Problems at quarterback continue to ground FIU
The Panthers started redshirt freshman Stone Norton at quarterback but he was ineffective in losing to Jacksonville State. FIU remains the only winless team in Conference USA.
Three games, three different starting quarterbacks, three losses.
That’s the scorecard for Florida International, which lost 19-10 in a non-conference game against visiting Jacksonville State on Friday night.
FIU (0-3, 0-1) remains the only winless team in Conference USA.
Jacksonville State (3-1) entered as a 10.5-point underdog and became the first FCS team to win against an FBS team this year.
FIU started redshirt freshman Stone Norton at quarterback after Maryland transfer Max Bortenschlager had start
ed the opener and Kaylan Wiggins took the reins in the Panthers’ second game.
Norton completed 5 of 14 for 66 yards and one touchdown Friday. He lost one fumble. Bortenschlager completed 2 of 5 passes for 18 yards.
Jacksonville State had its own issues at quarterback. Zerrick Cooper, a Clemson transfer who entered completing 67.1 percent of his passes this season, was sacked by Tyson Maeva on Jacksonville State’s third play from scrimmage.
Cooper, who limped off the field after the sack, lasted just two series. But backup QB Zion Webb took his place and led the Gamecocks to victory.
Jacksonville State rushed for 288 yards, gashing FIU’s de
fense all night. Josh Samuel ran for 163 yards, one touchdown and a 6.5 average. Uriah West ran for 116 yards and a 4.8 average.
In total yards, FIU was outgained 444 to 156.
Norton did complete a 6yard touchdown pass to Nate Jefferson.