Eight takeaways regarding FIU football heading into its matchup vs. Monmouth
To even their record at 2-2 on Saturday, the FIU Panthers likely have to slow down an opposing offense that is averaging 37.7 points per game this season.
That offense belongs to the Monmouth Hawks, an FCS team that is off to a 1-2 start.
Last Saturday, Monmouth routed Maine 51-22.
For perspective, consider that FIU beat Maine last year in a much closer game, 14-10.
FIU is 2-0 against FCS teams since the Panthers hired coach Mike MacIntyre in December of 2021. Those wins included the victory over Maine as well as a 38-37 overtime shootout over Bryant.
Here are eight takeaways regarding FIU football:
1. FAMILIAR QB
Ironically, Derek Robertson, who started at quarterback for Maine last season, is now Monmouth’s starter.
Against FIU last season, Robertson completed 21-of-43 passes for 213 yards, no touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Robertson was much better against Maine last week, completing 22-of-36 passes for 390 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
“He’s a really good player,” MacIntyre said. “He’s throwing for tons of yards, whipping the ball around.”
2. CHALLENGE FOR FIU PASS RUSHERS
MacIntyre said Robertson is a “100 percent” pocket passer.
Unlike last week, when FIU faced an unpredictable and highly athletic scrambling-type QB in Cam Fancher, Robertson will be a stationary target.
“Our pass rush has to slow Robertson down,” MacIntyre said. “He’s so accurate if we give him time.”
Jeramy Passmore leads FIU with 1½ sacks, and he has five sacks in five years of college football.
3. IN SEARCH OF
FIU was held to just 53 rushing yards against Indiana and 87 yards against Florida Atlantic – the Panthers’ two losses this year.
“I am disappointed in the running game,” MacIntyre said. “We have to block better and run better.”
The starting offensive line has had the same five starters this season with Travis Burke and JaDarious Lee at tackle; Naeer Jackson and Wyatt Lawson at guard; and Jaheim Buchanon.
Two players who have transferred in this season have added depth at guard: Jaleel Davis from North Carolina State; and Ben Shellenback (Tusculum).
But the Panthers haven’t had a 100-yard single-game rusher since Kejon Owens did it against North Texas on Sept. 9, 2023.
In three games this season, Owens leads FIU with 116 yards and a 5.8 average; Lexington Joseph has 79 yards and a 4.4 average; and Shomari Lawrence has 66 yards and a 3.0 average.
4. EVANS WILL RETURN
Safety JoJo Evans, who is third on FIU with 19 tackles, was ejected last Saturday due to a high hit.
He missed the second half but will start against Monmouth.
Prior to this, Evans left two programs (Marshall and Kent State) after coaching changes, and he has one more year of eligibility after this season.
“He’s an active player,” MacIntyre said. “If they go to his side of the field, he will get a lot of tackles. He doesn’t miss many.”
5. JENKINS PICKED OFF
Last week against FAU, sophomore quarterback Keyone Jenkins was intercepted three times – a career worst in that department.
“You are going to throw some picks as a quarterback,” Macintyre said. “We need to learn from it, and he will.”
6. OTHER MONMOUTH WEAPONS
Monmouth, based in New Jersey, has scored at least 42 points in each of its past five wins.
Last week, Monmouth wide receiver Josh Derry had a spectacular game, catching seven passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns.
On the ground, Rodney Nelson rushed for 91 yards, a 6.5 average and one touchdown.
7. GABRIEL UPDATE
MacIntyre clarified that kicker Chase Gabriel’s “medical situation” is a non-football injury. It’s also non-life-threatening.
“He’s going to be away for a little while,” MacIntyre said. “Hopefully, (doctors) will get everything under control.
“We don’t know all the details yet. He’s a phenomenal young man. Keep him in your prayers.”
Alejandro Prado, who replaced Gabriel last week, is now FIU’s starting kicker. He missed his only field-goal try last week on a 41-yarder.
“Prado has a super strong leg,” MacIntyre said. “He pushed that first kick. He was nervous – that was his first (attempted field goal at the Division I level).”
8. FAU JINX
Coming off last week’s 38-20 loss to FAU, MacIntyre was asked if the Owls’ seven straight wins over FIU gets in the head of his players.
“It probably does,” MacIntyre said.
