times for 50 yards and one score.
Kejon Owens leads the team in rushing with 45 carries for 213 yards and 3 touchdowns while Lexington Joseph has 36 rushing attempts for 169 yards and 2 scores.
Jenkins’ favorite targets are Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson. Rivers has 19 receptions for 353 yards and three touchdowns. Patterson has 21 catches for 259 yards and two touchdowns.
On defense, FIU is allowing opponents to score 28 points per game. They do lead CUSA in passing defensive efficiency and have a league-best 6 interceptions. The Panthers are second in the conference, trailing only Liberty, in third down defense as they are holding opponents to a 33.8% conversion percentage.
Three Players to Watch For
QB #1 – Keyone Jenkins, from local Miami Central High School, is the engine for the FIU offense, throwing for over 1,100 yards through five games this season.
WR #3 – Eric Rivers, a transfer from Memphis, was a preseason all-conference selection by Phil Steele. He is Jenkins’ favorite target with his 19 catches for 353 yards and three touchdowns.
LB #6 – Travion Barnes leads the team with 54 tackles. He also has four TFLs, one sack, and one interception.
Upcoming Games/Recent Results
Sep. 14 – FAU, 38, FIU 20
Sep. 21 – Monmouth 45, FIU 42
Sep. 28 – FIU 17, Louisiana Tech 10
Oct. 16 – FIU @ UTEP
