Criticism fuels FIU QB Jenkins’ strong outing in win over Western Kentucky

Keyone Jenkins heard the critics.

Jenkins, FIU’s third-year starter at quarterback, had a solid game on Tuesday night as the Panthers went on the road and upset Western Kentucky 25-6.

Prior to that, however, FIU had lost two straight games, and Jenkins had four turnovers during that span.

FIU coach Willie Simmons could be considered one of those “critics” that Jenkins heard. Simmons said last week that Jenkins was his QB but that his job would be “in jeopardy” if the turnovers continued, and if there were missed assignments and late throws.

“I was losing confidence just a little bit,” Jenkins admitted, “but I got it back.”

Jenkins, who said he turned to his Bible even more during these past two weeks, also addressed media members.

“I see what you say about me,” Jenkins said. “But I won’t let it fade me.”

Although those two straight losses were rough, Jenkins has not had a bad season in certain aspects. His completion percentage of 63.6 is a career high. His interception percentage of 2.4 is also a career best.

However, last year he gained 8.67 yards per attempt, and he had a 7.2 touchdown percentage. This year, his average per attempt is just 5.08, and his TD percentage is 1.8.

But there are mitigating factors. Last year, Jenkins had one of the most explosive receivers in the nation in Eric Rivers, who caught 62 passes for 1,172 yards. Rivers and teammate Dean Patterson (50 catches for 685 yards) both transferred to Georgia Tech, leaving Jenkins without his top two targets.

As for Jenkins throwing just three TD passes so far this year, another factor is the success of running back Kejon Owens, who leads Conference USA with six rushing TDs.

Part of Jenkins’ success on Tuesday – he completed 17-of-25 for 184 yards, one TD and no turnovers – could also be attributed to the game plan put together by Simmons and offensive coordinator Nick Coleman.

There were numerous short, play-action passes – relatively easy completions. Along those lines, FIU completed six short passes to its tight ends, including the first career TD by true freshman Jackson Verdugo.

Tight end Dallas Payne – who was called “Mr. Steady” by Simmons – had three catches for 23 yards. Verdugo had three catches for 13 yards. And Owens added two catches for seven yards.

Those were all relatively “safe” throws.

Jenkins also played through bruised ribs and a nagging ankle injury.

“Keyone is a tough guy,” Simmons said. “He has shown that he will battle back from injuries.

“He played a solid game. We told him that he doesn’t have to win the game -- just don’t lose it.

“Now the challenge is to be consistent.”

That’s actually the challenge for the entire team. The Panthers (3-3 overall, 1-1 Conference USA) have yet to win consecutive games all season.

FIU will get another chance to fix that on Tuesday against the visiting Kennesaw State Owls (4-2, 2-0). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (ESPN2).

The Panthers will want to continue to ride Owens, who is coming off a career-best 195-yard-rushing game.

“We told (Owens) to rest his legs because we’re going to ride him until the wheels fall off,” Simmons said. “He continues to play at an All-American level.”

But even Owens, a fifth-year senior who already has career highs in rushing yards (658) and TDs (six), admitted that confidence can dip during a losing streak.

“Sometimes,” Owens said, “I can be down in my own head.”

Jenkins, feeling good again after the win, praised Owens … and then took a playful jab at his running back, who had an 84-yard run on Tuesday but failed to score on the play.

“Ain’t nobody in the conference can stop (Owens),” Jenkins said. “But he needs to lose weight so he doesn’t get caught from behind.”