Pressure is mounting as FIU football begins Year Three under coach Mike MacIntyre

Year Three beckons.

With FIU set to start fall practice on Wednesday, the pressure is on Panthers coach Mike MacIntyre to turn a corner on the program he was hired to revitalize in December of 2021.

So far, MacIntyre, who turned 59 in March, has produced a pair of 4-8 records. Those two seasons, however, can be perceived differently.

The first 4-8 was seen as progress as it was coming off a combined 1-16 record in the final two years under coach Butch Davis.

But last year’s 4-8 record is a bit harder to spin as anything other than treading water.

However, in MacIntyre’s first two stops as a head coach, this is about the time he makes his move.

For example, MacIntyre took over at San Jose State in 2010, going 1-12 in his first season and 5-7 in Year Two. In his third and final year there, San Jose State went 10-2, earning a national ranking (No. 21).

Next up, MacIntyre posted three consecutive losing seasons at Colorado before going 10-4 and earning a final AP ranking of No. 17 in his fourth year.

What will happen at FIU in Year Three?

Nobody knows for sure, but here are six questions regarding FIU football as we move toward the Panthers’ season opener at Indiana on Aug. 31.

1: Can quarterback Keyone Jenkins cut down on his interceptions?

As a true freshman last year, Jenkins was the backup for the season opener. But, by halftime, he was the man.

Jenkins did a lot of good things as a rookie, but only one quarterback in Conference USA threw more than his 11 picks.

Jenkins also needs to increase his TD passes from 11. His completion percentage (58.4) could also go up in his second year running this offense.

2: Does FIU have a star receiver on campus?

After losing Tyrese Chambers (transfer to Maryland for 2023) and then Kris Mitchell (transfer to Notre Dame for ’24), the Panthers need to find a new playmaker.

Perhaps it’s Desna “DJ” Washington, who at 6-5 and 220 pounds is a huge target. He’s a transfer from New Mexico.

Other breakout candidates are Dean Patterson and Eric Rivers.

3: Can FIU protect Jenkins?

The Panthers lost tackle Phillip Houston as a transfer to Colorado, and center John Bock II will most of the season due to an NCAA banned-substances suspension.

Returning starters include guards Naeer Jackson and Wyatt Lawson as well as left tackle Travis Burke.

JaDarious Lee, favored to win the job at right tackle, was a backup last year but is already FIU’s second-highest-rated blocker, according to Phil Steele’s magazine.

The big question is at center, where Ming Tjon has gotten some run as a backup the past two years. Younger centers – with perhaps more upside – include Jaheim Buchanon and Jon Rodriguez.

4: Has Lexington “Flex” Joseph recovered fully?

This will be Joseph’s sixth year in college. He was an elite kickoff returner in his second season (33.3 average, one touchdown). In 2022, he had his best season from scrimmage (705 yards rushing and receiving, 5.1 average).

But after missing all of last season due to injury, it remains to be seen what he can do for an encore.

If Joseph is right, FIU’s backfield – including Kejon Owens and Shomari Lawrence -- could do some work in C-USA.

5: Can FIU stop the run?

Last season, FIU averaged 90.3 rush yards per game. By contrast, the Panthers allowed 190.8 rushing yards – a huge disparity.

To make matters worse, the Panthers lost middle linebacker Donovan Manuel, who will try to make an NFL roster this fall. Manuel posted 121 tackles in 2023 for one of the greatest defensive seasons in FIU history.

Over the past two years, FIU also lost three defensive starters to Power Four schools: defensive lineman Jordan Guerad (Louisville); linebacker Shaun Peterson Jr. (UCF); and safety Demetrius Hill (Syracuse).

Reggie Peterson is expected to replace Manuel at middle linebacker.

The role of Shaun Peterson, who had a team-high six sacks in 2022, could be replaced by Jeramy Passmore.

Cole Gustafson, a 6-5, 310-pound junior-college transfer, could be the run-stuffer FIU needs to replace Guerad.

The player to watch at safety is Antonio Patterson, a converted running back.

6: Can FIU improve in Conference USA?

The Panthers have suffered through five straight losing seasons – overall and in league play.

In the C-USA over the past four years, FIU is just 3-24.

How FIU fares in the league will go a long way in determining overall success in 2024.