MIAMI – Redshirt freshman quarterback
Kaylan Wiggins threw a touchdown pass and ran for the two-point conversion on the final two plays to help rally the offense to a 14-13 victory over the defense on Friday night at Riccardo Silva Stadium.
Trailing 13-6, the offense was given a few plays from the 8-yard line. Wiggins connected with
Richie Cooper for a 2-yard touchdown, before scrambling and running in the two-point conversion to end the annual Spring game.
During the team's 14
th practice of spring camp, FIU pitted the offense versus the defense. Defensive points were awarded for three-and-outs, holding the offense to six plays or less and out and turnovers, while the offense scored on traditional touchdowns and field goals.
The offense connected on two fields early – a 46-yarder by
Sean Young and a 35-yarder by
Jose Borregales – putting them ahead, 6-0. After the defense held the offense to back-to-back six plays or less and out to get within 6-4, a three and out and six plays and out gave them a 9-6 advantage.
Then, the game's lone turnover came as
Emmanuel Lubin recovered a fumble to put the defense ahead, 13-6.
FIU rotated three quarterbacks in the game.
Christian Alexander finished 7-of-11 for 89 yards. Wiggins completed his night going 8-of-13 for 68 yards and touchdown.
Maurice Alexander completed 3-of-6 passes for 18 yards.
Napolean Maxwell led the ground attack rushing for 54 yards on six carries.
Shawndarrius Phillips had six carries for 21 yards followed by
Anthony Jones with five carries for 21 yards. Freshman running back Jordan Atkins carried six times for 29 yards.
Austin Maloney led all receivers with four catches for 74 yards including a 50-yard grab. Bryce Singleton hauled in a 36-yard catch on a double reverse that was thrown by fellow receiver C.J. Worton. Early enrollee, freshman tight end Sterling Palmer caught two passes for 28 yards.
The defense was led by defensive end
Kevin Oliver's five tackles (four solo), one sack and one pass breakup. Linebacker
Sage Lewis finished with four tackles while defensive tackle
Anthony Johnson added four tackles (two solo) with a sack and a pass breakup.
FIU is slated to hold one more light practice on Monday April 9 to close out spring camp.
QUOTES
RB Napoleon Maxwell
On tonight's performance…
We came into tonight's game to show we didn't take any days off and that we are ready to come back out here and improve from last year. Every guy that came out here tonight took the deal seriously.
On team's outlook for 2018…
We just want to be better than what we were last year, compete with each other and make the team the best we can.
Head Coach Butch Davis
On team's performance…
Comparing to last year, I thought it was outstanding. We're much further along. We had a lot of kids on the field. One of the main things about tonight is that we wanted to give the quarterbacks an opportunity to show up and see who makes good decisions. It is a little harder to play against your friend, your roommate, your classmate, but there were some really good plays. If they keep doing what they are doing, I think we will be proud of what we accomplish next year.
UP NEXT
The 2018 FIU football season will feature five bowl teams from the 2017 season, a home opener against Big Ten member Indiana and the renewal of the series with Miami (Fla.) – the defending Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division winner. FIU opens the season with Indiana on Sept. 1.
FIU faces 2017 bowl teams in Boca Raton Bowl and 2017 C-USA champion Florida Atlantic, Gildan New Mexico Bowl champion Marshall, Raycom Camellia Bowl champion Middle Tennessee, AutoNation Cure Bowl participant WKU and Orange Bowl participant Miami.
For FIU football ticket information, contact the University Credit Union Box Office at 305-FIU-GAME (348-4263).
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