Florida Intl Golden Panthers @ UAB Blazers
Big plays, turnovers lift FIU over UAB 34-20
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Richard Leonard and Demarkus Perkins returned interceptions for touchdowns as big plays and turnovers helped FIU climb out of an early hole to beat UAB 34-20 in a Conference USA opener on Saturday.
The Panthers (2-3, 1-0) tied a school record, forcing six turnovers, including two pick-sixes. UAB (2-2, 0-1) needed just 84 seconds to take a quick, opening lead and were driving in the second quarter when Leonard picked Jeremiah Briscoe and raced 25 yards to tie, 7-7. Demarkus Perkins also intercepted Briscoe for a 31-yard TD. Briscoe and Cody Clements were each picked off twice.
FIU's Alex McGough completed only 9 of 24 passes for 204 yards -- most of those on scoring tosses of 75 and 85 yards to Jonnu Smith and Glenn Coleman.
Smith caught a screen to the left flat and raced 75 yards to give FIU the lead for good at 14-13.
Game Information
Birmingham, AL
2025 Standings
| American Conference | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Tulane | 7-1 | 11-3 |
| North Texas | 7-1 | 12-2 |
| Navy | 7-1 | 11-2 |
| East Carolina | 6-2 | 9-4 |
| South Florida | 6-2 | 9-4 |
| Army | 4-4 | 7-6 |
| Memphis | 4-4 | 8-5 |
| UTSA | 4-4 | 7-6 |
| Temple | 3-5 | 5-7 |
| Florida Atlantic | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Rice | 2-6 | 5-8 |
| UAB | 2-6 | 4-8 |
| Tulsa | 1-7 | 4-8 |
| Charlotte | 0-8 | 1-11 |
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