FIU Football: Best Performances of 2023

Although the Panthers had a 4-8 record, mirroring their 2022 season, there were still several moments to look back on in terms of what did go well for Mike MacIntyre and his program. Below are five of those moments.

5. Keyone Jenkins Makes His First Start

Following Grayson James' four-passing-yard game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre decided to make a change to Keyone Jenkins at QB for the Panthers' Week One home opener against the Maine Black Bears.

Although it ended in a low-scoring game, there was a lot to take away from Jenkins' performance, where he threw for 292 yards, two touchdowns and completed 15 of 30 passes.

4. Jalen Bracey Breaks Out Against UConn 

After an encouraging 2022, slot receiver Jalen Bracey had his best game of his final college season, hauling in five receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown against UConn.

Bracey has now declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. His speed and ability to come out of the backfield are things that should stand out to teams along with being a consistent kick and punt returner.

3. A Two-Touchdown Night For Eric Rivers

One of the Panthers' more consistent players was Memphis transfer Eric Rivers, who was seeing action as a wide receiver for the first time in his collegiate career.

In the Panthers' 41-28 loss against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Rivers had five receptions for 52 yards and two touchdowns. That would be Rivers' first two-touchdown game of his career.

2. Kejon Owens Three Touchdown Game

After what MacIntyre described as a good week of practice for Miami Central product Kejon Owens, he received more reps against the North Texas Mean Green, a team who the Panthers struggled against in 2022.

Owens ended the game with 101 rushing yards and three touchdowns. However, Owens wouldn't end up rushing for over 100 yards in a game that season, primarily due to splitting reps with Shomari Lawrence. However, he still managed to find the end zone three times.

The Panthers' backfield will certainly be an interesting scenario in 2024 as Lexington Joseph is expected return.

1. Kris Mitchell Makes History

Following the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks, it became clear that wide receiver Kris Mitchell would have a chance at surpassing his former teammate Tyrese Chambers to have the most receiving yards in a single season.

After the Panthers fell 21-0 in the first half, all eyes were on Mitchell to see if he would be able to write his name in the FIU record books. In the third quarter, Mitchell made history.

The now-former Panther entered the transfer portal, he now goes to Notre Dame to team up with former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard.