As the 2024 college football season heats up, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling clash between the Florida International University (FIU) Panthers and the Liberty Flames. Set to take place at Liberty Stadium, this matchup promises to be a high-octane affair, showcasing two dynamic Offenses with their eyes set on the top spot in the Conference.
Key Moments:
The game started off on a high note, by non-other than Quinton Cooley, with an opening play 75-yd TD run. That was just the start to an electric and high scoring 1st quarter showing between the 2 teams. FIU answered with a Touchdown of their own, by Kejon Owens on a 5-yd TD run to tie the game up at 7. Kaidon Salter looked to bounce back this season and he did just that to find Reese Smith down field for a 58-yd TD pass. FIU wasn't down in the 1st quarter when Kyle Mcneal caught a 9-yd pass from Haden Carlson to tie the game back up at 14 going into the 2nd quarter.
The 2 offenses didn't slow down at all, while Liberty hits a 42-yd FG on their next drive and then FIU finds the endzone again on a quick score by Haden Carlson to Eric Rivers 75-yd TD pass to take their first lead of the game, 21-17. This game was not all about Quinton Cooley, while Billy Lucas took over and found the endzone on a 34-yd TD run to put Liberty back on top. FIU offense looked unstoppable and had Liberty in trouble going into the half. Haden Carlson finds a weakness in liberty defense, and hits Ross Fournet for a 59-yd TD pass. but Liberty ends the half on a Nick Brown 30-yd FG and goes into the locker room down 28-27.
With the start of the 3rd quarter, with no surprise, both offenses find the endzone on quick into the quarter. Billy Lucas finds a hole and scores 33 yards out and then FIU gets a quick score of their own with a 60-yd TD pass from Haden Carlson. Haden Carlson and the FIU offense was clicking on all cylinders. Both Defenses showed up finally while they found stops throughout the 3rd quarter.
Liberty found themselves down entering the 4th quarter and FIU looked to run away with the game. Kaidon Salter opened up the 4th with a 2-yd scamper into the endzone and a successful 2-pt conversion to take a 42-35 lead. on the next FIU possession, Liberty defense woke up and picked off Haden Carlson to set Billy Lucas up on a 57-yd TD run. FIU wasn't done and Haden Carlson put that last drive in the pass, Carlson takes it himself 4 yards out to cut it to a one score game, 49-42 Liberty. FIU needed a stop on defense to stay in the game, but Liberty's ground attack leads them down the field in the closing minute to setup Nick Brown on a 27-yd FG.
The 27-yard field goal by Nick Brown, helps Liberty secure a 52-42 win over FIU.
After dropping a game to UMass a week prior, FIU stood another tall task having to travel to Liberty. Liberty, lead by an outstanding quarterback and running back, seemed to have a chokehold on Conference USA. First year head coach SnealShiesty and his team look to put a stop to that. Understanding that was a tall hill to climb, coach and his offense came in with a great offensive game plan but the Liberty offense was also up to the task.
The FIU offense lead by QB Haden Carlson and RB Kejon Owens looked to go toe to toe with the explosive Liberty offense. And they did just that, for most of the game at least. Both teams start quick getting in the endzone, answering one another in the first and second quarters. FIU takes a 28-27 lead into the half.
The two non-existent defenses decided to show up in the 3rd quarter only allowing each other a TD a piece. FIU leads 35-34 going into the 4th. The 4th quarter is all Liberty as they outscore the Panthers 18-7 in the quarter and go on to win what was an absolute shootout, 52-42.
FIU's Carlson's season high 481 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns were overshadowed by 4 costly turnovers. Coach Shiesty and FIU look to bounce back next week against a strong looking UTEP team.
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