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[kblu54]

FIU makes incredible late comeback, pulls upset in overtime
FIU Football News

Down 54-42 late in their game against visiting #12 Miami, the Golden Panthers' chances looked bleak. But following a Roderick Anderson interception, FIU was able to get 3 huge plays down the stretch to force overtime. In overtime, DE Mark Hill blocked Miami's extra point attempt to complete the comeback and give FIU an improbable 64-63 overtime upset over the ranked Hurricanes.

A wild, back-and-forth shootout that never let up on the excitement saw both teams combine for 127 points, 1070 yards of total offense and 6 lead changes. The #12-ranked Hurricanes built a seemingly insurmountable 54-42 lead with less than 3 minutes to play, but that's just when the final fun began to start. OLB Anderson's interception gave new life to FIU, as sophomore QB DeMarcus Jean found junior WR Shannon Ernst for an 83-yard catch-and-run TD to cut the lead to 5. Miami recovered the ensuing onside kick, but was held to a field goal with only 25 seconds to play. After the kickoff and with time running out, Jean tossed a screen pass to senior RB Casey Simmons who busted through the Miam defense for an incredible 76-yard TD reception with no time remaining. Down 57-55, FIU was forced to go for two and Jean found top target WR Donald Anderson for the conversion to send the game into OT.

In overtime, FIU took the first possession and worked down the field, but junior WR Jason Morgan was stopped at the 1-yard line on 3rd down. On 4th & 1, head coach Kyle Borland elected to go for it and it payed off, as Jean threw his 5th TD pass of the day to TE Mike Hamilton to give FIU the lead. On Miami's possession, DE Terrell Faaeteete, starting in place of their injured fullback, took a handoff and rumbled 18 yards for a TD. Hill broke through the line for the Panthers and blocked the extra point, giving FIU the win.

"I knew we had nothing to lose," Coach Borland said about the decision to go for the TD in overtime. "We had come so far and I figured that we had to take a chance, and it worked. I just can't believe the composure these guys showed today. Down by so much so late, I did not expect us to even have a chance to tie the game. But we played our cards right and got AMAZING plays out of Ernst and Simmons. I can't say enough about our team. Incredible, just incredible."

FIU's win boosted them to a 3-1 record and was their 2nd win over a Top 25-ranked team this season. This game was sweet revenge from the beatdown they suffered last year at the hands of the Hurricanes. Miami demolished FIU 58-17 last season, but now the Panthers have the last laugh.

"I don't know where to go from here," Coach Borland said. "I'd like to say we have a good shot at a good bowl game, but I'm really jumping the gun here. We have a long and tough conference stretch coming up, and I want my guys to stay focused on the Sun Belt title first and foremost. I guess we'll just relish in this win and use the momentum for next week."

QB Jean, who has had solid games the last two weeks, got off to a rough start by throwing 2 interceptions in the 1st half, including one returned for a TD. He recovered well in the 2nd half and overtime though, staying focused in leading the Panthers on their comeback. Jean finished with a career-high 409 yards passing on 22-of-35 passing, tossing a career-high 5 TDs despite getting picked off 3 times. Simmons came off a rough game last week at Bowling Green and was one the FIU's biggest playmakers. Simmons was decent in the running game (95 yards, including a 62-yard TD run) but was extremely clutch in the passing game. Simmons caught 5 passes for 126 yards and 2 TDs, both scored with no time remaining on the clock. His 1st TD catch was a 53-yard scamper off a screen pass as time expired in the 1st half, cutting the halftime deficit to 38-35. His 2nd TD was obviously the biggest play of the game, as Simmons rumbled 76 yards with no time left to help FIU force overtime.

WR Donald Anderson was also solid in the passing game with 113 yards on 8 catches, while TE Hamilton caught 2 TDs. Backup senior RB Justin Peterson had a 27-yard TD run in the 3rd quarter and returned a 1st-quarter kickoff for a TD.

As for the shocked Hurricanes, RB Javarris James was awesome in the running game, torching the Panthers defense for 254 yards rushing on 35 carries and 3 TDs. QB Adam Collier threw for 252 yards and 3 TDs, while DE Mike Justice recorded 6 tackles, including 5 for a loss, and returned an interception for a TD.

The teams combined for 52 points in a wild 1st quarter. Besides the game-winning blocked extra point, the FIU defense also blocked 2 field goals to aid in the win.

FIU puts their non-conference schedule on hold for now and will open Sun Belt play next week. The Panthers will welcome Arkansas State to FIU Stadium for the conference opener for both teams.

