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FIU Falls to Jacksonville State on Last-Minute Field Goal in 27-24 Thriller
The Panthers rally twice to tie the game, but a late Jacksonville State field goal and a missed 49-yard attempt leave FIU with a heartbreaking Conference USA defeat.
FIU football suffered a narrow 27-24 loss to Jacksonville State on Tuesday night at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, as the Gamecocks connected on a game-winning field goal with just 44 seconds remaining.
The Panthers battled throughout the Conference USA matchup, overcoming an early deficit and tying the game twice. However, Jacksonville State kicker Garrison Rippa delivered from 26 yards out to put the Gamecocks ahead for good. FIU had one final opportunity to force overtime, but Robert Czeremcha's 49-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right as time expired.
The defeat dropped FIU to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in Conference USA play, while Jacksonville State improved to 5-2 and remained undefeated in conference action at 3-0.
Early Fireworks Set the Tone
Jacksonville State wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, taking a 7-0 lead on a 38-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Caden Creel to Luke Gilbert.
FIU responded with a big play of its own. Quarterback JJ Kohl connected with wide receiver Maguire Anderson on a 50-yard touchdown pass to even the score at 7-7.
The Gamecocks answered again before the end of the opening quarter, as Creel found Deondre Johnson for a 36-yard touchdown to give the home team a 14-7 advantage.
Jacksonville State added a 47-yard field goal early in the second quarter to extend its lead to 17-7.
The Panthers began to find their rhythm offensively, with Czeremcha converting a 33-yard field goal to cut the deficit to seven. FIU then delivered another explosive passing play, as Kohl found Anderson for a 30-yard touchdown with 1:41 remaining in the first half.
Anderson's second touchdown of the night tied the game at 17-17, capping an important response from the Panthers before halftime.
Jacksonville State Regains the Lead
The Gamecocks regained control in the third quarter with a four-yard touchdown run from Justus Savage, giving Jacksonville State a 24-17 advantage.
FIU answered with a lengthy scoring drive of its own. The Panthers marched 75 yards down the field before running back Devonte Lyons punched in an eight-yard touchdown to tie the game at 24-24 with just over a minute remaining in the third quarter.
The touchdown capped a 12-play drive that demonstrated FIU's ability to respond under pressure.
Neither team found the end zone again, setting up a tense fourth quarter with the game hanging in the balance.
Late Field Goal Decides the Game
With the score tied and less than five minutes remaining, Jacksonville State put together the decisive drive.
The Gamecocks advanced 82 yards over 13 plays, moving into field-goal range as the clock continued to wind down. Rippa then converted from 26 yards with 44 seconds remaining to give Jacksonville State a 27-24 lead.
FIU still had a chance to respond.
Kohl moved the Panthers down the field and connected with Anderson for a 24-yard completion to help put the team in position
Written by: Daniel Torres
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