FIU vs. Middle Tennessee 2025 Preview: Panthers Look to End Skid in Week 11

Can the FIU Panthers get back to their winning ways? After a loss to Missouri State, the Panthers travel to Middle Tennessee to take on the Blue Raiders in Week 11. This is a program with a lot of history with FIU, as the Panthers have not beat MTSU on the road in countless years and have multiple players and coaches with ties to the school. It is shaping up to be a very exciting game on Saturday afternoon, and we will have you all set to watch it with great interest! Without further ado, it is time for the FIU vs. Middle Tennessee 2025 college football preview!

FIU vs. Middle Tennessee 2025 College Football Preview

Game History

In the history of both programs, FIU has been on the wrong side of things the majority of the time.

Since their first matchup in 2005, the Panthers are 6-13 against the Blue Raiders. Over the past six matchups, FIU is 1-5 against MTSU, with multiple blowouts mixed in. However, FIU did win the last matchup between the teams, defeating the Blue Raiders by a score of 35-24.

On the road, FIU has not beaten the Blue Raiders in over a decade. The team’s last victory in Murfreesboro was in 2011, when the Panthers won by a score of 31-18.

Key Players for FIU

In this matchup, the key players to highlight are quarterback Keyone Jenkins, wideout Alex Perry, and the entire FIU secondary.

On the season, MTSU has had some decent success against the run, notching a -0.03 EPA per rush, good for 46th in the country. However, the Blue Raiders have been bad against the pass all season, and that means that Jenkins needs to be on point.

Jenkins has had his moments this season, but his numbers have been very middling for a player picked as the Preseason CUSA Offensive Player of the Year. He is sometimes making big plays, but has hampered the Panthers at other times this season. Add in turnovers, and Jenkins has shown an ability to sink FIU against any type of opponent.

To knock off the Blue Raiders, FIU needs Jenkins at his best. He needs to execute the offense, hit a few big plays, and keep the chains moving all game. If he does that, FIU will be in a great position to win the game.

Alongside Jenkins, Alex Perry needs to step up for the Panthers again in this game. Perry has been pretty good overall in 2025, as he leads FIU with 408 yards receiving and also has three touchdowns.

The Hawaii transfer needs to not only win at all three levels, but also make big plays happen when he is targeted. Jenkins seemingly trusts Perry more than any of his other wideouts; as a result, he will have to elevate the offense on Saturday when targeted. He should likely do so, which means that FIU will have a good day on offense.

Defensively, there is a significant reason to select Chaney and the secondary. Chaney is the likely foil to MTSU running back Jekail Middlebrook. Both players have thrived for their respective programs this year and will have to face down each other multiple times on Saturday. Chaney will have to, as he has all year, fly around the field and shut down the run game. If he leads the charge in this category, FIU’s defense should be in a good position.

The secondary cannot be narrowed down because, well, MTSU throws to almost everybody. Similar to the Jordan Love-led Packers, the Blue Raiders have six different players with over 100 yards receiving this season. This means that every player, ranging from Mister Clark to Brian Blades II to Shamir Sterlin, will need to be at their best. Their level of execution and performance will, in no less terms, determine how this game plays out on one side of the field on Saturday.

Key Players for MTSU

For MTSU, running back Jekail Middlebrook and defensive lineman Damonte Smith are the two key players to highlight.

Smith has been a standout defensive lineman for the Blue Raiders against all aspects of offense. Of note, he has 25 pressures, three sacks, and 20 run stops in eight games played for MTSU this season. If he does not miss tackles, Smith could be a game wrecker for the Blue Raiders, especially against an FIU team that wants to run the ball.

Middlebrook has been a bit inconsistent, but he is one of the engines that can power the Blue Raiders at any given moment.

On the season, Middlebrook has 521 yards and four touchdowns, notching 28 missed tackles forced and having 426 yards coming after contact. He is the exact type of player that FIU has either struggled with or completely shut down. If the Panthers let Middlebrook get loose, it could be a long day for them on both sides of the ball. If they stop him, FIU wins this game.

Keys to Victory: FIU Panthers

For FIU to come out victorious, here is what they need to achieve.

Push the Ball Downfield

If FIU wants to win this game, or any of their other games, they need to start consistently pushing the ball down the field. In some of their recent games, the Panthers have made the job of defenses very easy. Without a credible vertical passing attack, they can sit on the run game and short routes all game. Along with getting Kejon Owens going again, the Panthers have to unlock this aspect of their offense. Otherwise, it may be time to start looking for some new players for answers.

Finish the Play on Defense

Whether it is tackling, coverage, or anything in between, the Panthers need to finish the play. FIU cannot bring a lackluster focus or effort with their tackling or overall defensive play; otherwise, they will not have a great game on Saturday.

Drive Home the Discipline

No more costly penalties. That has to be a key message for Willie Simmons this week. FIU cannot win if it beats itself, and if it plays clean football, not many teams can beat the Panthers. More than anything else, this is the main key to victory for FIU.