MIAMI (AP) — T.Y. Hilton gained 283 all-purpose yards as Florida International set school records and defeated North Texas 41-16 Thursday night in the season opener for the two Sun Belt Conference teams.
Warnings of lightning in the area forced the stadium to be cleared for about 30 minutes before the game. The Panthers weren’t deterred, scoring 28 points in the first quarter and setting marks for most points in a first quarter and in a season opener.
Hilton had seven catches for 132 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown pass from Wesley Carroll with 10:58 left in the first quarter to give the Panthers a 14-0 lead.
The senior wide receiver also gained 49 yards on two carries, returned two kickoffs for 92 yards and two punts for 10 yards.
FIUs running game amassed 249 yards and four touchdowns — two apiece by Darriet Perry and Kedrick Rhodes.
