Five takeaways from FIU football’s season-opening win over Bethune-Cookman
Willie Simmons was the right man for the job.
At least, he was the right man for the job of defeating Bethune-Cookman, something no other FIU coach had ever done.
Simmons, making his debut as FIU’s football coach on Friday night, led the host Panthers to a 42-9 win over the Wildcats.
Prior to Friday, FIU had been 0-4 versus the Wildcats, although the programs hadn’t played since 2014.
Simmons, meanwhile, came to FIU with proven experience in defeating Bethune-Cookman. Simmons, in his previous head-coaching stop, led Florida A&M to a 3-2 record over Bethune-Cookman.
In Friday’s game – which started about 75 minutes late due to lightning in the area – FIU tied a school record by rushing for six touchdowns.
Here are your five takeaways:
1. DYNAMIC ON OFFENSE
The Panthers scored touchdowns on their first four possessions. Those drives traveled 67, 89, 75 and 70 yards.
The 89-yard drive was especially impressive as FIU kept the ball for 7:04, executing 15 plays.
Quarterback Keyone Jenkins completed 18-of-30 yards for 187 yards with no sacks, interceptions or touchdown passes. He did have a pair of touchdown runs.
“He thinks he’s a running back,” joked Kejon Owens, who is an actual FIU running back.
FIU’s offense showed balance, rushing for 233 yards and passing for 223. In addition, 13 Panthers players caught at least one pass, and three running backs gained at least 49 yards.
2. HOLDING THE LINE
Friday marked the first time in six years that FIU did not allow a touchdown. The last time that happened was a 44-0 win over Massachusetts in 2019.
On Friday, the Panthers stopped Bethune-Cookman on all three of its fourth-down opportunities.
Simmons also liked how FIU played in the red zone as the Wildcats got there five times but only scored nine out of a possible 35 points.
Linebacker Johnny Chaney Jr. – nicknamed Chainsaw – led FIU with six unassisted tackles, including one for a loss. He also played a large role in the defense’s only turnover, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Quaylen Hill.
In addition, Percy Courtney Jr. and Kenton Simmons recorded sacks.
Simmons was pleased with his run defense, which allowed just 105 yards on 30 carries.
“If we continue to be stout against the run,” he said, “we have a chance to be a pretty good defense.
3. AREA FOR IMPROVEMENT
There was only glaring issue on defense for FIU: three Bethune-Cookman conversions on third-and-long that led to a pair of field goals in the first half when the game was still in doubt.
Simmons said a busted coverage led to a 59-yard, first-quarter pass play by Bethune-Cookman on third-and-14. Then, a second-quarter Wildcats field goal was set up by conversions on third-and-12 and third-and-nine – both through the air.
“After the first busted coverage, we settled down,” Simmons said of the 59-yarder. “We’ll get the third-down situation fixed when we watch the film and see what the breakdowns were.”
4. SPECIAL-TEAMS WEAPON
During fall camp, Simmons repeatedly raved about new Panthers punter Trey Wilhoit … and the coach appears to be right.
Wilhoit on Friday punted twice, and both of them were 51-yarders. On his second kick, FIU pinned Bethune-Cookman at its own eight-yard line.
And, even when factoring in Bethune-Cookman’s return yardage, Wilhoit still averaged an impressive 46.5 yards net per punt.
FIU also has a standout returner in C’Quan Jnopierre, who had 103 yards on four kickoffs.
The Panthers, though, had no field goals as Noah Grant missed wide left from 44 yards on FIU’s only attempt.
“Trey was amazing,” Simmons said. “Noah struggled a bit, booting the ball out of bounds on a kickoff. He has to get more consistent. But our specialists are some of the best in our conference in my opinion.”
5. WILDCATS BAND ROCKS
Just prior to the start of their halftime performance, a Bethune-Cookman fan was overheard to say: “This will be our ‘W’ tonight.”
She wasn’t kidding.
The Bethune-Cookman band, known as the Marching Wildcats, played and swayed all night long.
About 300 Wildcats band members made the trip, and they were loud. The horns, the drums, the full-throated singing and all the moves – they put on a show.
Even Simmons – ever intense as a coach – noticed the band once the win was secure.
“Once the game starts, you don’t think about the opponent,” Simmons said. “You think about executing.
“It wasn’t until after the game … that you realize you beat Bethune. I saw some of their fans … saw the band there late, playing, and it kind of brought back nostalgic feelings.”
This story was originally published August 30, 2025 at 8:07 AM.