MIAMI (Nov. 21, 2015) -- FIU couldn't close out a chance to become bowl-eligible as Western Kentucky defeated the Panthers, 63-7, in the 2015 season finale at Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium. The game was called with 5:03 left in the fourth quarter on account of lightning. It was the second lightning delay of the game.
 
FIU finished 5-7 in its 14^th season of football. The Panthers were 3-5 in Conference USA play. WKU improved to 9-2 and 7-0 in CUSA play. WKU will play Marshall for the C-USA East Division title next Friday.
 
WKU didn't waste time taking control of the game. The Hilltoppers scored 21 first quarter points.

On the second play of the game, WKU used a flea-flicker to produce its first touchdown. Quarterback Brandon Doughty pitched the ball to running back Anthony Wales, who flipped it back to Doughty, who connected with Taywan Taylor on a 73-yard touchdown pass. It was Doughty's 35^th touchdown pass of the season and Taylor's 14^th touchdown reception.
 
WKU running back D'Andre Ferby scored the first of his three rushing touchdowns less than 10 minutes after the WKU flea-flicker touchdown. Ferby had two 1-yard touchdown runs and a 3-yard touchdown run.
 
Defensive back Wonderful Terry capped the Hilltoppers scoring in the first half when he intercepted FIU quarterback Alex McGough and returned the pick 92 yards for a touchdown. WKU led 35-0 at halftime.
Doughty was 16-of-21 for 224 yards and three touchdowns. Doughty's third touchdown was the 100^th of his college career.
 
FIU ended a scoreless drought of seven quarters dating back to the Marshall game last week when Alex Gardner zig-zagged his way to the end zone on an 18-yard touchdown run with 14:13 left in the fourth quarter.
 
Gardner led FIU with 89 total yards. Gardner had 48 rushing yards and 41 receiving yards on 10 catches.

Prior to the game, FIU honor 18 seniors, who took the field for the final time in their FIU career. Trey Anderson, Juwan Caesar, Lamarq Caldwell, Akil Dan-Fodio, Darrian Dyson, Ya'Keem Griner,De'Shawn Hazziez, Lars Koht, Richard Leonard, Jephete Matilus, Jeremiah McKinnon, Aaron Nielsen,Denzell Perine, Luis Rosado, Anthon Samuel, Brandon Taylor, Clinton Taylor and Michael Wakefield were all be honored before the game.