Here’s what to watch for in FIU’s football game vs. Kennesaw State
FIU football Willie Simmons got a great birthday present last week when he turned 45 … a win over Western Kentucky.
On Tuesday night, Simmons would love yet another gift as his Panthers (3-3 overall, 1-1 Conference USA) play host to the Kennesaw State Owls (4-2, 2-0). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (ESPN2).
Here are Five Things to Watch For:
1. GETTING HEALTHY
Quarterback Keyone Jenkins, who took a knee to the ribs in the WKU game, is sore but will play.
“Whether he’s 100 percent,” Simmons said, “I don’t know if anybody is 100 percent on Week 7.”
In addition, tight end Braiden Staten and linebackers Dwight Nunoo and Kani Smith are recovering from concussion protocol. Simmons said all three are “probable.”
However, tight ends Dallas Payne (hand fracture) and Justin Cayenne (leg injury) are doubtful.
2. WHO’S THE KICKER?
Simmons seemed to indicate that starter Robert Czeremcha (pulled groin muscle) won’t be ready on Tuesday.
That means Noah Grant will get the call again. Grant, who is in his fifth college season and his fourth university, had just one made field goal prior to last Tuesday against WKU, when he made 4-of-4 on field goals, including a 51-yarder.
“Noah did an amazing job,” Simmons said. “He’s prepared to handle the kicking duties as needed, and we’ll continue to assess Rob. We don’t want to rush (Czeremcha) back and risk a setback.”
3. MORE TRICK PLAYS?
FIU ran a trick play that nearly worked for a touchdown last week as wide receiver JoJo Stone fired incomplete to quarterback Keyone Jenkins.
Simmons said the play worked “every time” in practice. Simmons added that the play would’ve worked in the game except that Stone had to evade a defender, and that caused Jenkins to briefly stop.
“JoJo made a phenomenal play and a great throw,” Simmons said. “It would’ve been great for (Jenkins) to catch a touchdown, but it’s a game of inches. He came up a few inches short.”
4. IMPROVING O-LINE
The Panthers have received good performances in the trenches from left tackle Jaleel Davis; left guard Jaheim Buchanon; center Julius Pierce; right guard Antonio Tripp Jr.; and right tackle Daniel Michel. In addition, Zaire Flournoy has been a solid backup at right guard, and the same can be said about Miguel Cedeno at right tackle.
Largely because of those guys, FIU running back Kejon Owens ranks second in C-USA in rushing yards (658), first in average (6.7) and second in TDs (six).
Edwin Pata, FIU’s offensive line coach, said Tripp led the team last week with two knockdowns.
Pierce, though, is the leader due to his experience as a sixth-year collegian.
“Julius is solid, consistent, mature,” Pata said. “We call him ‘old man’ or ‘uncle.’ He gets our guys lined up. He makes all the right calls. He is invaluable.”
5. KENNESAW STATE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
The Owls didn’t start playing football until 2015. They won the Big South Conference in 2017, qualifying for the FCS playoffs.
In 2019, the Owls, at 48-15, had the most wins ever for a program in its first five seasons, and, last year, Kennesaw State joined C-USA.
One year later, the Owls are in first place in the league. After losing their first two games – against Power Four schools Wake Forest and Indiana – the Owls have won four straight. During their winning streak, they are allowing an average of just 14.3 points per game.
Key Owls players to watch on Tuesday include quarterback Dexter Williams II; running back Coleman Bennett (4.8 rush average); wide receiver Gabriel Benyard (398 receiving yards); defensive end Tylon Dunlap (3½ sacks); and cornerback Caleb Offord (eight passes defended).
It will be especially interesting to watch Williams, who started his college career at Indiana and once rushed for 86 yards against Michigan State. In Kennesaw State’s most recent game, a 35-7 win over Louisiana Tech, Williams completed 27-of-36 passes for 290 yards, four TDs and no interceptions.