Box Score

MIA 24 14 7 12 6 - 63
FIU 28 7 7 15 7 - 64

1st --- MIA --- Cantrell 57 pass from Collier (Davis kick)
1st --- FIU --- Simmons 62 run (Woodard kick)
1st --- FIU --- J. Anderson 75 INT return (Woodard kick)
1st --- MIA --- Shields 75 pass from Collier (Davis kick)
1st --- FIU --- Peterson 92 kick return (Woodard kick)
1st --- FIU --- Hamilton 27 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
1st --- MIA --- James 65 run (Davis kick)
1st --- MIA --- Davis 43 FG
2nd --- MIA --- Justice 21 INT return (Davis kick)
2nd --- MIA --- James 55 run (Davis kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Simmons 53 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
3rd --- FIU --- Peterson 27 run (Woodard kick)
3rd --- MIA --- Levine 42 pass from Collier (Davis kick)
4th --- MIA --- Davis 38 FG
4th --- MIA --- James 20 run (pass failed)
4th --- FIU --- Ernst 83 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
4th --- MIA --- Davis 45 FG
4th --- FIU --- Simmons 76 pass from Jean (Jean pass to D. Anderson)
1OT --- FIU --- Hamilton 1 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
1OT --- MIA --- Faaeteete 18 run (kick blocked)

Team Stats

1st Downs: MIA --- 17 ... FIU --- 19
Total Offense: MIA --- 550 ... FIU --- 520
Rushing: MIA --- 46-298 ... FIU --- 28-111
Passing (C-A-I): MIA --- 10-18-2 ... FIU --- 22-35-3
Pass Yards: MIA --- 252 ... FIU --- 409
Sacked: MIA --- 5 ... FIU --- 2
3rd Down Conversions: MIA --- 5-16 ... FIU --- 5-12
Turnovers: MIA --- 3 ... FIU --- 6

Individual Stats

MIAMI

Collier, QB --- 10 - 18 - 252 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT; 9 att. - 22 yds

James, RB --- 35 att. - 254 yds, 3 TD
Faaeteete, DE --- 2 att. - 22 yds, TD

Sam Shields, WR --- 4 rec. - 108 yds, TD
Cory Levine, TE --- 4 rec. - 80 yds, TD
Alex Cantrell, WR --- 1 rec. - 57 yds, TD

Randy Phillips, CB --- 11 tkls (1 TFL)
Jeremy Graham, FS --- 6 tkls, INT
Mike Justice, DE --- 6 tkls (5 TFL), INT, TD
Kenny Phillips, SS --- 5 tkls (1 TFL), INT
Eric Moncur, DE --- 4 tkls (4 TFL), 1 sack

FIU

Jean, QB --- 22 - 35 - 409 yds, 5 TD, 3 INT; 4 att. - (-16) yds

Simmons, RB --- 21 att. - 95 yds, TD; 5 rec. - 126 yds, 2 TD
Peterson, RB --- 3 att. - 32 yds, TD; 212 KR yds, 92-yd KR TD

D. Anderson, WR --- 8 rec. - 113 yds
Morgan, WR --- 4 rec. - 24 yds
Hamilton, TE --- 2 rec. - 28 yds, 2 TD
Ernst, WR --- 1 rec. - 83 yds, TD

Townes, MLB --- 10 tkls (5 TFL), 3 sacks
Moore, OLB --- 7 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack, FF
Razzano, SS --- 6 tkls (2 TFL), 1 blk
Mason, DE --- 5 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack
R. Anderson, OLB --- 4 tkls (1 TFL), INT, 1 blk
J. Anderson, CB --- 3 tkls, INT, FR, TD

[kblu54]

Top 25 Week 4 Results

#1 USC 38, Cal 7
#3 Oklahoma 49, Utah State 6
#4 Texas 56, Troy 7
#7 Oklahoma State 59, #22 Indiana 35
#8 West Virginia 35, Mississippi State 14
#9 Florida State 35, #17 Virginia Tech 20
#10 LSU 38, Georgia 13
#11 Wisconsin 38, Middle Tennessee State 7
FIU 64, #12 Miami 63 (OT)
#13 Texas Tech 41, Kansas 10
#14 Florida 49, #16 Tennessee 35
#15 Nebraska 62, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 0
#18 Auburn 42, Wyoming 7
#19 Arkansas 42, North Texas 14
#25 Texas A&M 48, #20 Alabama 14
#21 Boise State 42, Baylor 7
#23 Georgia Tech 45, McNeese State 3
#24 Rutgers 39, Penn State 7

