MIAMI – A week removed from the embarrassing 50-17 loss to Middle Tennessee, the FIU Panthers (5-4) showed signs of domination in a tight 24-17 victory over the Old Dominion Monarchs (1-8) at home.
In a game that would prove as a measuring stick before their annual Shula Bowl matchup against FAU, the Panthers recovered from their loss to Middle Tennessee – where the defense allowed 471 rushing yards – and allowed just 64 yards rushing.
When asked about the improvements of the offensive line following the game, FIU head coach Butch Davis credited it to a mixture of things.
“A couple of things: the penetration and the aggressiveness with the defensive line. You saw a lot of tackles for losses. Teair Tart had several of them, Alexy Jean-Baptiste had some, Chris Whittaker had some,” Jones said. “We stirred things up with the defensive line, we were truly disruptive with the blocking scheme and that really truly helps you.”
Along with the improvements in the run defense, the Panthers were able to stop the ODU offense on third down, holding the Monarchs to four conversions on 13 attempts.
“One of the things, when we’ve not been successful, is when it’s third down and one and two. It’s hard for anyone, from the NFL to flag football to get people out on third and one or two…” Davis said. “When you narrow it down to they have to throw, then it’s a lot easier for your defense to play defense.”
Despite the strong defensive performance, the Monarchs were able to strike early, when a wild snap led to a fumble recovery by ODU. On the next play, Robert Washington punched it in for the early score.
On FIU’s next three drives, the Panthers offense stalled deep inside ODU territory, forcing three field goals by kicker Jose Borregales to put the Panthers up 9-7.
Although Borregales started the game perfect, the junior kicker would later miss two field goals, including one from just 32 yards out to start the third quarter.
Following the game, Davis said he was not concerned about Borregales’ confidence, despite two missed field goals.
“[Jose] is a smart kid and he does what all kickers should be able to do: when they miss, what was it?… I’ve seen Tiger Woods miss four-foot putts,” Davis said.
In the third, quarterback James Morgan connected with Shemar Thornton who, with a bobble and adjustment, made the one-handed catch to put FIU at the ODU 13. On the very next play, running back Napoleon Maxwell found the end zone to put FIU up 16-7.
In a career day for Thornton, the junior – who had limited opportunities coming into this season – finished with 125 yards on six receptions. The games brings his season total to 330 yards on 28 receptions.
Later in the quarter, Morgan punched it in from the 1-yard line to give FIU what would later prove to be the go-ahead touchdown.
While ODU would score on a Lala Davis 10-yard touchdown run, the ensuing onside kick would roll out of bounds, giving FIU the ball.
To secure the win, senior defensive back Olin Cushion III intercepted an errant pass by true freshman Hayden Wolff, who was making his first career start for the Monarchs, with a minute remaining in the game.
The Panthers will look to clinch bowl eligibility for the third consecutive season next week when they make the short trip up to Boca Raton to play FAU in the Shula Bowl.
ODU, who fall to 1-8 on the season, will return home to play UTSA next weekend.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jeffrey Wimbrow
