G5 Football Daily

TAKEAWAYS: FIU Finishes Winless On The Road In 2024 After Kennesaw State Defeat

FIU surrenders nine point lead in loss to Kennesaw State

Kevin Barral

Eric Rivers
Eric Rivers / FIU Athletics
In this story:

Going into Saturday's game at Kennesaw State, FIU desperately needed a win after a week of turmoil within the program and dealing with the reality of missing the postseason again. To the chagrin of the Panthers and the delight of the Owls, things did not go FIU's way.

After the Panthers took a lead 26-17 early in the third quarter, the Kennesaw State Owls battled back. Davis Bryson cut the lead to two with a rushing touchdown early in the fourth, then took a one-point lead with 1:04 remaining in the game. Keyone Jenkins threw an interception an interception on FIU's final possession to ice the game.

Winless On The Road

For the first time since 2021, FIU will finish a season without winning a game on the road. Dating back to last season, FIU has now lost eight consecutive road games. In 2024, three of those road loses have been by one score.

Eric Rivers Makes History

On Saturday, FIU junior Eric Rivers broke the school record for most receiving touchdowns in a single season, now up to 1055. Rivers also became the first player in program history to have double digit touchdown receptions in a single season. Rivers ended the night with five receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

Rivers joins Kris Mitchell, T.Y. Hilton and Tyrese Chambers as the fourth receiver to surpass 1,000 yards receiving. Following Saturday's win, Rivers leads Conference USA in receiving yards and touchdowns.

Second Half Adjustments Favor Kennesaw State

FIU controlled the game on the offensive side in the first half, with 319 yards of total offense. Quarterback Keyone Jenkins threw for 191 passing yards and three touchdowns. In the second half of action, FIU was limited to only 81 total yards of offense and Jenkins only threw for 13 yards.

As for the Owls, their defense got the job done in the second half, only allowing two field goals. On the offensive side, the Owls combined for 137 total yards of offense. Davis Bryson punched in a touchdown in the fourth quarter which was later followed up by a 19-yard field goal to win it.

Bryson Davis Makes History

Redshirt sophomore Davis Bryson led the way for Kennesaw State completing 17 passes for 185 yards. Bryson became the Owls record holder for most passing yards in a single season with 1407, surpassing Xavier Shepard who held the record originally. On the ground, Bryson ended the night rushing for 45 yards and two touchdowns.

What's Next?

FIU will head back home in attempts to finish 4-8 for the third straight season against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders on senior day. As for the Owls, they will travel to Ruston to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

More Reading Material From G5 Football Daily

CUSA Football: Jacksonville State Clinch Title Game Berth, Opponent Still TBD

Former FIU Football QB Signs With Green Bay Packers As Wide Receiver

Tulsa Football Fires Head Coach Kevin Wilson After 23 Games

Published
Kevin Barral
KEVIN BARRAL

Home/CUSA