UConn's second-half comeback attempt falls short in 24-17 loss to FIU
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Keyone Jenkins threw two touchdown passes and ran for a third to stake Florida International to a 21-point halftime lead and the Panthers held off a late rally to post a 24-17 win at UConn on Saturday.
The Huskies scored two second-half touchdowns and were poised to tie the game in the final minute of regulation when Ta’Quan Roberson fired 11 yards to Justin Joly, who made a spectacular, leaping catch while falling out of bounds, but the play was called back on a holding penalty and UConn failed to convert on fourth down.
Jenkins got the Panthers (3-1) on the board on their opening drive, punching over from the 1, then throwing 45 yards to Jalen Bracey and 64 yards to Kris Mitchell to take a 24-3 lead at halftime.
Roberson drove the Huskies 82 yards in eight plays to start the second half, aided by a roughing-the-passer penalty on FIU on third-and-12 at the UConn 29, with Jelani Stafford scoring from the 1 to make it a 24-10 deficit. Roberson found Devontae Houston from 37 yards out to start the fourth quarter to cap the scoring.
Jenkins was 15-of-27 for 284 yards for FIU while the rushing game gained 80 yards on 33 carries.
Roberson finished 15-of-32 for 170 passing yards. Henderson carried 19 times for 126 yards to lead UConn (0-3).
