Football moves closer to bowl eligibility with win over Charlotte

By Joel Delgado ’12 MS ’17 

FIU football moved one step closer to bowl eligibility Saturday.

With a 48-31 win over the Charlotte 49ers at Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium, the Panthers (5-5, 3-3 Conference USA) remain perfect at home and are now just one win away from becoming bowl eligible for the third time in program history.

The Panthers will have their work cut out for them since their two remaining games are against two of Conference USA’s top teams.

They will travel to West Virginia to face Marshall Nov. 14 before traveling back home to close out the regular season Nov. 21 against East Division leader Western Kentucky at FIU Stadium. Kickoff for the finale is set for 2:30 p.m.

It didn’t take the Panthers long to take control of the game against Charlotte, with defensive back Kenyatta Anderson blocking a punt deep in their own territory and then falling on top of the football in the end zone for the opening touchdown less than two minutes into the contest.

After that, the offense took over as quarterback Alex McGough led the offensive charge for FIU against the struggling 49ers, throwing for three touchdowns and 284 passing yards while completing 27 of his 42 passes.

Running back Alex Gardner rushed for two touchdowns and wide receiver Clinton Taylor caught two touchdowns in the first half to help FIU take a 34-10 lead at the half.

The Panthers are now 4-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents 180-69 at FIU Stadium this season.

For more information on FIU Football, go to FIUSports.com.