Donovan Manuel has been one of the few bright spots on FIU’s struggling defense
Donovan Manuel wasn’t happy.
It wasn’t the possible concussion that bothered the FIU inside linebacker.
Instead, it was the fact that he had to leave the game – trainer’s orders – that angered him following an accidental collision with FIU defensive back Jamal Potts.
“I don’t think I had a concussion,” said Manuel, a 6-1, 230-pounder who transferred to FIU this year from East Tennessee State.
“The trainers were taking precautions, so they pulled me from the (Sept. 1 opener against Bryant). I was highly upset. I passed my (concussion) test that night and the next day. I was fine.”
Indeed, Manuel had a game-high 14 tackles last week in FIU’s 41-12 loss at Texas State. He also had 2½ tackles for losses.
But even though Manuel has done well, earning praise from FIU coach Mike MacIntyre for his leadership skills, the Panthers are off to a shaky start at 1-1.
The Panthers are off this week. Their next game is Saturday Sept. 24 at Western Kentucky (2-0). It will be the league opener for both teams.
In the meantime, there are several issues for FIU to try to fix, but especially on defense, where the Panthers rank 10th out 11 Conference USA team in points allowed per game (39.0).
Manuel, who is tied for the league lead with an average of 10.0 tackles per game, takes his leadership role seriously.
“Since high school, I was always taught to have short-term memory,” said Manuel, a Georgia native who is in his fifth year of college. “Things are going to happen.
“I try to explain to our guys: Forget about what just happened and go to the next play.”
Manuel said Tuesday that he works throughout the week with FIU defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt, searching for tendencies of their next opponent.
“I look at the other team’s alignment,” Manuel said. “Sometimes they give away (the play) from their stances.”
Even so, Manuel admits the Panthers must do a better job of run defense. After two games, they are averaging allowing 173.5 rushing yards per contest, which ranks No. 101 in the nation.
FIU ranks 114th in passing yards allowed (287.5).
“I don’t want to give up anything,” Manuel said. “But we do need to do a better job of fitting the run. I take pride in that, and, if we can do that, we can make opponents one-dimensional.”
THIS AND THAT
▪ MacIntyre said quarterback Gunnar Holmberg – who started the opener but missed the Texas State game due to a concussion – was back at practice “full go” on Tuesday.
▪ There is no decision yet on FIU’s quarterback for Western Kentucky. Holmberg started FIU’s opener, and Grayson James started Week 2. In addition, third-stringer Haden Carlson made his college debut against Texas State.
“We will evaluate the quarterbacks and make a decision going into the Western Kentucky game late next week,” MacIntyre said.
▪ MacIntyre said FIU’s failure to run the ball effectively last week had a lot to do with Texas State stunting to get penetration. But MacIntyre said he and offensive coordinator David Yost should’ve been more insistent on running the ball.
After two games, FIU ranks 121st in the nation with 64.5 rushing yards per game.
▪ Western Kentucky, which plays at the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, has defeated Austin Peay, 38-27, and host Hawaii, 49-17.
▪ FIU wide receiver Tyrese Chambers ranks second in C-USA with 9.0 catches per game. He ranks sixth in receiving yards per contest (79.0).