FIU vs. Penn State 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

What does it look like for a potentially up-and-coming team to face a national powerhouse with nothing to lose? There is a very good chance that this FIU vs. Penn State 2025 Week 2 matchup will provide an answer to that question.

In their first game under Willie Simmons, FIU dismantled the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats by a score of 42-9. The run game was extremely effective and the defense did a great job shutting down anything the Wildcats tried to do on offense. Now, after their great start to the season, the Panthers have their biggest challenge of the season.

The Penn State Nittany Lions, are the No. 2-ranked team in the country, and for good reason. They have a talented quarterback in Drew Allar, one of the best running back duos in the country, and a defense led by Dani Dennis-Sutton that has some of the best pure talent in the country.

In short, it is a massive test for the Panthers. Nobody expects them to win, but nobody expects FIU to compete in this game. And, to be frank, the cards are stacked against the Panthers.

With a lack of expectations comes an ability for a huge opportunity, though. If they can even compete for a little bit in this game, FIU has a chance to set the tone for their matchup against FAU next week – and for the rest of their season.

What should you expect from this matchup? And how can the Panthers play the best possible game on Saturday? Let’s dive in to this game preview.

FIU vs. Penn State: Matchup History and Excerpts

In the history of both programs, FIU and Penn State have only met on one occasion. And in that game, things did not go great for the Panthers.

Back in 2007, the Nittany Lions defeated the Panthers by a score of 59-0. Penn State had five rushing touchdowns, with two coming from Austin Scott.

Of note, current FIU coach Anthony Gaitor recorded two tackles in the game, while future NFL linebacker NaVorro Bowman had two tackles and a forced fumble.

Speaking to the media, FIU head coach Willie Simmons addressed the upcoming matchup between the Panthers and Penn State.

“All of that window-dressing you see, you cannot really pay attention to that … we have to force them to execute. Drew Allar is a potential No. 1 pick in the draft. He is going to make some plays. But, let’s force him to be the number one pick in the draft and make play after play.

If we turn the film on Sunday, we were doing everything we were supposed to do, and he still carved us up? Guess what, he is the potential number one pick in the draft, and there is not a lot you can really do. But we cannot allow ourselves to give them extra opportunities with busted coverages and doing things we are not supposed to do. They are potentially a prolific offense, but we have to do our jobs. If they are perfect, we will see what happens. But they probably will not be, and we have to take advantage of that. if we do that, we will give ourselves a chance.”

FIU vs. Penn State 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

Key Players for FIU

In this matchup, there is an argument that every area of the team is important for FIU to have a good day against Penn State. However, there’s four specific players that will have arguably the biggest effect on an individual basis.

On offense, that’s Keyone Jenkins and Anthony Carrie.

Jenkins did not have to light up the scoreboard in Week 1, hitting key passes when necessary and scrambling for key scores. Against Penn State, however, the quarterback is going to have to be at his very best. The decisiveness and accuracy he showed in training camp must be on full display. Jenkins must also show the full command of the offense that allowed him to be highly successful last season and in practices this season. Things will not be perfect, but if Jenkins executes to his capabilities, FIU can move the ball a little bit in this one.

As for Carrie, the RB will be called upon in a variety of different ways. Thanks to his speed, vision, underrated strength, and pass-catching ability, FIU could utilize him more often than last week. Carrie can serve as a change of pace back for Kejon Owens and Devonte Lyons, while also having the capability to carry drives himself. It is a tall task for anyone against Penn State, but Carrie could put together a good performance on Saturday. And if he does, the Panthers will have more success than most people are expecting.

As for the defense, Johnny Chaney Jr. and Brian Blades II are worth highlighting.

FIU’s entire unit is going to have to tackle the likes of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen all game, which is likely the toughest assignment they will get all season. More so than other players, Chaney needs to set the tone for the defense and make sure that the Nittany Lions do not pick up unnecessary yardage off missed tackles.

For Blades, he has a chance to show that he is a prospect for the NFL Draft. It’ll be intriguing to see how he performs. If he continues his high level of play, the Panthers’ passing defense will punch way above its weight class. More importantly, it will put Blades firmly on the radar for the next level.

Key Players for Penn State

Flipping over to the Penn State, there’s two players worth highlighting.

On offense, Trebor Peña is a huge part of what Penn State will try to do on offense. If FIU cannot stop the run, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen immediately become key offensive players for the Nittany Lions. But if they want to pass the ball, Penn State will have to target Peña.

In last week’s game against Nevada, the Syracuse transfer had 74 yards on seven catches. He has been a proven contributor for multiple offenses at the college level, with his best season coming last year alongside Kyle McCord.

FIU has a very underrated secondary, led by Brian Blades, Ashton Levells, and Victor Evans. If Peña can win consistently, Penn State should have no issue staying balanced on offense. Yet if the Panthers shut him down, Penn State could become one-dimensional.

On defense, Dani Dennis-Sutton has the potential to be a game-wrecker. He has all of the tools to be productive on a consistent basis, and he caused massive issues against Nevada last week. FIU still has its hands full if they can block Dennis-Sutton. If they cannot, the Panthers will have a very long day on offense.

How FIU Wins in Week 2

To have the best possible game against Penn State, here is what the FIU Panthers need to do.

Play Clean Football

It is one thing if Penn State out-athletes the Panthers on Saturday. But to have their best chance to win, FIU needs to avoid turnovers and miscues. Whether it is interceptions, missing open lanes or blocking assignments, the Panthers need to come out crisp and prepared.

Play Aggressive

A passive approach will not help the Panthers win this game. Just like last week against Bethune-Cookman, FIU needs to fly around the field, tackle in the run game, and keep the passing game in front of them. If the Panthers can do that, they will be able to force Penn State to earn every yard.

Avoid Penalties

The best way to compete in games like this is to avoid penalties. If FIU, on both offense and defense, avoids setting itself back with unforced errors, it will be in the best possible position to compete in this game.