The second half started with a score of 14-13 in Florida International's favor, as the Panthers returned the ball for possession to start.
After trading punts for most of the third quarter, the IU defense created a turnover, as senior defensive lineman Nick Mangieri recovered a bobbled fake hand off by FIU quarterback Alex McGough on FIU's 20 yard line. Following several rushing attempts, the Hoosiers saw third down on the one yard line, and senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld ran the ball in for his second rushing touchdown of the day.
At the 5:39 mark, the score was 19-14, after kicker Griffin Oakes missed the point after attempt.
Late in the first quarter, after driving into FIU territory, Sudfeld attempted a long pass down the left sideline to freshman receiver Nick Westbrook, but the pass was intercepted, Sudfeld's first interception of the season.
The third quarter ended with a score of 19-14 in favor of IU, with the Hoosiers having gained a total of 350 yards, compared to FIU's 265.
To end a ten-play, 90-yard drive, FIU was the first to score in the fourth quarter, as McGough lofted a long 28-yard pass over freshman cornerback Andre Brown for a touchdown, taking the lead from the Hoosiers, 22-19, after converting the two-point conversion up the middle.
IU responded quickly, as they drove down the field but stalled the drive, and Oakes kicked a 40-yard field goal to tie the game at 22.
On the ensuing FIU drive, senior defensive lineman Nick Mangieri sacked McGough and stripped the ball. Junior linebacker Marcus Oliver recovered, and Sudfeld threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to junior Mitchell Paige for Paige's first touchdown reception of the season.
IU led 29-22.
Threatening inside the IU 10 yard line on the next drive, FIU tried to score on fourth down, but McGough saw pressure and tossed an interception to freshman cornerback Jameel Cook, who took the ball 96 yards for a touchdown, the fourth-longest interception return in school history.
Taking the lead 36-22, IU didn't look back and FIU could not make up the 14-point deficit.
The Hoosiers defeated the Panthers 36-22.
Taylor Lehman
