Dawson helps Louisiana-Monroe over Florida Atlantic 33-30

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)—Calvin Dawson scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner in triple overtime, as Louisiana-Monroe defeated Florida Atlantic 33-30 on Saturday.

With the Warhawks facing a second-and-16 from the 31-yard line after an illegal blocking penalty, Dawson took the handoff in the backfield and streaked down the sideline for a touchdown. He was mobbed by his jubilant teammates in the end zone.

Zeek Zacharie and LaGregory Sapp also scored touchdowns for Lousiana-Monroe (3-5, 3-2 Sun Belt). Quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster was 22-for-35 with two touchdowns. Dawson finished with 114 yards rushing.

B.J. Manley, Willie Rose and Charles Pierre scored touchdowns for the Owls (4-4, 3-1). Rusty Smith was 35-for-54 passing with two interceptions and one touchdown.

In the second overtime, Cole Wilson kicked a 33-yard field goal for Louisiana-Monroe, but Warley Leroy’s 37-yard field goal tied the game again at 27.

Each team had field goal attempts blocked in the first overtime possession.

Trailing 24-14, the Owls comeback started when they edged to 24-17 on a 27-yard field goal by Leroy with just over six minutes left in the game. On its next possession, Florida Atlantic drove 88 yards on 13 plays. The drive culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Pierre to tie the score 24-all.

Louisiana-Monroe had a chance to win it in regulation. The Warhawks faked a 48-yard field goal. Holder Chance Payne completed a pass to Zacharie to the Owls’ 11-yard line with seven seconds left. Florida Atlantic’s Mauricio Riquer blocked the ensuing 28-yard field goal attempt.