FIU Athletics

MIAMI (Oct. 10, 2020) - Shaun Peterson Jr. rushed for a career-high 117 yards and two touchdowns, but FIU fell on Homecoming to Middle Tennessee by a score of 31-28.

The Panthers held a 28-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but a late touchdown by the Blue Raiders put MTSU up by three with 1:20 remaining in the game.

FIU's rushing attack was the highlight of Saturday afternoon, as Peterson, Jr. and D'vonte Price each crossed the century mark on the ground. Peterson, Jr. racked up a total of 117 yards and two touchdowns, while Price contributed 112 yards and one touchdown. Richard Dames led the Panthers defensively with eight total tackles and one pass breakup, while Josh Turner and Rishard Dames each logged an interception.

The Panther defense was hot early on as Turner picked off a pass by quarterback Asher O'Hara on MTSU's first possession and returned it for 22 yards to the Blue Raider 24-yard line. The takeaway set up Peterson, Jr. for a one-yard rushing score and gave FIU a quick 7-0 lead with 12:09 remaining in the opening period.

MTSU took their first lead with 9:09 left in the second quarter, going up by a score of 14-7 after two rushing touchdowns by O'Hara. FIU required only one play to answer back on its next possession, thanks to an electrifying 63-yard run by Peterson, who sliced through the middle of MTSU's defense and found the endzone for his second score of the day. The Blue Raiders tacked on a field goal before the end of the half to take a 17-14 lead into the locker room.

After the break, an exciting third period saw both teams combine for a total of 21 points. The Panthers struck first to go up 21-17 after capitalizing on excellent field position, stringing together a five-play scoring drive that ended with a seven-yard rushing touchdown from wideout Nate Jefferson. FIU fell behind again by a score of 24-21 when O'Hara countered with a six-yard touchdown through the air to wide receiver CJ Windham, but the Panthers clawed back with a 65-yard rushing score from Price on the ensuing possession and regained a 28-24 lead.

The fourth quarter saw a defensive stalemate most of the way, but the Blue & Gold came up just short after O'Hara completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jarrin Pierce on the Blue Raiders' final possession of the game.

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