FIU keeps hopes of a bowl berth alive with big win against MTSU
Joe Pesansky on Saturday became the first quarterback not named Keyone Jenkins to win a game for FIU since 2022.
With Jenkins sitting out due to a groin injury, Pesansky stepped up and stood out, helping the Panthers defeat the host Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders, 56-30, in Murfreesboro.
It was the most points scored by FIU since pounding Massachusetts 63-24 on Sept. 15, 2018. Butch Davis was FIU’s coach back then.
Pesansky threw four scoring passes and ran for a touchdown, becoming the first FIU player to account for five TDs in a game.
And, oh yea, the last FIU quarterback not named Jenkins to win a game prior to Saturday was … Grayson James.
Here are your five takeaways:
1: IN POSITION: With a 4-5 record (2-3 in Conference USA), FIU needs to win two of its final three games to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2019.
Next up, FIU plays its homecoming game against Liberty (4-5, 3-2) on Saturday 5 p.m. After that, FIU will play host to Conference USA leader Jacksonville State (6-3, 5-0) on Nov. 22.
FIU will wrap up its regular season with a road trip to Sam Houston (0-9, 0-5) on Nov. 29.
The Panthers will likely be underdogs against Jacksonville State and favorites against Sam Houston.
That makes the Liberty game crucial. FIU has never beaten the Flames, losing all three contests, including a 31-24 overtime defeat at Liberty last season.
2: ACE IN RESERVE: Pesansky is a veteran who started 14 games for Holy Cross during the past two years.
On Saturday, in his first start for FIU, Pesansky completed 17 of 28 passes for 257 yards and TD passes to JoJo Stone (49 yards); Alex Perry (20); Dallas Payne (30); and Perry again (18).
Pesansky also scored on a 6-yard run.
“It’s a testament to Joe’s work ethic and his character,” FIU coach Willie Simmons said. “He earned this. He showed tonight why we were excited to sign him.”
3: SOME HICCUPS: Pesansky, who was intercepted twice, got off to a slow start as FIU gained just 12 yards on its first two possessions. He was then intercepted on FIU’s possession.
“Joe was a little nervous on our first couple of drives,” Simmons said. “But as he walked off the field [after that first interception], I said: ‘Joe, you started all last season [at Holy Cross]. This isn’t your first rodeo.’
“He settled down after that.”
Simmons also pointed out that Pesansky could have had a fifth TD pass if not for a drop by wide receiver Kyle McNeal.
4: DREAM COME TRUE: Pesansky found out he was starting Saturday morning, just after breakfast.
“Immediately, a smile went on my face,” Pesansky said. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. There’s nothing like playing football.”
Whether Pesansky will play next Saturday is not yet known.
Simmons said Jenkins could have played against the Blue Raiders, but the Panthers decided not to “force” things.
“It was unselfish by [Jenkins to sit out],” Simmons said. “We have full confidence in Joe.”
For the Liberty game, Simmons said FIU will assess Jenkins’ injury during the next week. Simmons also raised the possibility of using both quarterbacks if needed.
5: OTHER STARS: The Panthers forced three turnovers, an interception by Brian Blades II and fumble recoveries by Johnny Chaney Jr. and Germaine Carter.
FIU’s safeties were active as Shamir Sterlin had a team-high 10 tackles and Jessiah McGrew added nine. Kenton Simmons and Dante Anderson had two tackles for losses each.
On offense, Kejon Owens rushed for 68 yards and two TDs. Perry had five receptions for a team-high 71 yards and the two scores.
And special credit goes to Payne, who caught two passes for 37 yards and the one TD despite playing with a brace on his right hand.
“I can’t say enough about Dallas,” Pesansky said. “He’s out there catching passes with one hand.
“I’d like to see the combined age on that (TD) play (to Payne) and where it stands in NCAA history. Dallas is super old (23), and I’m old, too (22).”