FIU loses starting QB Jenkins to arm injury as UTEP wins first game in nearly a year
FIU’s football team suffered a double loss late Wednesday night in El Paso.
In the first quarter, quarterback Keyone Jenkins — considered FIU’s best and most important player — left the game due an injury to his left (throwing) shoulder.
Jenkins did not return, and the FIU Panthers lost 30-21 to the host UTEP Miners in a Conference USA game.
Although an MRI is pending, Jenkins’ injury — for now — is listed as a contusion. He is questionable for FIU’s next game, which is on Tuesday against visiting Sam Houston State.
“We’re really beat up,” FIU coach Mike MacIntyre said, “and it’s a short week.”
FIU (2-5, 1-2 Conference USA) will have to win four of its final five games to become bowl eligible.
It was UTEPs first win in 357 days. The Miners (1-6, 1-3) had lost nine games in a row since beating Sam Houston, 37-34, on Oct. 25, 2023.
Here are five takeaways regarding FIU football:
1: ROAD WOES: The Panthers are 0-4 on the road this season, and they still have trips to Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State remaining. Dating to last season, the Panthers have lost six consecutive road games.
2: QB ISSUES: Jenkins was injured after he threw an interception. He tried to make a diving tackle, and he landed on his shoulder. He finished the game completing 7 of 11 passes for 73 yards, one touchdown and the one interception.
Backup quarterback Amari Jones, who hasn’t started a game since his senior season of high school in 2021, completed 6 of 11 passes for 92 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He entered the game with just one collegiate completion on his resume.
However, Jones — who didn’t play a single snap the past two years — was also hurt. He took a blind-side sack with 6:31 left in the fourth quarter, and his status is unknown.
Third-stringer Haden Carlson finished the game at quarterback. He completed 4 of 6 passes for 37 yards, with two interceptions.
3: BALL SECURITY: Aside from the four interceptions, FIU also had trouble with its shotgun snaps as center Jaheim Buchanon misfired to Jones’ left at least three times. One of those snaps nearly went for a safety before Jones scrambled outside the pocket and threw the ball away.
Of the bad snaps, MacIntyre said: “The center hasn’t done that all year. It was a tough situation.”
MacIntyre, commenting on ball security, said: “When you make that many turnovers, it’s impossible to win.”
4: FOR THE DEFENSE: FIU safety JoJo Evans had 19 tackles, which is tied for the third most in program history. He also forced a fumble that was recovered by fellow safety CJ Christian. Evans nearly had a pick-six, but he dropped the ball.
FIU linebacker Travion Barnes — Conference USA’s Defensive Player of the Week in two of the past three weeks — had 15 tackles. He entered the game ranked second in the nation in tackles per game.
Backup safety Bobby Salla Jr. caught his first career interception, and he returned it 32 yards, setting up an FIU touchdown on the next play.
However, in terms of big defensive plays, FIU had just four tackles for losses, one sack and two turnovers.
The Panthers also allowed 211 rushing yards on 4.6 yards per carry.FIU’s offense rushed for just 85 yards and a 2.6 average.
5: FOR THE RECORD: Freshman linebacker Josiah Taylor blocked a punt, which led to a 16-yard TD pass from Jenkins to Dean Patterson, giving FIU an early 7-0 lead.
The game featured five lead changes with FIU also getting touchdowns on Jones’ 33-yard pass to Eric Rivers; and Kejon Owens’ 8-yard run;
Rivers caught five of his eight targets for 91 yards. He had 52 yards after the catch.
Fellow wide receiver Nazeviah Burris caught seven of his nine targets for 68 yards. He had 25 yards after the catch.