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (1) USC (33)
2 (2) Ohio State (27)
3 (3) Oklahoma (1)
4 (4) Texas
5 (5) UCLA
6 (6) Michigan
7 (7) Oklahoma State
8 (8) West Virginia
9 (9) Florida State
10 (11) Wisconsin
11 (10) LSU
12 (14) Florida
13 (13) Texas Tech
14 (15) Nebraska
15 (18) Auburn
16 (19) Arkansas
17 (21) Boise State
18 (16) Tennessee
19 (25) Texas A&M
20 (23) Georgia Tech
21 (12) Miami
22 (17) Virginia Tech
23 (24) Rutgers
24 (NR) TCU
25 (NR) Arizona State

Heisman Watch

1) Seth Newell, WR, Oklahoma >>>
2) Ian Siegel, WR, Texas ^^^
3) Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech ^^^
4) Patrick White, QB, West Virginia ^^^
5) Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma ^^^

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Rocky Hinds, QB, UNLV
20 - 23 - 404 yds; 7 att. - 34 yds, 6 total TD

Defense:
Nick Crum, OLB, Texas Tech
10 tkls (5 TFL), 2 sacks, INT, FF, FR

Sun Belt Players of the Week

Offense:
Casey Simmons, RB, FIU
5 rec. - 126 yds, 2 TD; 21 att. - 95 yds, TD

Defense:
Julian Anderson, CB, FIU
3 tkls, INT, TD

Sun Belt Standings (after Week 4)

1) Florida International --- 3-1 (0-0 Sun Belt)
2) Arkansas State --- 1-2 (0-0)
3) Middle Tennessee State --- 1-2 (0-0)
4) UL-Lafayette --- 1-3 (0-0)
5) North Texas --- 1-3 (0-0)
6) Troy --- 0-3 (0-0)
7) UL-Monroe --- 0-4 (0-0)
8) Florida Atlantic --- 0-3 (0-0)

[kblu54]

FIU makes another 4th quarter comeback, wins in overtime again
FIU Football News

FIU must love the drama.

The Golden Panthers made another 4th-quarter comeback, mostly thanks to the arm of sophomore QB DeMarcus Jean, and pulled out their 2nd straight victory in overtime, 52-45 over visiting Arkansas State.

Jean threw for 407 yards and 5 TDs, including 3 of those TD passes in the 4th quarter, as FIU erased a 38-24 deficit to send the game into OT tied at 45. The Panthers actually had a chance to win it in regulation, but junior kicker Terence Woodard had his 49-yard attempt hit the bottom of the crossbar and bounce short. In overtime, senior RB Casey Simmons ran well and scored the go-ahead TD on a 1-yard plunge. On the ensuing possession for Arkansas State, QB Luke Carter's 4th-down pass was thrown behind the receiver and fell incomplete to seal the Panthers' win.

"It has been a wild ride with Jean this season, but I obviously can't complain," head coach Kyle Borland said after the game. "He's been off at times, but for the most part has been the most underrated player on the field. We didn't come into the season looking to throw the ball so much, but we call the plays on offense depending on how the game situation dictates. Lately, we've had to turn to the passing game to move the ball, and it's been a pleasant surprise to see it working."

Jean threw for over 400 yards and 5 TDs for the 2nd consecutive game, and has seen enormous improvement from last season. As a freshman last season, Jean only threw for just over 2200 yards and only 10 TDs. So far this season, Jean is already well over 1500 yards and has tossed 17 TDs, including 10 in the pase two games that matched last year's total.

"Coach is just putting the ball in my hands and asking me to perform," Jean said. "I would love to just hand the ball off and watch the back go, but sometimes you can't do that. I'm just glad my receivers have been making so many plays and my line has been clutch when we need it."

Making plays indeed, as Jean's 5 TD passes went to 5 separate receivers. Top target WR Donald Anderson led FIU with 146 yard receiving on 7 catches and a 1st-quarter TD. WRs Jason Morgan and J.J. Smith, TE Mike Hamilton and RB Casey Simmons each caught a TD pass to help out on the comeback. Simmons was also a force in the running game with 127 yards rushing on 27 carries and 2 rushing TDs, giving him a total of 3 scores on the day. Freshman TE Chris Hendrix had a career day despite not scoring, pulling in 5 receptions for 65 yards.

