Junior running back makes history in last home game

Jasmine Casimir // Asst. Sports Director

The Panthers made history in their last home game of the season, defeating Marshall University for the first time in FIU football history. But that was not the only piece of history they marked on Saturday, Nov. 19, as starting running back Alex Gardner became the football program’s all-time leading rusher.

“I’m very proud of myself and I’m very happy and proud of the offensive line,” Gardner said. “I give all thanks to God that I was able to do it against a team like Marshall.”

The Jacksonville native went into the matchup with 2,100 yards and just 96 yards shy of becoming the all-time rushing leader with Rashod Smith’s (2004-05) mark of 2,195. Gardner says he admits to knowing that he was on the brink of breaking that record and wanted it to happen against no other team than the Thundering Herd.

“I have a big hatred toward Marshall to be honest,” said Gardner. “My freshman year I broke my collarbone against them and last year they held me to nine yards, so it was a big redemption game.”

On top of breaking the record, Gardner also recorded 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns including an explosive 45-yard rush in the first drive of the game.

“A1 held onto the ball and I’m definitely proud of him,” said then interim head coach Ron Cooper. “For him to accomplish that and he still has another year, he’ll probably set it even higher.”

FIU has clinched its fourth conference win, improving to 4-7 overall and 4-3 in Conference USA with one more game left of the season.

The Panthers will finish off their 2016 season at Old Dominion Saturday, Nov. 26 in Norfolk, Virginia. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN3.