Home / Sports / FIU's Bowl Hopes Alive After Last-Second Thriller
FIU's Bowl Hopes Alive After Last-Second Thriller
9 Nov
Summary
- Devonte Lyons set a career record with 216 rushing yards.
- A dramatic walk-off field goal secured FIU's 23-20 win.
- Penalties repeatedly negated FIU's potential touchdowns early on.
The FIU Panthers secured a vital 23-20 homecoming win against Missouri State, significantly boosting their chances of bowl game eligibility. The victory was powered by running back Devonte Lyons, who achieved a career-high 216 rushing yards, making him the third player in FIU history to surpass 200 yards in a single game.
Despite Lyons' standout performance, FIU faced challenges early on, with numerous penalties negating potential touchdowns. Quarterback JJ Kohl also threw an interception and experienced a crucial strip-sack leading to a Missouri State touchdown, tying the game at 17-17.
However, the Panthers rallied. Lyons' critical runs kept drives alive, setting up a field goal that gave FIU a 20-17 lead. After Missouri State tied the score, Kohl orchestrated a final drive, allowing kicker Robert Czeremcha to nail the game-winning field goal as time expired, securing FIU's first walk-off field goal since 2012.
