FIU can make history with sixth consecutive victory at Pitbull Stadium

Florida International U admin October 20, 2026 0 Comments

FIU can make history with sixth consecutive victory at Pitbull Stadium

The FIU Panthers have an opportunity to make history Tuesday night when they host the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. A victory would give FIU its sixth consecutive home win, setting a program record and further establishing Pitbull Stadium as a difficult place for opponents to play.

The Panthers (3-3, 1-1) will look to build momentum in Conference USA play and strengthen their position in the conference race. However, Middle Tennessee enters with an identical overall and conference record, setting the stage for a pivotal midseason matchup.

Despite the opportunity to make history, head coach Willie Simmons believes FIU must eliminate the mistakes that have prevented the team from reaching its full potential. Simmons refers to these errors as “SIN,” or self-inflicted negatives, which have cost the Panthers opportunities to win games.

“We have a championship football team from a talent standpoint, but talent is not enough,” Simmons said.

The Panthers have shown flashes of their potential this season, but consistency on both sides of the ball will be critical to winning close games. Simmons wants to see the offense put together a complete performance by establishing the run and protecting the football.

“I want to see the offense put a complete game together, be able to run the ball effectively, throw the ball without the turnovers,” Simmons said.

Quarterback JJ Kohl also believes the offense can build on its most recent performance — a 27-24 loss to Jacksonville State — despite the result.

“I thought that was our best game offensively across the board,” Kohl said. “We can’t dwell too much on the fact that we lost because there were still a lot of positives to take away from it.”

Wide receiver Maguire Anderson is coming off one of his best performances of the season, recording eight catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Anderson has accounted for 34% of FIU’s receiving yards, making him a central figure in the Panthers’ passing attack.

With opposing defenses likely to devote more attention to Anderson, Kohl emphasized the importance of getting other playmakers involved.

“Teams are going to start to double Maguire, so we have to find ways to get other guys the football,” Kohl said.

FIU will also look to establish consistency on the ground. Running back Devonte Lyons has averaged 5.2 yards per carry and more than 70 rushing yards per game during his last two contests, earning the starting role ahead of Anthony Carrie, who will continue to contribute.

“Devonte Lyons is taking to coaching. He has earned himself the starting role,” Simmons said. “Anthony Carrie still has a role for us, he’ll still play. But every day is a competition, and Tae has shown us that he deserves to go out with the first group.”

Tuesday’s matchup carries added significance following FIU’s dominant 56-30 victory over Middle Tennessee on the road last season, when the Panthers spoiled the Blue Raiders’ senior day. Simmons expects that result to provide extra motivation for the visitors.

“They will have revenge on their minds, being that we went there last year and spoiled their senior day, so this is a rival game for us,” Simmons said.

With a program record within reach, FIU has plenty to play for. The Panthers can extend their home winning streak, improve their conference standing and take another step toward competing for a championship.

“Now we have a chance to accomplish another goal this week, continue to be undefeated at home, position ourselves for the conference championship and also beat a rival, so there is a lot to play for,” Simmons said.

For FIU, the path forward starts with limiting turnovers, establishing the run and finding ways to keep its offense balanced. If the Panthers can eliminate their self-inflicted mistakes, they will have an opportunity to make history and strengthen their standing in Conference USA.