On Saturday night, the FIU Golden Panthers came away with their second win of the season against the New Mexico State Aggies. After suffering an embarrassing 73-0 blowout last week against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, the Golden Panthers entered Saturday’s matchup as 14.5-point underdogs vs the Aggies. The Panthers became motivated and were able to upset the Aggies in a 21-7 victory.
A Slow Start Did Not Stop FIU
The Panthers started the game slowly, with their first drive resulting in a punt. However, in their next three drives sophomore quarterback, Grayson James, connected with his receivers for touchdowns. Their offense unleashed havoc against the Aggies’ defense with the read option, as they rushed for 152 yards throughout the game. By the end of the first half, FIU led the Aggies 21-7 with 226 total yards on offense. Prior to the game, FIU was averaging 291 yards per game, with the most being 377 yards against Bryant University.
Throughout the second half, the game remained scoreless, with both teams missing a field goal attempt. In an attempt to make a comeback, the Aggies benched freshman quarterback Gavin Frakes, with junior Diego Pavia taking his place. Pavia drove the Aggies to the FIU 42, however on a fourth and four, he threw an incompletion. The Panthers turned the ball over on downs, ending the game.
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Panthers Defensive Front
The Panthers’ defensive front dominated against the Aggies, as they limited them to 82 yards after gaining 357 rushing yards in a win over Hawaii last week. Quarterback Gavin Frakes faced multiple seven or eight-man fronts which constantly brought pressure. Throughout the first half, FIU limited him to five completions on 13 attempts for 54 yards.
The Panthers Defensive line came to play, as they recorded four tackles for loss, two QB hurries, along with multiple pressures. Their secondary played lights out, defending seven passes and limiting the Aggies’ passing attack to 139 yards.
FIU Top Performers
- QB Grayson James: The Panthers’ lead signal caller had one of his best performances, as he completed 68% of his passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns. He also made his presence felt in the run game, as he rushed for 43 yards on 18 carries.
- DB Jamal Potts: Defensive back Jamal Potts was all over the field making plays for the Panthers. The sophomore from Delray Beach recorded 7 tackles, half a tackle for loss, and a crucial pass defended.
- WR Tyrese Chambers: The Baltimore native continues to prove why he should be considered an NFL Draft Prospect. Chambers caught six passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. His biggest play of the night came in the first quarter, as he caught a four-yard touchdown reception.
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What’s Next?
The FIU Panthers get their second win of the season to improve to 2-2. The Panthers prepare for their homecoming week as they host the 2-4 UConn Huskies, led by freshman Zion Turner. The Panthers look to continue their win streak under first-year Head Coach Mike MacIntyre.
