MIAMI – Take a look back at the Panthers' 42-34 victory in double overtime over Louisiana Tech on Friday night as they rallied from a double-digit deficit for the second time this season to even their record at 4-4 overall and post back-to-back wins.
The Panthers return to action this weekend seeking their third consecutive victory as they travel to meet North Texas on Saturday, Nov. 5 in a 4 p.m. ET kickoff from Denton, Texas, that will be aired live on ESPN+.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM FRIDAY'S DOUBLE OVERTIME WIN OVER LOUISIANA TECH
- Friday's win marked FIU's second comeback from a double-digit deficit in 2022 – the first time in program history the Panthers have rallied for multiple victories when trailing by 10 or more in the same season.
- FIU's special teams provided numerous big plays to spark the victory, including a recovered kickoff attempt, a blocked field goal and connecting on a game-tying 28-yard field goal to force overtime with 16 seconds left in regulation.
- FIU sophomore quarterback Grayson James threw for over 300 yards for the second consecutive game with 321 yards (31-of-48) and three touchdowns in the win over the Bulldogs.
- James completed six passes on the final drive in regulation, including three to sophomore tight end Rivaldo Fairweather for a total of 41 yards, to set up the critical field goal - as the Panthers covered 69 yards in just 1:45.
- James has completed 70 percent of his pass attempts for a total of 627 yards and six TDs over the last two games - both FIU victories.
- Fairweather was clutch down the stretch as he finished with six catches for a team-high 89 yards – 84 of which came in the second half and overtime.
- Defensively, four players registered double-figure stops, including freshman Demetrius Hill and sophomore Gaethan Bernandel, who each posted 11. Hill also forced a pair of fumbles. Donovan Manuel and D'verick Daniel each tabbed 10 tackles.
- Senior linebacker Alex Nobles blocked a 29-yard field goal attempt by LTU's Jacob Barnes on the final play of the first half.
- Sophomore kicker Chase Gabriel drilled a 45-yard field goal in the third quarter – his second-longest of the season and his third over 40 yards.
- Freshman Hezikiah Masses recovered a kickoff attempt for the Panthers at the 7:17 mark of the second quarter at the LTU 29.
- Win snapped a seven-game losing streak vs. Conference USA opponents – dating back to a 24-17 win vs. Old Dominion on Nov. 21, 2019.
- The win also snapped a nine-game skid at home vs. FBS foes – dating back to a 30-24 win over Miami (Fla.) on Nov. 23, 2019 (game was played at Marlins Park/now LoanDepot Park).
- FIU is 2-0 in overtime this season and the win marked its first in the series with Louisiana Tech.
- Friday's victory marked the 50th of head coach Mike MacIntyre's career.
UP NEXT
The Panthers (4-4, 2-2 C-USA) take to the road to face North Texas (5-4, 4-1 C-USA) on Saturday, Nov. 5 in Denton, Texas in a contest that will be broadcast on ESPN+ beginning at 4 p.m. ET.
2022 SHULA BOWL
FIU returns to 'The Cage' in Miami for the 2022 edition of the Shula Bowl vs. Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Nov. 12.
The annual rivalry game is slated to kickoff at 7 p.m. ET –
Purchase Tickets Today Here
TICKETS
For more information on FIU Football season and individual tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the
FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following
@FIU.Football on Instagram and
@FIUFootball on Twitter and
Facebook.
General athletic news can also be found at
@FIUSports on Facebook and
@FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