As for the Indians, they got a big game out of RB Reggie Arnold in the loss. Arnold, who missed last year's FIU-Arkansas State matchup due to injury, shredded the FIU defense for 212 yards on 23 carries and 3 TDs. QB Carter threw for 187 yards and 2 TDs and INT, while CB Troy Hampton led the Indian defense with 11 tackles, including 2 for a loss, 1 sack and a forced fumble.

In the injury department, the Panthers suffered a loss on the offensive line as G Fred McNeal went down in the 3rd quarter with a shoulder injury. The injury turned out to be much worse than expected, as McNeal was diagnosed with a torn shoulder muscle and will miss the remainder of the regular season. McNeal, a sophomore, was denied a medical redshirt due to already having a redshirt season.

The 4-1 Panthers get a bye next week before staying at home to welcome the Troy Trojans. FIU had a wild 1st-half shootout with the Trojans last year before a terrible 2nd-half performance, losing 61-35. FIU has already gotten revenge from 3 losses from last season and will be looking to get #4 against Troy.

Box Score

ASU 14 7 17 7 0 - 45
FIU 14 10 0 21 7 - 52

1st --- FIU --- D. Anderson 17 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
1st --- ASU --- Arnold 66 run (Patterson kick)
1st --- ASU --- Arnold 39 run (Patterson kick)
1st --- FIU --- Simmons 76 run (Woodard kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Woodard 36 FG
2nd --- ASU --- Williams 69 pass from Carter (Patterson kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Smith 21 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
3rd --- ASU --- Patterson 26 FG
3rd --- ASU --- King 6 pass from Carter (Patterson kick)
3rd --- ASU --- Arnold 34 run (Patterson kick)
4th --- FIU --- Simmons 31 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
4th --- ASU --- Brooks 10 run (Patterson kick)
4th --- FIU --- Morgan 58 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
4th --- FIU --- Hamilton 6 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
1OT --- FIU --- Simmons 1 run (Woodard kick)

Team Stats

1st Downs: ASU --- 13 ... FIU --- 23
Total Offense: ASU --- 410 ... FIU --- 531
Rushing: ASU --- 30-223 ... FIU --- 43-124
Passing (C-A-I): ASU --- 14-24-2 ... FIU --- 22-31-2
Pass Yards: ASU --- 187 ... FIU --- 407
Sacked: ASU --- 2 ... FIU --- 5
3rd Down Conversions: ASU --- 5-12 ... FIU --- 7-14
Turnovers: ASU --- 3 ... FIU --- 4

Individual Stats

ARKANSAS STATE

Luke Carter, QB --- 14 - 24 - 187 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT

Reggie Arnold, RB --- 23 att. - 212 yds, 3 TD; 3 rec. - 21 yds
Peter Brooks, RB --- 1 att. - 10 yds, TD

Carl Williams, WR --- 3 rec. - 82 yds, TD
Andre Schroeder, TE --- 3 rec. - 43 yds

Troy Hampton, CB --- 11 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack, FF
Chaz Burns, SS --- 9 tkls (1 TFL), INT
Deon Evans, OLB --- 8 tkls (2 TFL), 2 sacks, FF

FIU

Jean, QB --- 22 - 31 - 407 yds, 5 TD, 2 INT; 12 att. - (-30) yds

Simmons, RB --- 27 att. - 127 yds, 2 TD; 1 rec. - 31 yds, TD
Peterson, RB --- 3 att. - 26 yds
Harris, FB --- 1 att. - 1 yd

D. Anderson, WR --- 7 rec. - 146 yds, TD
Hendrix, TE --- 5 rec. - 65 yds
Ernst, WR --- 3 rec. - 39 yds
Morgan, WR --- 3 rec. - 95 yds, TD
Hamilton, TE --- 2 rec. - 10 yds, TD
Smith, WR --- 1 rec. - 21 yds, TD

Razzano, SS --- 8 tkls (2 TFL)
Townes, MLB --- 4 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack
Hill, DE --- 4 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack

[kblu54]

Top 25 Week 5 Results

#1 USC 55, Arizona 17
#2 Ohio State 27, Penn State 17
#13 Texas Tech 45, #3 Oklahoma 34
#4 Texas 38, Baylor 28
#5 UCLA 52, Washington 27
Illinois 23, #6 Michigan 17
#7 Oklahoma State 59, Iowa State 10
#8 West Virginia 35, Syracuse 18
#9 Florida State 17, #20 Georgia Tech 3
#10 Wisconsin 38, Northwestern 14
#11 LSU 31, Mississippi State 7
#12 Florida 35, Kentucky 0
#14 Nebraska 24, Kansas 16
#18 Tennessee 42, #15 Auburn 10
#16 Arkansas 23, Alabama 17
#17 Boise State 45, Hawaii 7
#19 Texas A&M 37, Kansas State 20
#21 Miami 38, N.C. State 14
#22 Virginia Tech 62, Duke 13
#23 Rutgers 31, Pittsburgh 28
#24 TCU 27, New Mexico 13
Cal 35, #25 Arizona State 22

