All signs point toward FIU backup quarterback Joe Pesansky getting the start on Saturday when the Panthers play host to Liberty.
Starter Keyone Jenkins missed last week’s game due to a groin injury, and Pesansky – making his first start at the FBS level – stepped in and helped the Panthers defeated Middle Tennessee State, 59-30.
“(Jenkins) is still battling that injury,” FIU coach Willie Simmons said during his weekly press conference on Tuesday. “He’s a tough kid, trying to push through it.
“Right now, (Pesansky) is taking a majority of the first-team reps.”
Simmons indicated it would be a game-time decision on Jenkins. Meanwhile, there’s trust in Pesansky, who is the reigning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week after he accounted for a program-record five touchdowns – four in the air and one on the ground.
Added Simmons: “We’ll make a decision based on who we think will give us the best chance to win.”
SOCCER THRILLER
In men’s soccer, fourth-seeded FIU and top-seeded/host Charlotte went scoreless in 110 minutes on Wednesday. FIU then prevailed 11-10 on penalty kicks to advance to the American Conference tournament championship game on Saturday night at 6 against rival Florida Atlantic.
That game will also be played in Charlotte. With a win, FIU would automatically qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
On Wednesday, Eduardo Mustre made the decisive kick in the 12th round of PKs. Goalie Nigel Van Haveren made six saves in the first 110 minutes and two more in the shootout.
MILESTONE COMING?
Back to football: Kejon Owens is just 45 yards away from becoming FIU’s second-ever 1,000-yard rusher and the first in 14 years. The program record of 1,159 yards was set in 2011 by Kendrick Rhodes.
Owens, though, has slowed his pace lately. He had 195 yards against Western Kentucky and 166 yards against Kennesaw State. Then, in his past two games, Owens has been held under 70 yards each time.
“Teams are committing to stopping the run,” Simmons said, “and that’s opening things up in our passing game.”
COACH COURTNEY?
FIU linebacker Percy Courtney Jr., a 21-year-old redshirt junior, got injured in the first game of this season and missed three contests. However, he made the most of his situation, sitting in the coaches’ box close to defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt.
“I got to see defense from a different perspective, and I think that’s helped me,” Courtney said. “I now know why (Dewitt) calls certain (defenses), and that helps me play faster.”
Asked if he wants to coach when he’s done playing, Courtney laughed.
“I don’t know yet,” said Courtney, whose main plan is to become a realtor. “Dewitt seems stressed out. I don’t know if I want that on me right now, but I probably will.”
PAYNE’S PAIN
Dallas Payne, FIU’s top tight end with 14 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns, fractured his right hand while blocking against Western Kentucky on Oct. 14. However, he missed just one game, and he’s now playing with what Simmons described as a “club” on his right hand.
“It’s difficult to catch (the ball with the club),” said Payne, who managed to do just that on a 30-yard touchdown grab last week against Middle Tennessee State. “You have to have good ‘finger grip strength’ to claw down on the ball.”
Payne, a 23-year-old who said his daughter will turn two years old on Dec. 6, has played junior-college ball and then three years at UAB before coming to FIU for 2025. He started playing tight end while at UAB.
THIS AND THAT
- Saturday’s homecoming game will be crucial for FIU’s hopes of getting to six wins and becoming bowl-eligible for the first time since 2019. FIU is 4-5 overall, 2-3 in Conference USA. Liberty is 4-5, 3-2.
- Simmons wants FIU to finish strong. “People remember November,” he said, “and, so far, we’re 1-0 in November.”
- FIU hasn’t won a home game since beating Florida Atlantic on Sept. 13. “We’re due,” Simmons said.
