Box Score Post-Game Audio: 
HC Mario Cristobal LB Scott Bryant QB Paul McCall
The FIU football team (1-6; 1-3 SBC) gave Arkansas State (2-4; 1-2 SBC) all it could handle, and had the ball in the fourth quarter down by seven with a chance to tie the game. However, a fumble deep in FIU territory allowed ASU to score a quick touchdown that made the score 24-10 as the Red Wolves eventually pulled away for a 27-10 victory.
FIU's defense played a bend but don't break game, keeping the Panthers in the game despite giving up 433 total yards. However, FIU's offense could never get in a rhythm as they totaled just 223 yards.
Paul McCall finished the game 17-31 passing for 173 yards. Ty Frierson caught three passes for 48 yards to lead all FIU receivers. On defense, Armond Willis made six tackles and had two sacks.
After a three and out on FIU's first possession of the game, ASU took the ball 60 yards for a score, putting the Red Wolves ahead 7-0.
With FIU's offense not able to move the ball against the ASU defense, it was the Panthers' defense that had to step up. After giving up a big play in the second quarter that put the Red Wolves deep in FIU territory, the Panthers forced a fumble on their own five-yard line and Jeremiah Weatherspoon recovered it.
Later in the half, with time running out, the Red Wolves were looking to add to their lead, but an interception by Chuck Grace ended any chance of an ASU score and sent the teams into the halftime break with the score 7-0 ASU.
Much like in the first half, ASU took their opening possession and drove right down the field, this time 75 yards in just three minutes, to score a touchdown and double their lead at 14-0.
After FIU's offense went go three-and-out on its next two possessions, the Red Wolves added three points on a 26-yard field goal with 1:44 to go in the third quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, a 27-yard return by Wayne Times set FIU up at their own 40, and a roughing the passer penalty on the first play of the drive gave FIU great field position at the ASU 45. On 3rd and 10, McCall found Kendall Berry for 19 yard gain to the ASU 26. However FIU's drive would end on a dropped pass and the Panthers were forced to attempt a 36-yard field goal that Dustin Rivest pounded through the uprights to put FIU on the board.
After ASU missed a field goal, the Panthers took the ball 79 yards in 2:45 for a touchdown to cut the score to 17-10 with 8:25 to go. On the drive McCall found Ellingson for a 24 yard reception that put the Panthers into ASU territory. Later in the drive, on 3rd and long, McCall connected with Ty Frierson who made several ASU defenders miss on his way to the Red Wolves' two-yard line for a 38-yard gain. Darriet Perry then ran it in untouched for his third score of the year.
FIU's defense again came up big, forcing an ASU punt. However, Ty Frierson fielded a punt that looked to be going into the endzone and he was brought down at FIU's five-yard line. Then on the second play of the drive, T.Y. Hilton caught a pass over the middle and was stripped of the ball, allowing the Red Wolves to take over deep in FIU's territory. ASU then scored on the first play they ran, making the score 24-10.
FIU's offense would not put up anymore points and the Red Wolves would add a late field goal to make the final score 27-10.
The Panthers return home next week as they host the Ragin' Cajuns of Louisiana on Halloween at noon.
Of note:
Captains for FIU: No.13 Toronto Smith, No. 27 John Ellis, No.32 Carlos Munera
With a reception in the first quarter against ASU, T.Y. Hilton has now caught a pass in 18 consecutive games after not having a reception in his collegiate debut.
Chuck Grace's second quarter interception is his first of the season and the second of his career.
The seven points given up in the first half by the FIU defense ties a season-low (WKU, 10/10)
With 7 tackles against ASU, Scott Bryant now has 270 for his career, placing him third on FIU's all-time tackles list. He passed Nick Turnbull who had 265.
