Rivalry or not, FIU football looks to snap losing streak against FAU

FIU teammates Keyone Jenkins and Lexington Joseph disagree on a key issue – and that’s an understatement.

Their disagreement centers around FIU’s next opponent, the Florida Atlantic University Owls.

The Owls (0-2) will play host to FIU (1-1) on Saturday night at 6 in Boca Raton. But Jenkins, FIU’s quarterback, sounded dismissive of the Owls when asked about an FAU program that left Conference USA for the American Athletic Conference starting with the 2023 season.

“A couple of years ago, it was a rivalry,” Jenkins said, “until they left the conference.”

Grudgingly perhaps, Jenkins added this: “(FIU coach Mike MacIntyre) takes this game serious. He doesn’t like how they beat up on us.”

Indeed, the Owls have beaten FIU in six straight seasons, taking the so-called “Shula Bowl” by a combined score of 286-92 during that span.

Joseph, FIU’s sixth-year running back who has returned to action after missing last season due to a knee injury, is clearly bothered by FAU’s mastery of his team.

In fact, FIU hasn’t defeated the Owls since a 33-31 victory in 2016. FIU hasn’t won in Boca Raton since a 21-6 victory in 2012.

“I’ve been here the longest on the team, and I’ve never beaten (FAU),” Joseph said. “So this means a lot to me.”

The Owls seem vulnerable this year, scoring a total of just 16 points in their first two games. A 16-10 loss at Michigan State was not alarming, but last Saturday’s 24-7 home defeat to Army did raise eyebrows.

In terms of minutes, Army had a 39-21 advantage in time of possession as the Black Knights (2-0) used their option attack to rush for 405 yards and a 7.0 average.

FAU, meanwhile, was held to 42 rushing yards and a 2.6 average.

So, can FIU take advantage?

Perhaps the answer is yes and no.

In Saturday’s 52-16 win over Central Michigan, FIU’s defense allowed 179 yards and a 4.5 average, showing a vulnerability.

On offense, though, FIU rushed for 185 yards and a 5.6 average.

The Panthers did this by keeping its top three running backs fresh. Kejon Owens and Shomari Lawrence each got nine carries. Joseph was given seven.

“It’s great because we’re all dynamic,” Joseph said of FIU’s three backs. “We all have that big-play ability.

“Most running backs want to get the feel of the game. But the way we do it, we get the feel off each other.

“When (Owens) got that first touchdown, it felt like I scored. I had to match his energy.”

Joseph said he, Lawrence and Owens compete at everything – on the field, in the weight room and even who has the funniest joke.

On Saturday, though, Joseph will be fully serious as he attempts to lead FIU to victory.

“I’m a die-hard Panthers fan,” Joseph said. “I bleed blue and gold. Great environment -- we’re going to Boca, and I can’t wait.”

THIS AND THAT

▪ Jenkins on Monday was named the C-USA Offensive Player of the Week. The league’s Defensive Player of the Week is Liberty defensive end CJ Bazile Jr., a Miami native. Bazile is also C-USA’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

▪ Wide receiver Omari Hayes is FAU’s biggest playmaker with nine catches for a 13.2 average and one touchdown. The third-year sophomore is a 5-9, 170-pounder.

▪ FAU quarterback Cam Fancher started for Marshall the previous two years. He has been intercepted 14 times in his past 12 games. However, he is a proven dual threat, rushing for 67 yards against Michigan State.

▪ FIU allowed four sacks against Indiana in the opener, but they cut that number down to one last Saturday against Central Michigan. “We were a little less nervous than last week,” MacIntyre said.

▪ FIU’s Dean Patterson, who made a one-handed catch on a two-point conversion on Saturday, said he practices those types of grabs with fellow wide receiver Nazeviah Burris. “We work on uncomfortable catches in practice so that in the games it’s not uncomfortable,” Patterson said. “We take pride in making crazy catches.”

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