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FIU Football Opens Home Slate With Statement Win Over Buffalo

 

 

MIAMI, Fla. — After a frustrating season-opening loss at South Florida, FIU football responded in a big way Saturday night.

The Panthers opened their home schedule with a convincing 33–20 victory over Buffalo at Pitbull Stadium, earning their first win of the 2026 season and giving Panther Nation plenty to be excited about heading into next week's Shula Bowl.

FIU wasted little time establishing control. Quarterback JJ Kohl connected with Maguire Anderson for a 45-yard touchdown on the Panthers' opening possession, setting the tone for an offense that would rack up 540 total yards on the night.

Kohl was outstanding throughout the evening, throwing for a career-high 367 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a touchdown reception on one of FIU's most memorable plays of the night.

With the Panthers already leading 7–3, FIU dialed up a trick play near the goal line. Devonte Lyons pitched the ball to Jojo Stone, who then found Kohl downfield. Kohl went up between two Buffalo defenders and came down with the 19-yard touchdown reception, pushing the Panthers' lead to 14–3.

The offensive production continued in the second quarter.

Kohl found Anderson for a 14-yard touchdown, giving FIU a 21–3 advantage with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half. The Panthers entered halftime holding a commanding 21–6 lead.

Buffalo attempted to make things interesting coming out of halftime, but FIU had an answer.

The Bulls cut into the deficit before Stone broke the game open again. Kohl connected with Stone on a crossing route, and the receiver turned the play into a 68-yard touchdown, putting FIU ahead 30–14.

Stone finished the night with a career-high 98 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Anderson continued his impressive start to the season with five catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns.

FIU's defense also played an important role in keeping Buffalo at arm's length.

Elisha Baldridge recorded two sacks and forced a fumble, while Deejay Holmes Jr. added two sacks of his own and also forced a fumble. Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine sealed the victory with a late interception.

Buffalo did manage to score twice in the second half, including an eight-point third-quarter drive, but the Panthers' early cushion proved too much to overcome.

The victory also marked FIU's first-ever meeting with Buffalo. The Panthers entered the game looking to bounce back from a 19–9 loss at USF in their opener, and they did exactly that in front of 18,202 fans at Pitbull Stadium.

For head coach Willie Simmons, it was an important response from a team that showed flashes in Tampa but couldn't finish.

This time, FIU finished the job.

The Panthers now turn their attention toward their biggest rivalry game of the young season.

FIU will travel to Boca Raton next Saturday for the 24th edition of the Shula Bowl against Florida Atlantic, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.

After an impressive home-opening performance, FIU enters the rivalry matchup with momentum — and a 1–1 record that suddenly feels a lot better than it did one week ago.

 

 

 

 

Written by: Daniel Torres