Grayson James wins starting quarterback job for FIU heading into season opener
It’s now official: FIU quarterback Grayson James is set to make his first season-opening start on Saturday at 9 p.m. when the Panthers visit the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in Ruston.
Last year, Gunnar Holmberg started FIU’s opener, but he got injured. James entered the game in the third quarter, and he tossed four touchdown passes, leading FIU to a 38-37 overtime win over Bryant.
James went on to start 10 straight games before getting hurt.
This fall, James beat out Haden Carlson – who started FIU’s 2022 season finale – and true freshman Keyone Jenkins, and Panthers coach Mike MacIntyre made the announcement during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
James also spoke at the conference.
“It was good that we were able to push each other,” James said of the battle with Carlson and Jenkins. “I’m happy with the outcome. It’s something I’ve worked for, and I feel like I’ve earned. I’m looking forward to being able to light it up this weekend.”
James, who is from Duncanville, Texas, said he has a lot of friends and family members making the four-hour drive to Ruston for Saturday’s game.
Those folks would love a repeat of last year’s result as the Panthers were at home in October when they beat the Bulldogs 42-34 in double overtime. James had three TD passes in that game.
Since then, however, the Bulldogs have brought in 12 defensive players trough the transfer portal.
Safety Myles Heard, who led Stephen F. Austin in tackles last year, is now starting for the Bulldogs. Louisiana Tech also added linebacker Jeslord Boateng, who led Akron in tackles last year.
James, though, said he is expecting “similar things” from the Bulldogs “schematically” since defensive coordinator Scott Power is back.
“Having a lot of new guys does leave some questions up in the air,” James conceded. “But we’re watching film on things they were able to do last year.
“I know we will be ready for whatever they bring.”
The 9 p.m. start, James said, will be an “odd experience”, especially since the Panthers practice in the mornings.
“The nerves will be there since it’s Game One,” James said. “Everyone will be excited. It’s fun to play on national TV (CBS Sports Network).”
FIU right guard Jacob Peace said the late start doesn’t faze him at all.
“All the people who watch us (in Miami) are probably night owls anyway,” Peace said. “It could be 3 a.m. for all I care. I’m ready to go.”
Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech, which finished 3-8 last season, will challenge the Panthers with its high-powered offense.
The Bulldogs’ biggest strength might be their veteran offensive line, especially All-Conference USA candidates at left tackle (Dakota White) and left guard (Bert Hale). Right tackle Carson Bruno and center Abraham Delfin have starting experience.
However, Louisiana Tech running back Marquis Crosby, the leading returning rusher in Conference USA with 918 yards and nine touchdowns last year, will miss the FIU game due to a right-leg injury.
Fortunately for the Bulldogs, they have Baylor transfer Craig Williams, who made seven starts for the Bears last year. Against Oklahoma last year, Williams ran 25 times for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bulldogs have a new quarterback this year: Hank Bachmeier, who started 29 games for his previous school, Boise State. Bachmeier won 20 of those games, and he enters this season with career numbers that include 61.6 completion percentage, 6,605 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
But Louisiana Tech’s biggest star is wide receiver/kick returner Smoke Harris, who last year caught a team-high 65 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 755 returns yards, averaging 27.2 yards on kickoffs and 12.4 on punts.
“Anytime you get the ball to Smoke, he’s dangerous,” MacIntyre said. “He can make anybody miss.”
The Bulldogs have another dangerous receiver: Cyrus Allen, who caught 22 passes last season for a team-high 22.7 yards and four touchdowns.
THIS AND THAT
▪ FIU inside linebacker Donovan Manuel, who also spoke at Tuesday’s press conference, voluntarily referenced Bulldogs star Harris.
“The objective is to get No. 6 on the ground,” Manuel said of Harris. “Playing defense, you don’t want to see one-on-one tackles. If you see one-on-one tackles, that means the defense is not in pursuit. I take pride in our pursuit, and I (communicate that to my teammates).”
▪ James said he likes starting the season with a conference opponent: “We can set the tone and let everybody know what we’re about this year.”