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (1) USC (37)
2 (2) Ohio State (22)
3 (4) Texas (1)
4 (5) UCLA (1)
5 (7) Oklahoma State
6 (8) West Virginia
7 (9) Florida State
8 (11) Wisconsin
9 (13) Texas Tech
10 (3) Oklahoma
11 (11) LSU
12 (12) Florida
13 (14) Nebraska
14 (18) Tennessee
15 (16) Arkansas
16 (17) Boise State
17 (6) Michigan
18 (19) Texas A&M
19 (21) Miami
20 (23) Rutgers
21 (22) Virginia Tech
22 (15) Auburn
23 (24) TCU
24 (20) Georgia Tech
25 (NR) Indiana

Heisman Watch

1) Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech ^^^
2) Seth Newell, WR, Oklahoma <<<
3) Patrick Turner, WR, USC ^^^
4) Patrick White, QB, West Virginia >>>
5) Ian Siegel, WR, Texas <<<

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Bobby Reid, QB, Oklahoma State
17 - 24 - 281 yds; 9 att. - 36 yds, 7 total TD

Defense:
Cameron Hall, OLB, Georgia
7 tkls (1 TFL), 2 INT, FF, TD

Sun Belt Players of the Week

Offense:
Reggie Arnold, RB, Arkansas State
23 att. - 212 yds, 3 TD; 3 rec. - 21 yds

Defense:
Corey Schmidt, OLB, Florida Atlantic
3 tkls, INT, TD

Sun Belt Standings (after Week 5)

1) Florida International --- 4-1 (1-0 Sun Belt)
2) Middle Tennessee State --- 2-2 (1-0)
3) Florida Atlantic --- 1-3 (1-0)
4) Troy --- 1-3 (0-0)
5) UL-Lafayette --- 1-4 (0-0)
6) Arkansas State --- 1-3 (0-1)
7) North Texas --- 1-4 (0-1)
8) UL-Monroe --- 0-5 (0-1)

[kblu54]

Top 25 Week 6 Results

#1 USC 35, Washington State 21
#10 Oklahoma 31, #3 Texas 29
#4 UCLA 52, Stanford 3
#5 Oklahoma State 42, Colorado 21
#6 West Virginia 35, #20 Rutgers 28
#7 Florida State 34, Wake Forest 7
#17 Michigan 31, #8 Wisconsin 28
#13 Nebraska 31, #9 Texas Tech 13
Ole Miss 24, #12 Florida 20
#14 Tennessee 59, South Carolina 10
#18 Texas A&M 55, Iowa State 7
#19 Miami 35, Duke 21
Louisville 34, #21 Virginia Tech 17
#23 TCU 38, Wyoming 13
Iowa 38, #25 Indiana 21

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (1) USC (39)
2 (2) Ohio State (21)
3 (4) UCLA (1)
4 (5) Oklahoma State
5 (6) West Virginia
6 (7) Florida State
7 (10) Oklahoma
8 (3) Texas
9 (13) Nebraska
10 (11) LSU
11 (14) Tennessee
12 (15) Arkansas
13 (17) Michigan
14 (8) Wisconsin
15 (9) Texas Tech
16 (16) Boise State
17 (18) Texas A&M
18 (19) Miami
19 (22) Auburn
20 (12) Florida
21 (23) TCU
22 (20) Rutgers
23 (24) Georgia Tech
24 (NR) Michigan State
25 (NR) Iowa

Heisman Watch

1) Patrick Turner, WR, USC ^^^
2) Seth Newell, WR, Oklahoma >>>
3) Bobby Reid, QB, Oklahoma State ^^^
4) Patrick White, QB, West Virginia >>>
5) Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech <<<

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Bobby Reid, QB, Oklahoma State
22 - 35 - 341 yds; 17 att. - 138 yds, 5 total TD

Defense:
Bernard Payne, OLB, Tennessee
6 tkls (4 TFL), 2 sacks, INT, 2 FF, TD

Sun Belt Players of the Week

Offense:
Aaron Lundy, RB, North Texas
19 att. - 188 yds, 2 TD

Defense:
Deon Evans, OLB, Arkansas State
8 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack, FR

