An offensive meltdown for WKU Football set the scene for a 25-6 mauling by the FIU Panthers Tuesday night.

The Hilltopper offense never found its stride, gaining just 341 yards on the night. Quarterback graduate Maverick McIvor had his worst performance as a Hilltopper, throwing for 159 yards and three interceptions.  

Panthers senior running back Kejon Owens did as he pleased, rushing for 173 yards and a touchdown. The Hilltoppers’ rushing defense gave up 221 yards on the night. 

The Panthers’ offense took advantage, scoring on their first five drives of the night. The Panthers outscored the Hilltoppers 19-3 through the first five.

“I thought our defense gave us an opportunity,” Head Coach Tyson Helton said. “It could have very easily in the first half gotten out of hand, but they held them to field goals.” 

The Panthers dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 34:38 of the game.

Hilltopper running back Marvis Parrish was one of the few bright spots, rushing for 74 yards on just 9 carries. 

The Hilltoppers’ first offensive drive showed promise, moving to the Panthers’ six-yard line. Trailing 3-0, McIvor threw an interception at the two-yard line to end their best drive of the night. Owens would make the Hilltoppers pay, ripping off an 84-yard run on the next play. 

The loss drops the Hilltoppers to 5-2 on the season, still holding onto first place in Conference USA. 

The Hilltoppers failed to score a touchdown in a conference game for the first time since a 10-6 loss to Florida Atlantic in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

“We’re going to get after this week, because that is embarrassing to lose at home,” Sophomore tight end Noah Meyers said. “I’m glad we got humbled, because this is a reality check.”

The Hilltoppers look to rebound on another weekday CUSA game as they head to Ruston to take on Louisiana Tech. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m., and the winner will lead the conference.