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FIU gives a valiant effort in Happy Valley
A tough task was ahead for Willie Simmons and his FIU Panthers after dominating Bethune-Cookman in week one they set their eyes for a trip to Happy Valley to face the #2 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. This would be a good test to see how Simmons recruiting and coaching matches up against a top team in the country. If they put a good fight they could make a case for the rest of the season to make a bowl game and even contend for the conference.
QB Drew Allar would complete 19 of his 33 passes going for 200 yards having two touchdowns to his name. Devonte Ross and Khalil Dinkins would contribute being on the receiving end of those touchdown passes. The offense also found scores through Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton through the ground with Ryan Barker kicking through two field goals. The Panthers made the Nittany Lions struggle in the first half forcing them to turn the ball over on downs three times.
Despite FIU's defense bringing the heat to Penn State, their offense couldn't do much against the Nittany Lions defense who's known for producing top defensive talent. Linebacker Tony Rojas had 10 tackles with Alonzo Ford picking up an interception. This was the first shutout for the Penn State defense since last season when they shut out Kent State 56-0. Both offenses struggled with steady rain falling over Beaver Stadium.
The Panthers overall on the day had two punts with one of them being blocked, they would turn the ball over on downs towards the end of the first half, and would have a pass picked off by Ford with QB Keyone Jenkins looking for a screen pass. If the interception did not occur, the Panthers were having a solid drive and could've tied the game at seven. The Nittany Lions could not turn any of these turnovers into points.
Despite being outmatched and a heavy underdog, the FIU Panthers brought the fight to Happy Valley and held the nations number two team to only 10 points in an entire half. There is 25 transfer players on this FIU roster and if they play the rest of the season like they did against Penn State they can make a case for the conference title. The Nittany Lions came out of halftime firing on all cylinders making adjustments and would take the victory 34-0.
Up next for the FIU Panthers is the Shula Bowl welcoming the rival Florida Atlantic Owls to Pitbull Stadium.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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