FIU vs. Liberty 2025 Recap: Panthers Win in OT Thriller, 34-27

In a thriller of a matchup, the FIU Panthers prevailed over the Liberty Flames in overtime by a score of 34-27. This game had points, takeaways, twists, and turns. It had big swings, big decisions, and improbable events all night long. Yet, through all of the craziness, the Panthers found a way to get the job done.

FIU vs. Liberty: 2025 College Football Recap

FIU now sits at 5-5, setting up an exciting two-game stretch where the Panthers just have to win one game to get to their first bowl game since 2019. There is ample opportunity for FIU to end the season on a high note, especially after the team’s performance tonight.

Playing more consistently on both sides of the ball, things are trending up for FIU under Willie Simmons, who is in the process of truly setting a great foundation for the Panthers to build upon.

Joe Pesansky and the Offense Continue to Roll

Compared to previous weeks, the FIU offense clicked on all cylinders. Along with the run game, play calling, and offensive line, a main reason for that is the play of quarterback Joe Pesansky.

On the night, the Holy Cross transfer had 24 completions on 34 attempts for 206 yards and two touchdowns. He was decisive, accurate, and on time all night. Pesansky extended plays, hit throws on the run, and was a constant positive for the Panthers. He had a laser of a touchdown to Alex Perry, an incredible throw to Jojo Stone across the middle of the field in the fourth quarter, and roped the go-ahead touchdown in overtime to Maguire Anderson over the middle of the field.

As a runner, “Joe P’ ran with purpose and grit. He notched 40 yards on eight carries, most of which came on decisive scrambles and great poocket movement. Pesansky also had an impressive touchdown early in the game, barreling over multiple defenders to get into the end zone for the score.

It is crystal-clear that, outside of his own statistics, Pesansky is allowing the overall offensive unit to shine through. Alex Perry continues to look like a number one wideout, as he posted 88 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions against the Flames. Not only did he win down the field vertically, but he was also impressive after the catch on multiple occasions.

Jojo Stone, outside of his continued usefulness on misdirection plays and motion, was extremely effective down the field as a receiver. He created separation down the field, in short yardage, and even displayed great contested catch ability. Kyle McNeal was lethal in open space, too. Whenever Pesansky hit him, the wideout made positive plays happen.

Due to the passing game, the Panthers’ rushing attack found plenty of success on Saturday night.

Kejon Owens continued to roll, notching 84 yards and a touchdown on 4.7 yards per carry. The senior workhorse looked explosive, powerful, and decisive all game against Liberty. He constantly kept FIU ahead of the chains, as the Flames could not stack the box or sell out for the run against Pesansky. With some plays from the backend of the defense, Owens’ numbers could have looked even better.

The same should be said for Anthony Carrie, who notched 41 yards on 11 attempts. He ran with great burst, speed, and shiftiness all game. It felt like Carrie was one missed tackle away from big gains on multiple plays, and he kept the Liberty defense on their toes all night. He also performed well as a pass blocker, allowing Pesansky to operate on key passing downs for the Panthers.

Since Pesansky has entered the starting lineup, the FIU offense has clicked together. Having a consistent passing attack has opened everything up. The motions and RPOs seem crisper, the running lanes are bigger, and the explosive plays seem to come more frequently. Additionally, Pesansky is ripping throws in the passing game, which is allowing the plethora of talent that FIU has at pass catcher to start shining through.

The Panthers’ quarterback spoke to his mentality and what goes into his success after tonight’s game

“Coach Simmons has put a very strong emphasis on playing the next play, and I have taken that to heart. I am a pretty emotional guy, but I have learned to control my emotions a little bit. When I was younger, I used to listen to super hype music to get going. But I found myself getting too high and getting too low. I have worked on some breathing techniques and stuff like that to help me understand that I am prepared.

I know I am prepared. When you know that you and this offense are prepared, then you can attack each play individually. That is really the key. Treat every play independently and treat one play at a time. That is something I have learned from a lot of great coaches and teammates. My grandfather was in the military, and he always said the most important thing is the most important thing. Shoutout Jalen Hurts. Keep the main thing the main thing.”

It may not be the “final form” of the FIU offense, but the unit with Pesansky at the helm is truly a force to be taken very seriously. If they continue to play at this level, the Panthers will be a team that Jacksonville State and Sam Houston may struggle to contain.

The Defense Steps Up When Needed

In the first half of this game, it looked like one of those nights for the FIU defense.

