Jamil Ferrer | Nov 15, 2025
FIU decided to take a flash into the past as Sun Blazer Field brought nostalgia and noise for their Nov 16, 2025 homecoming matchup against the Liberty Flames, racking up 14,167 fans in attendance.
Showcasing throwback jerseys, a samba-filled performance from the Wertheim FIU Marching Band and a special performance of the national anthem by FIU alum and staff member Allan Macaulay.
Yet the Panthers’ home-field advantage didn’t come without resistance as a massive turnout of Liberty fans packed the stadium in bright red.
The Flames struck first as they leaned on their ground game, feeding RB Evan Dickens with steady gains until they crossed into the red zone. With FIU on its heels, Liberty quarterback found WR Donte Lee Jr. for a 20-yard touchdown pass at 9:04 in the first quarter, giving the Flames the first score of the night and a 7–0 lead.
FIU wasted no time responding as they relied on both the run and pass game to move the sticks. RB Anthony Carrie opened the drive with a 6-yard run. Kejon Owens hauled in a 5-yard pass at 7:20, putting the Panthers in striking distance. QB Joe Pesansky capped the drive, keeping the ball and powering into the end zone with 4:55 remaining to tie the game 7–7.
As the Flames looked to respond, they found WR Donte Lee Jr. once again, as he picked up another chunk gain to move the Flames to FIU’s 30. RB Vaughn Blue followed with multiple carries into the red zone as the first quarter expired.
On the first play of the second quarter, Blue punched in a rushing touchdown, putting Liberty back on top 14–7.
FIU turned to the run game to regain momentum. A 36-yard push into Liberty territory set the tone, followed by physical runs from RB Anthony Carrie to inch toward the red zone. RB Kejon Owens finished the drive with a tough rushing touchdown, leveling the game once again at 14–14.
But Liberty’s rushing attack refused to slow down. The Flames marched downfield behind RB Evan Dickens, who eventually powered in for another touchdown with 6:51 left in the half, reclaiming the lead 21–14.
The Panthers showed no hesitation in attacking right back. Alex Perry made an 8-yard catch helping FIU regain rhythm. Facing another critical fourth down, FIU let Anthony Carrie fight ahead for the 2-yard conversion. Seconds later, Pesansky kept it himself for a 15-yard run, putting FIU firmly in scoring range.
With defenses wearing down and both offenses finding every answer, neither side could slow the other in what quickly became a back-and-forth shootout.
FIU ultimately settled for a field goal, closing the gap to 21–17 as the half came to a close.
FIU took its first lead of the game early in the 3rd quarter as QB Joe Pesansky threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Alex Perry, making the score now 24-21 in a tight battle.
Early in the 4th quarter, FIU extended its lead with a 40-yard field goal by Noah Grant. As FIU tried to slowly pull away, making the game 27-21.
Liberty’s drive resulted in kicker Jay Billingsley hitting two crucial field goals; with one being a 48-yard field goal to force overtime.
As overtime began, QB Joe Pesansky completed an 18-yard pass to Alex Perry to keep the drive alive.
Three plays later, Pesansky hit Maguire Anderson for a 7-yard touchdown, putting FIU ahead 34-27
Liberty got the ball back to make a move, but an Interception by DB Mister Clark sealed the game in an overtime homecoming night thriller.
“We committed ourselves to doing it for those seniors—and really everyone who loves this program. Just to watch them play tonight, their energy, their intensity, their grit, never quitting even when things seemed gloomy at times—this team has come a long way,” stated FIU Head Coach Willie Simmons in a postgame interview following the huge victory.
The Panthers even their record to 5-5, while looking to keep the momentum as they play Jacksonville State next week.
