FIU Panthers Battle Liberty Flames in Homecoming Showdown

MIAMI — The Florida International University (FIU) Panthers are set to face the Liberty Flames in a key Conference USA (CUSA) matchup this Saturday, November 11, 2025. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Pitbull Stadium. Both teams enter the game with a record of 4-5, making this homecoming event particularly significant for the Panthers, who are looking to rebound from a recent loss.

FIU arrives at this contest after a challenging 56-30 defeat against Middle Tennessee. Meanwhile, Liberty suffered a narrow 24-21 loss to Missouri State on home turf, ending their three-game winning streak in conference play. This matchup not only marks the fourth meeting between the two teams but also the third as members of CUSA.

Game Details and Promotions

Sponsored by KSDT, a leader in accounting excellence, the homecoming game encourages fans to wear gold to show their support for the Panthers. The series history leans in Liberty’s favor, with the Flames leading 3-0, including a thrilling overtime victory last season when they defeated FIU 31-24.

Fans can follow the game on various platforms, including a live broadcast on ESPN+ and an audio stream on fiusports.com/listenlive. Live statistics will also be available through the official FIU athletics website.

Key Players and Matchup Insights

Head Coach Willie Simmons, who recently celebrated his 70th career win, is marking a milestone this week as he coaches his 100th game against Liberty. Quarterback Joe Pesansky is expected to start again for FIU after an impressive performance last week, where he accounted for five touchdowns. Pesansky’s experience, coupled with his past success at Holy Cross, adds depth to the Panthers’ offense.

On the ground, FIU’s running back Kejon Owens stands out as he averages 106.1 rushing yards per game, placing him eighth nationally in that category. With a season total of 955 rushing yards, he is on pace to break the school record of 1,159 yards held by Kedrick Rhodes since 2011.

For Liberty, quarterback Ethan Vasko presents a dual-threat option following his transfers from Kansas and Coastal Carolina. The Flames boast the fourth-ranked scoring offense in CUSA, averaging 29.8 points per game, while their defense ranks fifth, allowing 24 points per game. Running back Evan Dickens is a key player to watch, having averaged 127.0 rushing yards in conference games.

The Panthers have also excelled in explosive plays, ranking tenth nationally in runs of 20 or more yards this season. With both teams looking to secure a crucial victory, the atmosphere at Pitbull Stadium is expected to be electric.

Fans are encouraged to download the Official FIU Athletics App for the latest news, rewards programs, and live updates surrounding the game day experience. Tickets for the event are available through the FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office.

With the stakes high for both teams, Saturday’s homecoming game promises to deliver an exciting showdown as FIU looks to turn the tides against Liberty.