Panthers secure division lead as the team rallies from behind to defeat Middle Tennessee

By Brett Shweky/Sports Director

 

 

With 3:55 remaining in the fourth, wide receiver CJ Worton recaptured the lead for the FIU Panthers as he hauled in a 23-yard touchdown pass from quarterback James Morgan to fuel a 24-21 comeback victory over Middle Tennessee.

“CJ has become that guy that’s just unbelievably dependable,” said head coach Butch Davis. “Every week his route running, composure and his hands in traffic have improved. I like the way he’s playing.”

During ensuing the extra point, the Panthers scored on a two-point conversion with a pass to wide receiver Tony Gaiter IV from fellow wide receiver Maurice Alexander to further FIU’s lead.

Safety Olin Cushion III sealed the game for the Panthers with an interception in the end zone to derail the Blue Raiders’ comeback hopes. With the pick, the junior recorded his first collegiate interception.

“That was the biggest moment of my football career right there,” said Cushion III. “The first thing I did was look for my dad. I knew where my dad was sitting because I saw him during the game. I just had to go to him.”

Kicker Jose Borregales kept the Panthers in the game as he converted on three of his four field goals. The redshirt sophomore nailed one from 53 yards out to set a new career-high and FIU program record.

Freshman wide receiver Shemar Thornton scored his first touchdown of the season for the Panthers on a 26-yard pass from James Morgan.

With the touchdown, Morgan broke the program record for the most passing touchdowns in the first six games of a career. The Bowling Green transfer currently has 14 passing touchdowns.

The redshirt junior ended the game completing 27 of his 36 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns.

Middle Tennessee was forced to throw in backup quarterback Asher O’Hara who came in for injured starter Brent Stockstill.

Stockstill was named the offensive player of the week by Conference USA during last week’s game as he had an impressive performance against the Marshall Thundering Herd.

O’Hara played well for the Blue Raiders despite coming in as a backup.

Before the conclusion of the first half, O’Hara regained the lead for Middle Tennessee on an 11-yard touchdown run.

The sophomore signal caller ended the game completing nine out of his 20 passes for 114 yards, zero passing touchdowns and one interception.

He also had 94 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on 21 carries.

Running back Tavares Thomas fueled the Middle Tennessee offense in the early parts of the game with two rushing touchdowns.

Thomas scored the opening touchdown of the game between the two teams on a seven-yard run in the second quarter.

He followed that touchdown with another score in the middle of the third quarter to expand the Blue Raiders’ lead to 21-13 before relinquishing the advantage to FIU.

Thomas punched the ball into the end zone on a 2 yard gain.

The Panthers improve to a 4-2 overall record while the Blue Raiders fall to 3-3 overall.

Following the win, FIU is now in sole possession of the Conference USA East division with a perfect 2-0 record in league play.

Next up, FIU will conclude their three-game home stint by hosting the Rice Owls (1-6, 0-3 C-USA) at Riccardo Silva Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 20. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.