In a tightly contested Conference USA matchup, the Sam Houston State Bearkats narrowly defeated the Florida International Panthers, 10-7, Tuesday night at FIU Stadium. In a game defined by strong defenses and limited scoring, it was a late field goal that ultimately sealed the victory for the Bearkats.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half, with neither side managing to put points on the board. This defensive stalemate saw Sam Houston favored by 5.5 points, but both squads appeared evenly matched as the first two quarters ended scoreless.
The breakthrough came in the third quarter, when Sam Houston’s DJ McKinney scored on a short one-yard run, capping a brief two-play, three-yard drive following a turnover. Kicker Christian Pavon added the extra point, giving the Bearkats a 7-0 lead.
The Panthers fought back in the fourth quarter, mounting a 65-yard drive that ended with quarterback Chayden Peery connecting with receiver Eric Rivers on a 28-yard touchdown pass. Alejandro Prado’s successful extra point brought the game to a 7-7 tie.
With just under two minutes left, Sam Houston orchestrated a methodical 79-yard drive. Pavon, already perfect on the night, clinched the victory with a 20-yard field goal, securing a hard-fought 10-7 win for the Bearkats.
Sam Houston improves to 1-7 on the season, while FIU drops to 3-5. Both teams demonstrated resilience and determination, but the Bearkats’ late-game poise proved decisive in this defensive struggle.
