In a dramatic turn of events, Louisiana Tech (LA Tech) came from behind to beat Florida International (FIU) 22-17 in the 2023 season opener at Joe Aillet Stadium on Saturday night. Despite FIU's dominant performance in the first half, LA Tech showcased resilience and determination to secure a remarkable win.
Starting strong, FIU needed just 54 seconds to open the scoreboard. Shomari Lawrence made an immediate impact, sprinting up the middle for a 67-yard touchdown on a 3rd-down handoff. Antonio Patterson further extended FIU's lead, notching a 6-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. However, despite their early surge, the Panthers could only muster a 17-13 lead at halftime, largely due to LA Tech's Smoke Harris's 64-yard touchdown and Jacob Barnes's 32-yard field goal.
LA Tech faced an uphill battle in the second half but rose to the occasion. The defense, which had allowed 164 yards in the first half, transformed their performance, yielding a mere 18 total yards in the second half. The Bulldogs' defense was a crucial part of the game, putting on a relentless display that limited FIU's quarterback Grayson James to only four passing yards throughout the game.
Barnes, LA Tech's reliable kicker, added to the tension with a 46-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, shrinking FIU's lead to just a single point. Later, with only 3:30 left on the clock, an attempt to give the Bulldogs the lead missed the mark as Barnes's 43-yard attempt veered left.
But LA Tech's perseverance paid off. Hank Bachmeier, making his debut for the Bulldogs, masterfully steered his team down the field in the crucial moments. Faced with a 4th-and-5 situation, he connected with Cyrus Allen for a 12-yard gain, keeping their drive alive. It was then Jacob Fields, a freshman, who stepped into the limelight. Getting his first touch of the game, Fields ran a thrilling 30-yard touchdown, tilting the scoreboard in favor of LA Tech with just a minute remaining.
With only 1:01 left in the game, FIU needed to cover 75 yards, primarily relying on their passing game. But their efforts were thwarted by Cecil Singleton Jr., who intercepted a deflected pass, securing the win for the Bulldogs.
This season opener also marked the Conference-USA opener for both teams. While both teams had their moments of brilliance, LA Tech emerged victorious, reminiscent of last season's thrilling double-overtime match, where FIU edged out the Bulldogs 42-34.
As the season unfolds, both teams will be looking to build on their performances, drawing lessons from this electrifying opener.