Does FIU have a shot at the Conference USA title? Those are words that I don’t think anyone has ever heard on the FIU campus.
Keyone Jenkins
After a disastrous start in week zero against LA Tech, head coach Mike McIntryre made a switch at quarterback, inserting true freshman Keyone Jenkins to inject life into this offense and that’s just what he did.
Jenkins did what Grayson James couldn’t: throw the ball without fear. Yes, a true freshman will make mistakes, hence Jenkins has thrown three interceptions through two games. However, he has also amassed over 550 passing yards in those games. This includes an upset win over North Texas. Taking down a top team in your conference will set your sights bigger; the vibes in Miami are high as a result.
The former Miami Central quarterback lit up UConn, too, totaling three total touchdowns and 280+ passing yards. Jenkins is obviously settling into the starting position now and looks like a star in the making. FIU keeps rolling thanks to Jenkings; the Panthers now command respect in Conference USA.
Further Analysis
FIU’s 3-1 start has brought some juice to the program and the big reason why is the running backs in the backfield.
Sophomore Shomari Lawrence is having a breakout season with 254 rush yards, averaging 6.7 yards a carry. Lawrence has been carrying most of the load throughout the season, helping FIU secure a hard nosed win against Maine and he kept them in the game against LA Tech.
Kejon Owens, another sophomore, played in his first game of the season last week, completely dominating against UNT. He had 10 carries for 101 yards and three touchdowns. All three touchdowns came in the second half keeping FIU ahead of UNT. Simply put, if you gave Owens the ball you were guaranteed a first down.
Most people thought that FIU was in for yet another down year, but Lawerence and Owens had other plans; this dynamic duo has elevated the Panthers to another level. And with the emergence of freshman star Keyone Jenkins, it’s time to pay attention to FIU.
FIU has their toughest test of the season as they play Conference USA favorite Liberty this Saturday.
If Jenkins can keep the magic rolling, heads will definitely turn this upcoming weekend.