TAKEAWAYS: Several FIU Panthers Set Records In WKU Loss

The Seniors showed up and showed out despite the Panthers' season finale loss.

FIU Athletics

For the third time this season, the FIU Panthers fell 21-0 in the first quarter of the game and for the third time, they weren't able to comeback and win. FIU fell in their season finale, 41-28.

Kris Mitchell in the record books

Entering this afternoon's contest, wide receiver Kris Mitchell needed 73 yards to become FIUs' single-season receiving yards leader. In the first half of action, Mitchell had three receptions for 49 yards.

On first and ten, on the FIU 38, Keyone Jenkins connected with Mitchell for a 29-yard pass, which was more than good enough to surpass Tyrese Chambers, who originally held the record at 1,074 yards.

"I'm beyond blessed, said Mitchell following the game."First T.Y. [Hilton] did it and Tyrese, so it was always a goal of mine to go get, so I did this game and I'm just very thankful."

Mitchell went on to end the night with eight receptions for 116 yards. Although it is unknown if Mitchell will be back with the Panthers next season, at the moment he will wrap up his career with 1,118 receiving yards.

A Couple of First Collegiate Touchdowns

In the first quarter of action, Panthers tight end Rocky Beers got into the end zone. With usual starter Josiah Miamen out, Beers made the start and in the first quarter of action, Jenkins completed the pass to Beers.

The Air Force transfer would finish the night with three receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown.

Memphis defensive back, but now wide receiver Eric Rivers also had his first collegiate touchdown at the start of the third quarter in the red zone. Rivers ended the night with five receptions for 29 yards and two touchdowns, with his second score coming late in the fourth quarter.

Panthers Defense Limits the Run and History is Made

Entering this afternoon, the Panthers ranked seventh amongst the conference in rushing defense. Through the first half of action, FIU limited the Hilltoppers to 37 rushing yards and to end the game, Western Kentucky ended the game with __

Linebacker Donovan Manuel made his final game as a Panther a worthy one. With 10 total tackles, he finished behind junior linebacker Reggie Peterson who for the third straight game led the defense in total tackles, this time with 12.

In the fourth quarter of action, Donovan Manuel stood alone at the top with the most forced fumbles in a single season, with five, but what made this one a special one is the fact that Adrian Cole, one of the first transfers that FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre brought in, scooped it and scored it for a touchdown.

What's Next?

With the Panthers loss, they will end the season with a 4-8 record, just like last season. The 2023 season felt like an exact mirror to the 2022 season. After a strong 3-1 start, FIU only won one more game and ended the season losing four straight to finish with a 4-8 record.

The Panthers' next football game will be against the Indiana Hoosiers on August 31. Time and TV broadcast is obviously yet to be announced.

The next big date for this FIU football program will be National Signing Day on Wednesday, December 20.