Sun Belt Standings (after Week 6)

1) Florida International --- 4-1 (1-0 Sun Belt)
2) Middle Tennessee State --- 2-3 (1-0)
3) Florida Atlantic --- 1-4 (1-0)
4) Arkansas State --- 2-3 (1-1)
5) North Texas --- 2-4 (1-1)
6) UL-Lafayette --- 1-4 (0-0)
7) Troy --- 1-4 (0-1)
8) UL-Monroe --- 0-6 (0-2)

[kblu54]

FIU overcomes 6 turnovers with strong defense to win 3rd straight
FIU Football News

After 2 incredible comebacks the last two weeks, it must've been a relief for FIU to not have to play from behind. But winning was not easy, as the Golden Panthers had to overcome 6 turnovers and a poor outing from their offense to beat the visiting Troy Trojans 21-10.

FIU, after giving up an average of 54 points the last two weeks and nearly 39 for the entire season, was very stout on defense against Troy, holding them to only 222 yards of total offense and forcing 5 turnovers. Troy's only scores came off a 1st-quarter punt return and a 2nd-quarter field goal, as FIU did not allow Troy into the red zone at all during the 2nd half. The Panthers recorded 4 interceptions and an amazing 12 sacks on hurried QB Todd Hamilton, led by senior DE Adrian Mason who picked up 5 sacks and an interception.

Sophomore QB DeMarcus Jean, who had been great in FIU's two comebacks, was off-target today in a lackadasical effort from the offense. Jean completed 14-of-25 passes for 180 yards and a TD, but his 4 interceptions nearly cost FIU the game. Jean got no help from the running game, as senior RB Casey Simmons only managed 80 yards on 19 carries, but did score a 3rd-quarter TD to give FIU their 1st lead of the day. Jean also ran for 23 yards on 11 carries himself. FIU only put up 278 yards of total offense, almost half of what they had put up the past two weeks.

For Troy, QB Hamilton had a rough game against the blitzing Panthers, completing 15-of-26 passes for only 169 yards and threw 4 interceptions. Hamilton, a dual threat QB, ran well when not getting sacked, but still finished with -6 yards on 19 carries. MLB Alex Bernard led the Trojan defense with 6 tackles, including 1 for a loss, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble.

It was a big recruiting weekend for FIU, as they had 4 recruits in the crowd. Hopefully the win will boost the Panthers recruiting field, but continuing the winning streak will look better. FIU will hit the road next week to take on a North Texas team on a 2-game winning streak. The Panthers beat the Mean Green in the regular season finale last year 28-6, ruining North Texas' bid for the Sun Belt championship.

Box Score

TROY 7 3 0 0 - 10
FIU 0 7 7 7 - 21

1st --- TROY --- Kennedy 74 punt return (Hall kick)
2nd --- TROY --- Hall 35 FG
2nd --- FIU --- Hamilton 1 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
3rd --- FIU --- Simmons 23 run (Woodard kick)
4th --- FIU --- J. Anderson 67 INT return (Woodard kick)

Team Stats

1st Downs: TROY --- 13 ... FIU --- 17
Total Offense: TROY --- 222 ... FIU --- 278
Rushing: TROY --- 33-53 ... FIU --- 33-98
Passing (C-A-I): TROY --- 15-26-4 ... FIU --- 14-25-4
Pass Yards: TROY --- 169 ... FIU --- 180
Sacked: TROY --- 12 ... FIU --- 5
3rd Down Conversions: TROY --- 3-12 ... FIU --- 5-12
Turnovers: TROY --- 5 ... FIU --- 6

Individual Stats

TROY

Todd Hamilton, QB --- 15 - 26 - 169 yds, 4 INT; 19 att. - (-6) yds

Brandon Stallings, FB --- 13 att. - 60 yds

John Horne, TE --- 3 rec. - 30 yds
Kevin Coleman, WR --- 3 rec. - 44 yds
Ricky Price, WR --- 3 rec. - 36 yds

James Huff, OLB --- 7 tkls (2 TFL)
Alex Bernard, MLB --- 6 tkls (1 TFL), 1 sack, INT, FF
James Carter, OLB --- 4 tkls (3 TFL), 1 sack

Kevin Kennedy, WR --- 74-yd PR TD

FIU

Jean, QB --- 14 - 25 - 180 yds, 1 TD, 4 INT; 11 att. - 23 yds

Simmons, RB --- 19 att. - 80 yds, TD
Harris, FB --- 1 att. - 2 yds
Peterson, RB --- 2 att. - (-7) yds

