The first Conference USA win in FIU’s era of coach Butch Davis likely wouldn’t have happened had it not been for a four-play goal-line stand.
FIU (2-1, 1-0) defeated host Rice 13-7 late Saturday night after the Panthers defense stood tall on these four plays in the final two minutes:
On first down from the FIU nine-yard line, Panthers safety Niko Gonzalez stuffed a Rice running back for no gain.
On second down, FIU outside linebacker Sage Lewis stopped a running play for a two-yard loss.
On third down, defensive lineman Anthony Johnson negated yet another running play, this one for no gain.