Against No. 2 Penn State, FIU enters Beaver Stadium with a good deal to prove to itself

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State didn’t punt in its 46-11 season-opening victory over Nevada last Saturday. Still, rather than harping on the positives, coach James Franklin is focused on what his team can improve entering its Week 2 matchup against Florida International (noon Saturday, Big Ten Network).

That includes better offensive execution in the red zone and fewer blown blocking assignments.

“We weren’t able to finish the way we wanted to. … On one of our drives, the first play, we’re running outside zone, and we don’t block the 3-technique and give up a tackle for loss. Now, we’re off-schedule,” Franklin said. “That’s what we’ve still got to get cleaned up.”

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Penn State will look to correct those errors against a new-look FIU squad that returns just five starters from last season and welcomed 25 transfers in the offseason.

The Panthers (1-0) enter Beaver Stadium after rolling past Bethune-Cookman, 42-9, behind a balanced offensive attack. FIU tallied 456 yards of total offense and 28 first downs in last week’s victory, but a new challenge awaits against a Penn State defense that allowed the third-fewest yards in Week 1.

FIU’s offense is led by quarterback Keyone Jenkins, who was tabbed the preseason Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year. He threw for 2,557 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024 and was named to the Manning Award preseason watch list, which honored 27 of the top quarterbacks nationally.

Jenkins completed 18 of 30 passes for 187 yards against Bethune-Cookman to begin his junior season. He also rushed for two touchdowns.

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FIU’s backfield features a three-headed monster at running back in redshirt senior Kejon Owens, redshirt freshman Devonte Lyons, and redshirt sophomore Anthony Carrie.

At his weekly news conference on Monday, Franklin highlighted Owens, a preseason all-conference pick who rushed for 392 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. Franklin said he expects FIU to use multiple looks on offense this Saturday, especially in the run game.

“They’re a multiple personnel team, mainly 11 and 12 personnel,” Franklin said. “You’ll see the traditional inside zone, outside zone, gap schemes. Their running back, Kejon Owens, [is a] big back, 210 pounds. … They’re expecting big things from him.”

The Panthers’ rushing attack, which tallied 223 yards on 38 carries in Week 1, will meet a Penn State defense that allowed just 11 rushing yards on 16 carries by opposing running backs to open the season.

That effort was led by defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, who became the first Nittany Lion since Micah Parsons to force two fumbles in a game. Dennis-Sutton was double-teamed on several occasions against Nevada but will get some help on the outside when fellow defensive end Zuriah Fisher returns to the lineup after missing Week 1.

Fisher hasn’t played since 2023; he missed the entire 2024 campaign with an injury. The sixth-year senior was present at Wednesday’s practice, and Franklin confirmed that he’s set to return on Saturday.

“We’ll probably play [Zuriah] a limited amount of reps at best, but right now, he’s a go,” Franklin said.

Starting nickel corner Zion Tracy also is targeting a return on Saturday after missing the Nevada contest with an injury, Franklin confirmed Wednesday. Tracy was listed as questionable entering Week 1. Redshirt freshman Kenny Woseley Jr. (Imhotep Charter) started in his stead.

“[Zion’s] ready to go,” Franklin said. “He’s practiced all week long, including Sunday. … Having Zion back is significant.”

Tracy and starting corners A.J. Harris and Audavion Collins will match up with an up-tempo FIU offense. The Panthers don’t bring the allure of a matchup with Ohio State, but Collins said Penn State’s task remains the same.

“We’re always going to respect our opponent, no matter who we’re going against,” Collins said. “Can’t ever disrespect your opponent.”

FIU’s offense dominated its opening-week matchup, but its defense faltered and allowed 346 yards of total offense. Of those, 241 came through the air, which bodes well for Penn State quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Drew Allar.

The senior completed 22 of 26 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown against Nevada before redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer entered in the fourth quarter.

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