MIAMI, FL. – The FIU football team kicked off the 2021 season in spectacular fashion on Thursday night with a dominating defeat of Long Island, as the Panthers ran past the Sharks by a score of 48-10 at FIU Stadium.Running back D’Vonte Price carried the Panthers offensively with a career-high three rushing touchdowns, to go along with 165 rushing yards on only five carries.
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Through the air, quarterback Max Bortenschlager passed for a career-high 266 yards and completed an efficient 14-of-17 attempts, to go along with two touchdowns. Wide receiver Bryce Singleton hauled in a career-best 149 receiving yards on six catches.FIU’s rushing attack exploded right out the gate with four different ground scores in the opening period on drives of three-plays-or-less. Price started the party with FIU’s first touchdown merely 65 seconds into the game. LIU had no answer for the Panthers’ run game as the Sharks fell behind by a score of 28-0 with 5:47 remaining in the second quarter.The first half was highlighted by Price’s dynamic rushing touchdowns of 68 yards and 28 yards. Bortenschlager kept the defense honest with a 54-yard completion to Bryce Singleton, and another 42-yard strike to sophomore transfer Tyrese Chambers that set up a ground score by Shaun Peterson, Jr.Leading 28-10 after the intermission, the Panthers continued to dominate the Sharks as Bortenschlager threw touchdown passes of 52 yards and 12 yards to Singleton and Chambers, respectively. Kicker Chase Gabriel got in on the fun and added field goals of 45 and 29 yards, giving the Panthers a resounding victory in front of the Panther faithful on opening night.
FIU Athletics contributed to this game recap
