LAKELAND, Fla. | Florida Memorial University pulled off a major upset, defeating No. 10 Southeastern 28-23 in the conference opener for the first win against a ranked opponent in program history. The Lions continue their hot streak after defeating RV Cumberland in last week's home opener, now defeating a top 10-ranked team, as head coach Michael Jones grabs the biggest win in the program's history.
The Fire got to an early lead in the first quarter, putting 10 points between themselves and the Lions. FMU answered with a strong drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown from running back
Jerodd Sims. Down 10-7, running back
Nygel Osborne kicked it in high gear, with a 24-yard run that gave FMU another touchdown to put them on top 14-10. SEU scored just before the half, to put the Lions down by three, but the team never gave up, and came out swinging with a 50-yard pass from
Tyquan Wiggan, to Sims to put the Lions on top 21-17 in the third quarter. Southeastern scored with back-to-back field goals to take a 23-21 lead, but another strong offensive drive culminated with a two-yard touchdown run from Sims to give FMU the 28-23 lead. With time expiring, the Fire tried for a Hail Mary, but senior
Darius Stokes came up with the interception as the clock struck zero, as the Lions completed the upset over the Fire on the road.
In his first start, Wiggins had a productive day, going 15/27 for 296 yards and one touchdown, along with one interception. Sims and Osborne shared the backfield with 16 carries each. Osborne led the team on the ground with 83 rushing yards and a score, while Sims had 44 yards and two trips to the end zone on the ground, and three catches for 95 yards and one score in the air. Junior
Jalen Holly led the team in receiving, with his second-straight 100-yard performance, hauling in six catches for 111 yards.
On defense, Freshman
Fernando Jeanty led the team in total tackles with eight, with four solo and four assisted tackles, tackles for loss with four, along with a team-leading two sacks. Junior
Jayden Haynes added seven tackles for the Lions, while freshman
Keyon Raymond added five tackles along with one sack. Stokes led the team in interceptions with one, to go along with his five tackles.
On special teams, sophomore
Godson Sinelien had three punts for 114 yards, including a 50-yard punt. Freshman
Sean Egloff was perfect in PATs, going 4/4.
The win is the second straight for FMU, advancing them to 2-2 on the year, and 1-0 in conference play.
The Lions return to action Saturday, October 11, when they'll host No. 2 Keiser in conference play. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Betty T. Ferguson Stadium.
