After keeping the game close early, FIU succumbs to high-powered UTSA offense in loss
FIU actually kept it close – for a while.
The Panthers, who entered Friday night as 33-point underdogs, played visiting Texas-San Antonio to a draw in the first quarter before falling, 30-10.
FIU (2-4 overall, 0-2 Conference USA) has lost 21 of its past 22 games against FBS teams.
The UTSA Roadrunners – the reigning Conference USA champions who are playing their final season in the league – improved to 5-2, 3-0.
UTSA quarterback Frank Harris, who entered the weekend leading FBS in total offense per game (375.2), had another big performance. The lefty thrower completed 24-of-35 passes for 303 yards and two touchdowns in just three quarters. He was not intercepted.
“UTSA is a good, physical football team,” FIU coach Mike MacIntyre said. “We had a chance to make it a closer game, but we have to find a way to get in the end zone more.”
FIU quarterback Grayson James, making his fifth straight start, completed 18-of-36 passes for 174 yards and one interception.
Playing without injured wide receiver Tyrese Chambers – who is considered FIU’s top player – the Panthers struggled to complete drives.
Two standouts for FIU were running back Lexington Joseph and wide receiver Kris Mitchell. Joseph had six carries for 56 yards, including a 35-yarder. Mitchell caught two passes for 70 yards, including a 55-yarder.
FIU kicker Chase Gabriel went 1-for-2 on field goals, both from 41 yards.
UTSA opened the scoring on with Jared Sackett’s 44-yard field goal with 13:01 left in the second quarter.
Harris then threw two touchdown passes later in the second quarter to put UTSA up, 17-3 at halftime. Harris completed a five-yard fade pass to Zakhari Franklin in the corner of the end zone for his first TD. Then, Harris beat pressure and connected with tight end Dan Dishman – who ran a crossing pattern -- on a 42-yard TD throw.
On FIU’s 51-yard march to its second-quarter field goal, James converted on a fourth-and-six pass to Mitchell, setting up Gabriel.
In the third quarter, UTSA got a pair of TD runs from Kevorian Barnes (nine and two yards), giving the Roadrunners a 30-3 lead.
FIU closed the scoring on third-string running back Kejon Owens’ first career touchdown – a 15-yard run.
THIS AND THAT
▪ FIU’s defense produced a big play in the first half when defensive back Jamal Potts forced a fumble. The ball was recovered by defensive tackle Davon Strickland.
▪ Linebacker Gaethan Bernadel led FIU’s defense with a career-high 15 tackles.
