FIU upsets UCF 17-10: Golden Panthers topple Knights in hallmark win

Photo by Kristi Camara

 

Photo by Kristi Camara

By: Jackson Wolek / Staff Writer

Last week, FIU proved they could beat a BCS opponent.  This week, the Golden Panthers showed that they can defeat an instate opponent without their star player.

In front of a record 20,205 home attendance, the Golden Panthers got the best of Central Florida and came away with a victory to keep them undefeated. For the first time in school history, the football program is now 3-0 in what had all the makings of an instant rivalry.

The defense and a huge special team’s mistake by cornerback Josh Robinson of UCF were the biggest contributors to a narrow victory, 17-10.

Kedrick Rhodes who missed some practice over the week due to family issues, carried the ball 16 times and gained 93 yards to help FIU’s running game. Rhodes was a key contributor to the offense in the second half.

“Up front, our lineman worked hard, I had 93 [yards], I was trying to get 100 but our linemen did good upfront,” said Rhodes. “I praise them for that, every time we get off the field I tell them good job, dab them up and it makes them go harder.”

The win moves them to 3-0 on the season, and continues to give them spotlight in an already historic season for beating a University of Central Florida team that before the game received top 25 votes in the AP poll.

“In my opinion, it’s a top 25 football team, but at the same it gives you an idea that our program, FIU football, is rising and rising fast,” said head coach Mario Cristobal.

UCF jumped out to an early 7-0 lead in an 18-play, 94-yard drive that lasted just under 11 minutes orchestrated by Jeff Godfrey who finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown run.

When FIU got the ball back, things got worse. Not only did T.Y. Hilton bobble a pass down the middle that may have scored him a touchdown, the Heisman hopeful also injured his right hamstring on the play. Hilton returned in the second half, but was unable to make much of a difference afterwards.

It looked bleak for FIU without Hilton, but the defense broke through late in the second half.  Tevin Blanchard forced a fumble on Godfrey, scooped up by Isame Faciane, who took 51 yards to the endzone to tie the game up 7-7 with six seconds left in the opening half.

A huge muffed punt by Robinson of UCF gave the ball back to the Golden Panthers on the 8-yard line in the third quarter, which led to a 4-yard touchdown run from Darriet Perry.  It was the 24th of his career, tying a program record with Rashod Smith.  The touchdown gave the Golden Panthers a 14-7 lead.

After a Jack Griffin 27-yard field goal, the Knights responded in the last three minutes of the game when they drove into the redzone.  Two broken passes by defensive back Chuck Grace forced UCF to come out with only a field goal. FIU recovered the onside kick and milked the clock to end to secure the win.

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