Springfield Standard

Missouri State University secured its third consecutive Conference USA victory on Wednesday, defeating Florida International University (FIU) 28-21 at Plaster Stadium. The Bears never trailed during the game, with Shomari Lawrence and Jmariyae Robinson each scoring two touchdowns.

Lawrence ran for a season-high 104 yards on 14 carries. Robinson led all receivers with six catches for 47 yards, including a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown that extended Missouri State’s lead to 28-14 with just over eight minutes left in the game.

"This was Missouri State's first home victory over an FBS program and extended the club's overall win streak to three in a row while securing an unbeaten October (3-0) for the second straight season," according to the team.

The win puts Missouri State (5-3 overall, 3-1 CUSA) within one game of Conference USA leaders Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State, both of whom are undefeated in league play at the midpoint of the season. Western Kentucky is also among the top teams with a 4-1 conference record.

Missouri State accumulated 369 total yards of offense during a cool and windy night. Quarterback Jacob Clark completed 16 of 27 passes for 163 yards without an interception and threw two touchdown passes to Robinson. Clark finished with 198 total offensive yards and now holds sole possession of the program's career passing touchdown record with his 48th and 49th scores.

After entering halftime tied at 14, Missouri State opened the third quarter with an 86-yard drive capped by an eight-yard touchdown pass from Clark to Robinson. Makai Cope contributed key receptions during this series, including gains of 27 and 25 yards.

Missouri State’s defense limited FIU (3-5, 1-3 CUSA), forcing punts on five out of six possessions to start the second half and recovering fumbles twice. Jalen Brooks led all defenders with thirteen tackles, while Thomas Anderson and DJ Wesolak added eight each. Caleb Dietlin recorded three quarterback hurries; Ahmad Poole and long snapper Mitch Weisenborn each recovered fumbles.

FIU made a late push, scoring a touchdown on their final drive to narrow Missouri State’s lead to seven points with just over three minutes remaining. However, after regaining possession, Missouri State maintained control until time expired.

Lawrence scored his first touchdown early in the game against his former team after Weisenborn recovered a muffed punt deep in FIU territory. This marked the seventh time in eight games that Missouri State scored first this season.

FIU responded before halftime with touchdowns from Dallas Payne and Alex Perry but could not take the lead at any point during the contest. Keyone Jenkins led FIU’s passing attack with two touchdowns but was held in check by Missouri State’s defense throughout much of the second half.

With this victory, Missouri State prepares for four November games beginning with a road matchup against Liberty on November 8. The Bears return home for their homecoming game against UTEP on November 15 at Plaster Stadium. Tickets can be purchased online at MissouriStateBears.com or through the Athletics Box Office at Great Southern Bank Arena by calling (417) 836-7678 during regular hours.