MIAMI, FL – On a nationally televised ESPNU game with the Vice uniforms on full display, FIU and Sam Houston put on one of the most forgettable games of the season as the Panthers fell to the Bearkats by a score of 10-7.
The loss now sets FIU back to a 2-6 record, which means they have to win their last four games of the season to become bowl-eligible. Meanwhile, Sam Houston secured bowl eligibility for the first time in program history.
Keyone Jenkins looked off from the start, only throwing one completion for 16 yards and an interception on the game’s second play. He was taken out of the game with under two minutes to go in the second quarter.
Mike MacIntyre clarified in the postgame presser that Jenkins was taken out not due to an injury, but for his lackluster performance.
Chayden Peery stepped in, playing in his first-ever game as a Panther, and looked decent, with 58 yards in the air and 25 on the ground, including a pass to Eric Rivers for FIU’s only score of the day.
Mind you, this game was scoreless at halftime. A big reason for that was a solid performance from FIU’s defense, which was able to limit the run. However, their rush offense was, once again, lackluster and never truly established, despite 44 yards from Shomari Lawrence, making his return to the lineup.
Sam Houston scored the first touchdown in the second half and ultimately kicked the game-winning field goal with under two minutes to go. Despite being a chip-shot, their kicker missed two field goals in the first half.
On third down in FIU’s final offensive drive, a holding penalty negated a first down on a third and long. A controversial call to some, their fourth down attempt was denied, and Sam Houston survived.
FIU Football will take on the New Mexico State Aggies at Pitbull Stadium next week on Tuesday, October 29th at 7pm.
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