MIAMI, FL. – On a night in which FIU football saw its first home overtime game since the 2012 season, the Panthers battled until the very end against Texas State yet were edged by a slim margin of 23-17 at FIU Stadium. FIU’s record now stands at 1-1 on the young season, while Texas State improved to 1-1.Quarterback Max Bortenschlager followed up his excellent season-opening performance with another productive night under center, throwing for a total of 259 yards with two passing touchdowns and no interceptions.
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D’vonte Price continued to move the chains for FIU, as the explosive running back surpassed the century mark for a second-straight game with 111 yards on the ground. Wide receiver transfer Tyrese Chambers found the end zone again in only his second game as a Panther and hauled in 79 yards on four catches. After falling behind 10-0 in the opening period, the Panthers came roaring back with three unanswered scoring drives to take a 17-10 lead over the Bobcats. FIU hopped on the scoreboard with six seconds remaining in the first half following a nine-play, 75-yard drive that was capitalized by a 22-yard touchdown catch by Chambers. The Panthers set the tone immediately coming out of the locker room with another touchdown drive on FIU’s first possession. Bortenschlager continued to demonstrate his ability to make plays down the field, launching a 33-yard scoring strike to freshman tight end Rivaldo Fairweather. Chase Gabriel tacked on a field goal for FIU with 2:55 remaining in the third quarter, before the Bobcats answered back with a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to even up the score at 17-17. The Panthers saw a chance to seal the win with the first possession of the overtime period, but Texas State was ultimately able to ice the contest with a game-clinching rushing score on the ensuing drive.
FIU football hits the road for the next three contests, starting with a big test against Power-Five foe Texas Tech on Saturday, Sept. 18, in Lubbock, Texas. Kickoff against the Red Raiders is slated for 7 p.m. ET from Jones AT&T Stadium.
The Panthers return to their home field on Friday, Oct. 8, as FIU digs into Conference USA play against Charlotte.
FIU Panthers Athletics contributed to this game recap
