Statement Win for FIU

In a dominant road performance, Florida International outplayed Western Kentucky 25-6 on Tuesday night, snapping a long road losing streak and handling the Hilltoppers their first Conference USA defeat of the season. The Panthers improve to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the conference meanwhile the Hilltoppers fall to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the conference. FIU outgained WKU 453 yards to 341, including 249 rushing yards. FIU forced three turnovers, two interceptions, by Jessiah McGrew and one by Mister Clark. WKU's QB Maverick McIvor threw three interceptions, finishing 20-for-31 for 159 yards.

FIU struck first via a 37-yard field goal on its opening drive, and added a 28-yard field goal later in the first quarter to lead 6-0. WKU responded with a 28-yard field goal to cut the lead 6-3 late in the first. In the second quarter, FIU extended the margin with another 37-yard field goal, then connecting on an eight-yard touchdown pass to make it 16-3. As the half closed, FIU's kicker Noah Grant drilled a 51-yard field goal. WKU countered with a 55-yard field goal by Jack Cassidy as time expired, making it 19-6.

Early in the third quarter FIU added a six-yard rushing touchdown to put the game out of reach, 25-6. The Panthers defense held WKU scoreless the rest of the way, shutting down their offense across the final two quarters. For FIU, this was a statement win: breaking a 10-game road losing streak, winning at a tough CUSA opponent, and winning their first CUSA game of 2025. This certainly should give the FIU Panthers confidence the rest of the season.

Next up for the FIU Panthers is a home game welcoming Kennesaw State to Pitbull Stadium.

Written by: Daniel Torres

Statement Win for FIU