Springfield, Mo. – In a tightly contested Conference USA matchup on Saturday night, Florida International (FIU) secured a 20‑17 victory over Missouri State thanks to a standout performance by running back Devonte Lyons and a clutch field goal by kicker Robert Czeremcha.
Lyons powers FIU to a lead
Lyons carried the ball 24 times for a career‑high 216 yards, including a 56‑yard burst that set up the first score. He added a short‑yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, extending the Panthers’ advantage to 17‑6.
Missouri State fights back
The Bears responded when Yousef Obeid connected on a 22‑yard field goal, narrowing the gap. A pivotal moment came when J.J. O’Neal forced a fumble near midfield; teammate Jashawn Cooper recovered and returned it for a touchdown, tying the game at 17‑all with 6:42 remaining.
Late‑game heroics
FIU drove 54 yards in 10 plays, culminating in Czeremcha’s 42‑yard field goal with 1:55 left on the clock. Missouri State’s final chance was thwarted when Henry Belin IV, who had driven the Bears to FIU’s 22‑yard line, was penalized for intentional grounding on third down, ending the contest.
Statistical snapshot
Lyons’ 216 yards marked his best single‑game total, and his two touchdowns accounted for the bulk of FIU’s scoring. Quarterback J.J. Kohl threw for 183 yards and an interception, helping FIU improve to 4‑5 overall and 2‑3 in conference play, snapping a three‑game losing streak. Missouri State quarterback Henry Belin threw for 225 yards, moving the Bears to 3‑6 overall and 2‑2 in the conference.
Looking ahead
Missouri State will host New Mexico State next Saturday, while FIU travels to Delaware for its next game.
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Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
