Peter Holland // Assistant Sports Director
Indiana University’s fourth quarter performance spoiled the home opener for the Panthers after the Hoosiers defeated the team 34-13 Thursday night.
Despite a fast start and putting up three points on the board first, junior quarterback Alex McGough had a rough game, finishing the night completing 49 percent of his passes and throwing three interceptions. Two ended in pick six. The offense didn’t find an answer in the running game as they only rushed for 63 yards. The Panthers also gave up a safety after a holding penalty in their own territory. Coach Ron Turner was disappointed in the execution on the offense.
“We had way too many opportunities and obviously the turnovers,” Turner said. “But you have to take advantage of the opportunities when you have them.”
Stantley Thomas made his collegiate appearance as wide receiver, leading the team in receiving yards with 91 in three catches.
“It felt great,” Thomas said. “It was crazy, the day before I was very nervous. The game was very fast. There was a lot of things that was unexpected, but I got through it.”
FIU defense fought to keep the Hoosiers from adding additional points to the scoreboard in the first three quarters. The fight became a tough one for the Panthers to win in the fourth quarter. The Hoosiers played a fast tempo, no huddle offense, which was led by the team’s starting running back, Devine Redding. Redding rushed for 135 yards in 22 carries against the Panther’s defense.
“They’re a big physical team with big, strong powerful backs,” Turner said. “But I thought that our defense did a good job first half only giving up three points.”
Three FIU defensive players recorded double digit tackles against Indiana. Senior linebacker Treyvon Williams led the way with 13 total tackles. Junior linebacker Anthony Wint finished second in tackles with 12, and junior safety Nikko Gonzalez finished third with 10 tackles.
“They (Indiana) came out and execute the ball very well,” Williams said. “They were deeply good. So, we need to do better and correct our mistakes.”
The Panthers hold a record of 0-1 and are looking to come back, as they will face University of Maryland, another Big Ten university, on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m.