The Chippewas were ill-prepared for an energetic FIU team in a game which saw them commit six turnovers.
Central Michigan’s mantra heading into the season was “Push Through Struggle”, something the coaching staff emphasized this offseason after the Chippewas, a traditionally-strong program, suffered back-to-back losing seasons for the first time in a decade.
Maintaining physicality and not fearing or underestimating an opponent were also emphasized, both during media days and in last week’s post-game media presser. Saturday night, however, saw CMU’s first major test of the “PTS” mantra fail in resounding fashion, as the Chippewas lost to the homestanding FIU Panthers by a final score of 52-16.
The game, which christened the newly-minted Kia South Dade Field at Pitbull Stadium, was a historic performance for the young Panthers program— which first established football in 2002 before jumping up to FBS in 2005— as FIU posted their second-highest points output since 2018 vs. UMass (63 points) and forced six-plus turnovers for the first time since 2014 vs. UAB. (As far as the record books tell, no FIU opponent has ever tossed the Panthers five interceptions since their promotion to FBS.)
It was fairly evident from the first quarter Central was in trouble, as on the second offensive drive of the game, Joe Labas followed up a three-yard sack on second down with an interception straight into the hands of Jamal Potts. FIU scored four plays later, with Keyon Jenkins tossing a 23-yard pass to Josiah Miamen on the first play of the drive to eventually set up a short scamper run touchdown to give FIU the 7-0 lead with 6:55 to go.
The next drive saw Labas sacked for an 11-yard loss on second down once again, eventually ending in a three-and-out. Next drive wasn’t much better, as CMU was called for a delay-of-game and immediately followed it up with a fumble. They eventually found themselves inside FIU territory, but a false start on third-and-five at the FIU 23-yard line killed the momentum once again, and Tristan Mattson missed the 46-yard attempt short.
FIU scored three plays later, with the first play a 34-yard QB scramble by Jenkins— who then heaved a 36-yard pass in the direction of an open Eric Rivers just two plays later to double up the lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter.
Undisciplined play reared its ugly head again after a successful third-down stop later in the quarter, as Daton Montiel’s punt wobbled on the ground and touched a CMU player who was in the process of blocking— despite returner Donte Kent giving the warning, FIU fell on the ball and continued the drive from there. The defense would be next to lose their composure, as an offsides penalty on fourth-and-six granted FIU yet another chance to convert on fourth-down. FIU did just that and two plays later, CMU committed another harsh penalty— this time, a horsecollar tackle on an incomplete pass— to grant the Panthers the ball at the CMU 18-yard line.
FIU scored two plays later on a 17-yard pass from Jenkins to Nazevian Burris, pushing the mark to 21-0.
CMU’s offense would once again commit false start on the first play of he next drive, forcing a first-and-15 start. After a one-yard gain on the ground, Labas carelessly tossed the ball in the direction of Stephan Bracey Jr. on a quick outside route and Brian Blades was able to jump the route to house a pick-six.
Down 28-0, CMU would eventually find some positive in the first half, as Joe Labas orchestrated a scoring drive on the back of a 17-yard conversion on fourth-and-one (which was, of course, affected by a false start penalty earlier in the drive) by running back Myles Bailey on a run up the gut. Labas would find tight end Gavin Harris six plays later for their first score of the night. A two-point conversion pass would put the score at 28-8 with 14 seconds to go in the first half.
The Central Michigan defense, to its credit, forced a quick three-and-out to start the second half, gifting the offense the ball at their own 38-yard line. The offense was able to mix up the run and the pass to get as far as the FIU 34-yard line, but a deep pass attempt to Jordyn Williams at the FIU two-yard line fell through his hands, forcing CMU into an awkward fourth-and-four scenario.
The Chips opted to go for it, and Labas was unable to get the pass to Stephan Bracey Jr. on the slant route, turning the ball over on downs.
FIU was once again stymied in quick fashion by the CMU defense, but the offense hamstrung itself, opting to pass three times after gaining nine yards on the ground with Marion Lukes to start the series. The last of those passes would be intercepted by a roving JoJo Evans.
FIU cashed in two plays later, as running bakc Kejon Owens ran untouched for a 26-yard score. The two-point conversion play was also successful, putting the Panthers at a 36-8 lead.
Down 35-8, CMU would once again lean on a strong run game to collect 23 yards on four plays before Chris Parker beat the secondary for a 44-yard receiving touchdown an Gavin Harris hauled in the two-pointer to put the score at 36-16 in the waning moments of the third quarter.
FIU slammed the gate shut in the fourth quarter, with Lexington Joseph running up the middle untouched for a 35-yard score with 12:39 remaining. Percy Courtney Jr. hauled in Labas’ fourth pick of the day to set up a Chase Gabriel field goal from 46 yards out, and then Antonio Patterson made it five picks, scampering 76 yards to set up Luby Maurice Jr.’s touchdown from 15 yards out to end the scoring account.
Labas finished with 20-of-39 for 155 yards, two touchdowns and a head-spinning five interceptions on the night for Central, while third-stringer Tyler Jefferson was 3-of-5 for 39 passing yards and 23 rushing yards in relief.
Myles Bailey led the Chips with eight rushes for 55 yards, while Nahree Biggins and Marion Lukes each had 37 yards. Five receivers held the joint-lead for receptions (three), but Parker had the most yards (55) and a touchdown on the day.
Elijah Rikard led the team with seven tackles, including a tackle-for-loss, while Jonah Pace and Jason Williams combined for the team’s only sack. Lawai’a Brown had the team’s lone pass break-up.
For FIU, it was a statistical feast.
Keyone Jenkins was 10-of-19 for 124 yards passing and two touchdowns, with an additional 42 yards and a rushing score from the QB spot. Kejon Owens led all rushers with 60 yards on nine carries, while Shomari Lawrence (nine carries, 33 yards) and Luby Maurice (15 yards) both had TDs on the ground. Josiah Miamen led FIU receivers with four receptions for 54 yards and a score. Two other FIU players also had TDs, including Eric Rivers and Nazeveiah Burris.
Defensively, linebacker Travion Barnes led all players with 13 total tackles, while defensive back Jamal Potts did it all, with five tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack and an interception on the day. Brian Blades had a pick-six early on, while three other Panthers notched INTs. Keegan Davis had the team’s only sack.
Central Michigan, which now sits at 1-1 after the loss, now gets set to travel to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini on Saturday, Sept. 14th. Kickoff is set for noon Eastern time.