FIU Panthers beat Bryant Bulldogs in overtime

The FIU Panthers football team beat the Bryant Bulldogs in overtime, 38-37 in an offensive shootout. Kaushik Sampath wrote an article on this site about the “Five Games that should be on every fan’s calendar and this game wouldn’t be on the list. 24/7 sports has an article about the most competitive college football games in September (and this game wasn’t on the list). This game lived up to the competitiveness the teams on his list have. The teams “stood in front of each other” and gave each other their best punches. One team would take a few steps back and then get a “second wind” to come forward and attack. The game was so exciting that the teams had to play an extra period to see who would win.

Bulldogs took the lead early

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 16-0 lead in this game with touchdowns from running back Ishod Byarm and Jihad Edmond. Edmond caught a 21 yard pass for his touchdown and FIU was in trouble. Both scoring drives were over 10 plays. Then Florida International scored with starting quarterback Gunnar Holmberg staring and accounting for all 79 yards on the scoring play (63 passing, 16 rushing). The Panthers were staggered but then got their “second wind.”

FIU Quarterbacks led the offense well

Trailing 16-6, FIU was on the verge of losing as Bryant was on a drive to score and fumbled at the 1 yard line. After a punt, the Bulldogs were on the move again, getting down to the FIU 24. The Panther defense again responded with a turnover, sacking quarterback Gage Moloney and recovering a fumble. The offense came out with Grayson James at quarterback and drove for a touchdown. The Panthers scored again to complete the 16 point comeback and go up 23-16. But, Bryant was ready to go on the attack.

Both Bulldog and Panther offenses on fire in the 4th quarter

After FIU scored 14 straight, Bryant was “on their heels.” Zevi Eckhaus answered the surge and drove down the field. The FIU defense helped the drive with two defensive penalties but Bryant tied the score. Lexington Joseph ran the kickoff back to the FIU 40 and then caught a pass to get into Bulldog territory. A few plays later, Grayson James passed to Kris Mitchell for a 46 yard touchdown flurry against the Bulldog defense. Zevi Eckhaus took the offense back onto the field and began to march. A big 20 yard pass play to Matt Prochaska sparked the drive. Then, Eckhaus used his feet to scramble for 20 yards. The FIU defense helped again with two defensive penalties on the drive. Ishod Byarm scored from 1 yard out and FIU had to answer.