Liberty scored touchdowns on three of its four first-half possessions. The rushing attack, led by Evan Dickens, was finding consistent yardage on every play. Quarterback Ethan Vasko was hitting the big-time throws on key third downs when called upon, including a perfect throw to Donte Lee Jr. for a touchdown early in the game. It truly felt like, without key changes, FIU could get buried in this game.

However, the Panthers’ defense made the switches they needed, and the unit started to roll in the second half.

Jessiah McGrew and Shamir Sterlin entered takeover mode on the backend for the Panthers. McGrew was doing everything and anything for FIU. He provided great coverage, made countless open-field tackles, and even notched a key interception. Sterlin was a missile downhill in the run game, ending plays in their tracks before they could even get started. He was also stout in coverage, providing a PBU and limited production when targeted.

The linebackers stepped up in this game, too.

Johnny Chaney Jr. was a force for the Panthers as a run defender and a pass rusher. He notched nine tackles, a sack, and eight defensive stops. Josiah Taylor was no slouch either, recording four tackles, a pass breakup, five defensive stops, and two pressures.

But when push came to shove, the game-savers for FIU were not any of the players listed above. While every player listed played a huge role in the win, the heroes today were Keegan Davis and Mister Clark.

Recording a sack earlier in the game, Keegan Davis provided his second one on Vasko on third down in overtime. And on fourth down, Davis flew off the edge to pressure Vasko again, setting up Clark to make the game-sealing interception for the Panthers. It redeemed a game for Clark that was not his best, but also showed that the cornerback is never phased and is ready for the biggest moments.

This FIU defense is ultra-talented. They can compete with anyone they face and have beaten great opponents. At the same time, they have also fallen flat against teams they should have beaten.

Saturday’s game showed a new side of the Panthers: their resilience. Not only did they overcome a bad first half and a backbreaking drive that allowed Liberty to tie the game, but they bowed up and ended the game for the team in overtime.

As a result, FIU’s remaining opponents should be very worried. This team seems to have clicked on a new level, and their performance may get even better down the stretch of this 2025 season.

A Game of the Year Ending

FIU’s last drive in the fourth quarter felt like the ones you remember from the biggest NFL playoff games. The Liberty defense held FIU in check for the first two plays before Pesansky hit Jojo Stone for a huge gain. Then, FIU’s offense gets the game to a fourth down with around 20 seconds left, and they go for it. FIU head coach Willie Simmons wanted to end the game right then and there, but the Panthers could not convert.

Liberty, with only a handful of seconds remaining, somehow managed to fire a 29-yard completion and ran the fire drill to get the kicking unit on the field, where they hit a 48-yard field goal with room to spare. It felt like the air had gotten sucked out of Pitbull Stadium and that, yet again, FIU could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against the Flames.

However, that did not happen. Pesansky led an impressive drive for a touchdown. Then, the FIU defense secured the victory. The scene was one of jubilation and triumph, something that has been foreign to the Panthers for a long time.

Quote of the Night

“It means my AD better go raise some money! We knew, playing this team, that you have to get the safeties to the ball in the run game. They are a triple option football team. They are going to run the dive, the option, and pitch it out on the perimeter. Our cornerbacks had to leverage the ball, and the safeties had to fit the alley. Shamir (Sterlin) and Jessiah (McGrew) did that … Shamir is a great tackler, and that’s what he has always been. It is great to see Jessiah make 10 unassisted tackles. Those are open-field, one-on-one tackles. We did not give up an explosive for a touchdown for what feels like the first time all season. That is a testament to Shamir, Jessiah, and the corners.” – HC Willie Simmons on the play of Jessiah McGrew and Shamir Sterlin. 

2026 NFL Draft: Stock Watch

Stock Up: Kejon Owens, RB, FIU: The FIU running back continues to impress this season, no matter how many carries he gets over the course of the game. Owens ran with all of the traits he has displayed this year, which helped power him to another great game. He also showed off more burst and vision than in prior games, especially on his touchdown run.

Player to Watch: Donte Lee Jr., WR, Liberty: The Flames’ wideout is a name to watch going forward. On top of impressive contested catch ability, Lee showed impressive speed for a player of his size. He was running away from multiple players in an FIU secondary that has shut down great players all season. With more game reps, this will be a name to know for the draft in the very near future, whether it is 2026 or 2027.

What’s Next?

FIU will play host to Jacksonville State for its last home game of 2025. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM EST at Pitbull Stadium.