Recap: FIU vs. UL Lafayette

By Sports Network

Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Tourek Williams blocked a 29-yard field goal attempt in overtime, preserving a 20-17 win for the Florida International Golden Panthers over the UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns in a Sun Belt Conference thriller at FIU Stadium.

The Ragin' Cajuns had won all six prior meetings in the head-to-head series and they appeared headed to another one. However, FIU (2-6, 2-3 SBC) quarterback Paul McCall forced overtime on a touchdown pass with 10 seconds left in regulation. McCall finished with 250 yards passing on 22-of-41 accuracy for the Panthers, who notched their first home win of the season.

UL-Lafayette (4-4, 2-2) quarterback Chris Masson completed 22-of-36 passes for 254 yard, with one touchdown and one interception.

The Ragin' Cajuns grabbed an early 7-0 lead on a one-yard touchdown run by Yobes Walker at the 11:35 mark of the opening quarter.

FIU tied the score later in the first quarter on a one-yard plunge by Kendall Berry, capping a 12-play, 80-yard drive.

ULL regained the lead on a 40-yard bomb from Masson to Louis Lee with 1:07 to play until halftime.

The Golden Panthers put together a quick drive and trimmed the deficit to 14-10 on a 26-yard field goal by Dustin Rivest as time expired in the first half.

After a scoreless third quarter, Cajuns kicker Tyler Albrecht kicked a 20- yarder to give ULL a 17-10 lead with 2:27 to play in the fourth quarter.

FIU answered with a 13-play, 69-yard drive, and McCall found Greg Ellingson for a game-tying three-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds to play in regulation.

The Golden Panthers had first possession in overtime and got three points on a 24-yard field goal by Rivest, which marked the first lead of the game for FIU.

On the ensuing possession, the Panther defense came up with a big stop on third-and-two, then Williams broke through the line and swatted down ULL's field-goal attempt.

The Golden Panthers out-gained their opponent on the ground for the first time all season, as they ran for 169 yards while holding the Ragin' Cajuns to 134.