Florida International 34-13 New Mexico State (Oct. 29, 2024) Game Recap

MIAMI – Eric Rivers recorded 295 receiving yards, tying the Florida International single-game record, and his three touchdown catches helped the Panthers beat New Mexico State 34-13 on Tuesday night, snapping a three-game losing streak finish.

Only two receivers in Conference USA history had more receiving yards in the game than Rivers – Houston's Donnie Avery with 346 and Louisiana Tech's Carlos Henderson with 326. FIU's previous school record was 201, set by three players, including TY Hilton.

New Mexico State had just 246 total yards — and one touchdown.

Rivers finished the game with three catches for 50 yards, highlighted by a one-handed grab with 7:49 left in the third quarter, giving FIU a 17-6 lead.

His quarterback, Keyone Jenkins, threw for 338 yards and four touchdowns, a career-best for FIU (3-6, 2-3). Eleven of Jenkins' 18 completions went to Rivers.

Jenkins' third touchdown pass went to Dean Patterson with 7:45 left in the fourth, rebuilding a two-possession lead at 27-13.

Brandon Nunez and Santino Marucci each threw an interception for New Mexico State (2-6, 1-4), which had a bye after a 33-30 win in overtime at Louisiana Tech.

FIU is off until Nov. 16 — a span of 18 days — before hitting the road to face Jacksonville State.

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