Coach Vegas and his Bowling Green Falcons hopped on a plane and headed towards South Beach to take on Coach Sneal and his FIU Panthers.
On their opening possession of the season, QB Bazelek hit TE Fannin Jr for a huge gain unfortunately, 1 play later backup RB Wimberly fumbled after a crushing blow. FIU didn't hesitate to put the pressure on the Falcon defense as they pounded the rock at will up the gut and broke a long TD.
Bazelek was able to rally the troops offensively and scored quickly to tie it up at 78. After a short FG by FIU, BGSU answered with another TD to go up 14-10. Then the defense got hot. Forcing back to back ints, ultimately leading to a 28-10 lead at the break.
The 2nd half was much more of the same for BGSU, as Bazelek spread the ball around including hitting impact TE Harold Fannin Jr for a total of 5 catches for 126 and backup TE Levi Gazarek for 2 catches 100 yards and a tuddy.
FIU kept the pressure on as their run game was moving the ball all game and their big TE made several huge plays late. But ultimately the Falcons were too much for the Panthers as BGSU wins 49-24.
Players of the Game-
Offensive- QB Conner Bazelek 22/25 387 yds, 3 total Tds
Defensive- SS Darius Lorfils 15 total tackles, 1 tfl, 1 int
The Florida International Panthers opened up their season with a home game against Bowling Green this week. With new HC SnealShiesty and playmakers Keyone Jenkins (QB) and Kejon Owens (RB), the Panthers had high hopes coming off of an abysmal 4-8 season in 2023.
Bowling Green marched the opening drive down the field with ease and took a 7 point lead. FIU's Owens matched the Falcons energy with an impressive 60 yard rushing TD. FIU starts the second quarter with a field goal to take a 10-7 lead. With the help of a pick 6, Vegas's Falcons catch fire and score 21 unanswered to go into the half with a 28-10 lead.
Backup RB Shomari Lawrence caps off an 11 play drive with a TD to try and get the Panthers back into the game at the start of the second half. BG returns the favor with an impressive 10 play TD drive of their own. Ultimately the Bowling Green offense proves to be too much for the Panthers defense. FIU gets big games from their offensive playmakers but couldn't get into the endzone consistently in their attempt to play catchup. The offense knows it can explode at any moment but there are major question marks surrounding the defense after this opening day loss. Unfortunately for Coach Shiesty and the Panthers, it doesn't get any easier in week 2 with the #1 Georgia Bulldogs coming to South Beach.
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