D. Anderson, WR --- 4 rec. - 59 yds
Morgan, WR --- 3 rec. - 46 yds
Hendrix, TE --- 2 rec. - 29 yds
Ernst, WR --- 2 rec. - 27 yds
Hamilton, TE --- 1 rec. - 1 yd, TD

Mason, DE --- 8 tkls (5 TFL), 5 sacks, INT
Owens, FS --- 7 tkls, INT
Townes, MLB --- 6 tkls (4 TFL), 4 sacks
Hill, DE --- 6 tkls (2 TFL), 2 sacks
J. Anderson, CB --- 3 tkls, 2 INT, TD

[kblu54]

Top 25 Week 7 Results

#1 USC 33, Washington 12
#2 Ohio State 35, #14 Wisconsin 13
#3 UCLA 24, Arizona 9
#4 Oklahoma State 59, #17 Texas A&M 24
#5 West Virginia 59, Louisville 24
#6 Florida State 48, #18 Miami 17
#7 Oklahoma 24, Kansas State 7
#8 Texas 49, Missouri 14
#9 Nebraska 48, Baylor 10
#20 Florida 31, #10 LSU 27
#11 Tennessee 38, Georgia 14
#19 Auburn 42, #12 Arkansas 21
#13 Michigan 31, Purdue 17
#15 Texas Tech 45, Maryland 21
#16 Boise State 52, San Jose State 7
Ole Miss 13, #21 TCU 10
Syracuse 20, #22 Rutgers 7
#23 Georgia Tech 21, Duke 14
#25 Iowa 24, #24 Michigan State 10

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (2) Ohio State (37)
2 (1) USC (21)
3 (3) UCLA (1)
4 (4) Oklahoma State (1)
5 (5) West Virginia (1)
6 (6) Florida State
7 (7) Oklahoma
8 (8) Texas
9 (9) Nebraska
10 (11) Tennessee
11 (13) Michigan
12 (15) Texas Tech
13 (16) Boise State
14 (19) Auburn
15 (20) Florida
16 (10) LSU
17 (12) Arkansas
18 (14) Wisconsin
19 (17) Texas A&M
20 (23) Georgia Tech
21 (25) Iowa
22 (NR) Clemson
23 (18) Miami
24 (NR) Illinois
25 (NR) UNLV

Heisman Watch

1) Bobby Reid, QB, Oklahoma State ^^^
2) Rocky Hinds, QB, UNLV ^^^
3) Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech ^^^
4) Patrick White, QB, West Virginia >>>
5) Ian Siegel, WR, Texas ^^^

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Adam Yates, RB, Florida State
4 rec. - 122 yds, 3 TD; 12 att. - 76 yds

Defense:
Myron Rolle, SS, Florida State
4 tkls, 3 INT, 2 TD

Sun Belt Players of the Week

Offense:
Reggie Arnold, RB, Arkansas State
23 att. - 147 yds, 3 TD; 2 rec. - 56 yds, TD

Defense:
Andre Swanson, MLB, UL-Monroe
11 tkls (3 TFL), 1 sack, 2 INT, FF

Sun Belt Standings (after Week 7)

1) Florida International --- 5-1 (2-0 Sun Belt)
2) Florida Atlantic --- 2-4 (2-0)
3) North Texas --- 3-4 (2-1)
4) Middle Tennessee State --- 2-4 (1-0)
5) Arkansas State --- 2-4 (1-2)
6) UL-Lafayette --- 1-5 (0-1)
7) Troy --- 1-5 (0-2)
8) UL-Monroe --- 1-6 (0-2)

FIU's fast start pulls in 2 in-state recruits
FIU Football News

Following a 3-9 campaign last season and with a low amount of seniors, head coach Kyle Borland only needed to pull in 9 recruits total. This season, with a better record and more to replace, Coach Borland is already making some noise in the recruiting trail. Following the victory over Troy, FIU received news that two Florida-born recruits submitted their letters of intent to play for the Golden Panthers.

The FIU defense, which has been inconsistent in Coach Borland's first two seasons, seems to be getting some help in two incoming defensive recruits from Florida. MLB Nathan Jenkins and CB Melvin Johnson committed to the Golden Panthers after their official visit last week. Both recruits noted the tough defense they saw against the Trojans last week.

