MIAMI — In a thrilling contest, Jase Bauer marked a significant milestone by throwing for 76 yards and additionally rushing for 72 yards in his debut start for Sam Houston. The Bearkats narrowly defeated Florida International 10-7 on Tuesday night, securing bowl eligibility in their inaugural season after a two-year transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

With this victory, Sam Houston (6-2, 3-1 Conference USA) has now become the fourth program in a succession of teams to successfully navigate the transition to FBS and attain bowl eligibility within their first two years. This achievement aligns them with other schools like Jacksonville State (2023), James Madison (2023), and Liberty (2018).

The scoring began with 6:38 remaining in the third quarter, when DJ McKinney punched it in from one yard out, capping a three-yard drive that was set up by Jaylon Jimmerson’s impressive blocked punt and subsequent return. Florida International responded with a well-executed 12-play, 65-yard drive that culminated in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Chayden Peery to Eric Rivers, leveling the score at 7.

Late in the fourth quarter, Christian Pavon connected on a crucial 20-yard field goal with just 1:57 left, which put Sam Houston in the lead after a formidable 12-play, 79-yard drive that consumed more than six minutes of the clock. FIU began its final drive at their 37-yard mark but faced penalties, specifically three holding infractions that dismantled their offensive efforts.

Throughout the game, Florida International (2-6, 1-3) struggled, amassing a mere 199 total yards. The Bearkats had missteps on their initial two attempts at field goals. Kavian Gaither intercepted the first pass of the game; however, Sam Houston was unable to capitalize on it as Pavon’s 41-yard field goal attempt bounced off the right upright. The Bearkats were successful in halting FIU during their next series when Chris Murray sacked Keyone Jenkins on a critical fourth down, yet Pavon’s follow-up effort from 49 yards also fell short.

Notably, this game marked the second scoreless first half in the FBS this season, joining the match between Nebraska and Purdue on September 28. Peery, a fourth-string quarterback for FIU, entered with 1:42 left in the first half and completed his inaugural pass in a FIU uniform, finishing the game with a record of 7 passes completed out of 12 attempts for a total of 58 yards.