UConn races to big lead early, coasts past mistake-ridden FIU 51-10
Nearly nothing went right for FIU on Saturday.
From a potentially serious injury sustained by linebacker Dwight Nunoo to a multitude of mistakes, Saturday’s 51-10 loss to the host Connecticut Huskies (4-2) was devastating to FIU (2-3).
FIU was never really in this game as the Panthers trailed 17-0 before getting their initial first down. The Huskies also led 27-3 at halftime and 44-3 after three quarters.
CBS Sports Network sideline reporter Hailey Sutton quoted FIU coach Willie Simmons at halftime: “There’s no point in having your best week of practice if you don’t execute on Saturday.”
Here are your five takeaways for FIU:
1: PRAYERS FOR FIU LB: Nunoo was hurt on the game’s opening kickoff. While blocking on an FIU’s kick return, Nunoo was hit high, and he appeared to suffer a neck injury.
Nunoo, a Texas native, was put on a board and carted off the field before an ambulance rushed him to a hospital. He is reportedly alert and stable.
In a positive sign, Nunoo was moving his hands and fingers, according to Sutton.
Prior to the game, FIU announced that two of its five starting defensive backs — cornerback Brian Blades II (foot) and safety Shamir Sterlin (hamstring) — would miss the game due to injuries.
In the third quarter, FIU center Julius Pierce limped off the field with a leg injury.
2: JENKINS SLUMP: Panthers quarterback Keyone Jenkins was replaced by Joe Pesansky with 5:34 left in the third quarter.
Jenkins , who got banged up in the game, completed 15-of-24 passes for 74 yards, no TDs and one interception. Jenkins also lost a fumble, and he had a would-be interception dropped by the Huskies.
Over the past two games, Jenkins has turned the ball over four times. FIU, not coincidentally, lost both games.
3: MISTAKES APLENTY: In the first half alone, FIU lost two fumbles — Devonte Lyons had the other one — had one pass intercepted and one punt deflected.
In addition, FIU running back Kejon Owens appeared to lose a fumble, but he was ruled down before the bobble.
This was the third straight game that FIU punter Trey Wilhoit suffered a mishap, including two blocks and one punt returned for a touchdown.
4: ISSUES ON DEFENSE: UConn’s Joe Fagnano, a seventh-year collegiate quarterback, carved up FIU’s secondary, completing 22 of 28 passes for 355 yards, four TDs and no interceptions. He did all of that in a little more than three quarters.
There were some FIU problems up front such as a missed sack that led to Connecticut’s first touchdown and a roughing-the-passer penalty on Germaine Carter.
However, there seemed to be more problems on the back end, especially with Blades and Sterlin out.
For example, on UConn’s first touchdown, an 18-yard pass to Skyler Bell, FIU true freshman safety Jessiah McGrew gave the receiver too much space underneath, and it resulted in a rather easy pitch-and-catch.
In the second quarter, Reymello Murphy split the two safeties for a 61-yard TD catch-and-run.
You can bet FIU will working on tightening its coverages.
5: LOOKING AHEAD: The Panthers are off until Tuesday Oct. 14 at Western Kentucky.
In the meantime, Simmons — in his first season at FIU — is intent on upgrading his roster for 2026.
The coach recently said FIU is engaged in some “furious” recruiting battles as the Panthers attempt to hold onto the 20 recruits they have committed.
“It’s going to come down to the wire for all 20 of them,” Simmons said. “It’s a gift and a curse. [Our recruits] are playing good football, setting records and having big-time games. But all that does is it draws attention from bigger schools.”
Simmons said he has reassured his 20 commitments that FIU is the place for them, but he also has a list of other players he can recruit “just in case.”
Simmons also used a metaphor of sorts.
“It’s like she accepts your wedding proposal,” Simmons said. “You set the wedding date for six months down the line. In the meantime, other boys are calling her. And some of them have a lot more money and drive a nicer car.
“You drive a Chevy Tahoe, and they drive a Rolls-Royce. You have to find a way to let her know you’re the best man for her.”