Share

 

FIU Dominates Defensively in 22–3 Victory Over New Mexico State

 

 

FIU opened Conference USA play in impressive fashion Wednesday night, defeating New Mexico State 22–3 at Pitbull Stadium in Miami. The Panthers relied on a dominant defensive performance and a record-tying effort from kicker Robert Czeremcha to secure their third win of the season.

FIU took control late in the first quarter after safety Wesley Miller intercepted an Aggies pass, setting up a nine-play, 53-yard scoring drive capped by Anthony Carrie’s one-yard touchdown run. New Mexico State responded with a field goal in the second quarter, but Czeremcha answered with a 40-yard kick to give the Panthers a 10–3 halftime advantage.

The Panthers extended their lead in the second half as Czeremcha connected on a 52-yard field goal early in the third quarter. FIU continued to capitalize on its defensive stops, adding another field goal later in the quarter to move ahead 16–3.

FIU’s defense sealed the victory in the fourth quarter. A strip sack by DeeJay Holmes Jr., recovered by Germaine Carter, helped set up another scoring opportunity. Miller then recorded his second interception of the game for FIU’s defense, allowing the Panthers to add their fifth field goal and finish with a 19-point victory.

Czeremcha was the standout performer, converting all five field-goal attempts from 40, 52, 33, 21 and 48 yards. His five successful kicks tied FIU’s single-game program record. Quarterback JJ Kohl completed 12 of 21 passes for 115 yards, while running back Devonte Lyons led the Panthers with 78 rushing yards. Carrie added the team’s lone touchdown.

Defensively, FIU forced three turnovers, recorded three sacks and held New Mexico State without a touchdown. The performance marked the second consecutive game in which the Panthers allowed three points or fewer, a first in program history.

With the victory, FIU improved to 3–2 overall and 1–0 in Conference USA play, extending its home winning streak to five games. The Panthers will look to carry that defensive momentum into their next matchup against Jacksonville State, while New Mexico State falls to 2–4 and heads into its bye week.

 

 

 

 

Written by: Daniel Torres