Kennesaw State University Owls Edge Out FIU in Thrilling Football Match

Kennesaw State University‘s football team secured a narrow 27-26 victory over Florida International University (FIU) on Saturday, November 23, at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia. The decisive moment came with just 1:04 remaining in the game, when Kennesaw State kicked a 19-yard field goal to take the lead.

The winning score was set up by a critical fumble by FIU with 3:35 left in the game, which gave the Owls possession at the FIU 33-yard line. Despite being ahead 26-24, FIU’s chances of a comeback were dashed when an interception by Kennesaw State ended their final drive.

The game was marked by a strong performance from FIU, which included two touchdowns in a span of 72 seconds late in the first half and 20 unanswered points to erase an early 11-point deficit. Junior wide receiver Eric Rivers of FIU broke the program’s single-season record for most touchdown catches with his 10th of the season.

Kennesaw State initially took the lead with a 36-yard field goal on their opening possession, followed by a five-yard touchdown run by Davis Bryson in the second quarter. The Owls extended their lead with a three-yard touchdown rush by Preston Daniels before FIU’s late-half surge.

The Panthers will close out their 2024 campaign on November 30 against Middle Tennessee at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium, with kickoff slated for 2 p.m. ET and the game to be televised on ESPN+.