Jenkins, a 3-star backer out of Palm Coast, FL, brings some much-needed help to the middle of the defense. A position that blitzes often, Jenkins should be a force in the pass rush and run game departments. Johnson, a 3-star corner out of Rockledge, FL, brings some depth to the Panthers secondary. FIU will lose two seniors at the corner spots following the season, so Johnson should make an immediate impact.

Several other recruits submitted soft verbals following the win, while another recruit scheduled an official visit for FIU's upcoming non-conference game against Connecticut.

FIU travels to take on North Texas next week

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Jean accounts for 4 TDs as FIU avoids scare against North Texas
FIU Football News

Sophomore QB DeMarcus Jean continued his amazing season by accounting for 4 TDs to bounce back from a poor effort against Troy and lead the Golden Panthers to their 4th straight win and keeping their unbeaten conference streak intact.

Jean threw for 372 yards and 3 TDs and added another TD on the ground as FIU overcame a 14-7 1st-quarter deficit to win 31-24. Jean threw 2 TD passes in the 2nd quarter to help send FIU into the halftime break up 21-14, then added another in the 3rd quarter to add to the Panthers' insurmountable lead. The Mean Green made a late comeback but it wasn't enough.

Top target WR Donald Anderson led the Panther receiving corps with 149 yards on 8 catches, but it was WR Jason Morgan who was doing all the scoring. Morgan caught 4 balls for 93 yards and scored twice for his best game of the season. Freshman TE Chris Hendrix added 55 yards receiving and caught a TD as well. As for the running game, it was solid enough to help out the passing game. Senior RB Casey Simmons piled up 111 yards on the ground, and also helped out in the passing game with 31 yards receiving.

As for North Texas, QB Ken Coleman threw for 314 yards and 2 TDs in the loss. RB Aaron Lundy ran for 54 yards and a TD, while DE Bobby Hamilton piled up 16 tackles, including 7 for a loss.

The Panthers will get a break from conference play next week, as they travel back home to welcome visiting Connecticut for another recruiting weekend. Two recruits will visit Miami as FIU looks to add to their recruiting commit list.

Box Score

NT 14 0 3 7 - 24
FIU 7 14 7 3 - 31

1st --- NT --- Mobley 70 pass from Coleman (Alston kick)
1st --- FIU --- Jean 1 run (Woodard kick)
1st --- NT --- Lundy 44 run (Alston kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Morgan 30 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Hendrix 27 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
3rd --- FIU --- Morgan 22 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
3rd --- NT --- Alston 43 FG
4th --- FIU --- Woodard 40 FG
4th --- NT --- Moses 71 pass from Coleman (Alston kick)

Team Stats

1st Downs: NT --- 11 ... FIU --- 25
Total Offense: NT --- 347 ... FIU --- 477
Rushing: NT --- 10-33 ... FIU --- 51-87
Passing (C-A-I): NT --- 17-30-1 ... FIU --- 22-40-1
Pass Yards: NT --- 314 ... FIU --- 390
Sacked: NT --- 3 ... FIU --- 5
3rd Down Conversions: NT --- 1-8 ... FIU --- 16-24
Turnovers: NT --- 1 ... FIU --- 2

Individual Stats

NORTH TEXAS

Ken Coleman, QB --- 17 - 30 - 314 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT

Aaron Lundy, RB --- 6 att. - 54 yds, TD

Lance Tyler, TE --- 5 rec. - 22 yds
Pat Rosario, WR --- 3 rec. - 70 yds
Chaz Mobley, WR --- 2 rec. - 77 yds, TD
Mark Moses, WR --- 2 rec. - 82 yds, TD

Bobby Hamilton, DE --- 16 tkls (7 TFL)
Lamar Carter, OLB --- 12 tkls (5 TFL), 2 sacks
Demetrius Washington, SS --- 9 tkls

FIU

Jean, QB --- 20 - 37 - 372 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT; 10 att. - (-30) yds, TD
Ferguson, QB --- 2 - 3 - 18 yds

Simmons, RB --- 34 att. - 111 yds; 3 rec. - 31 yds
Peterson, RB --- 6 att. - 12 yds

D. Anderson, WR --- 8 rec. - 149 yds
Morgan, WR --- 4 rec. - 93 yds, 2 TD
Hamilton, TE --- 3 rec. - 45 yds
Hendrix, TE --- 3 rec. - 55 yds, TD

Razzano, SS --- 4 tkls (1 TFL), 1 blk
R. Anderson, OLB --- 3 tkls (2 TFL), 2 sacks
Alexander, CB --- 1 tkl (1 TFL), 1 sack, INT