Florida International tops New Mexico State 21-7

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- , Grayson James threw touchdown passes on three straight possessions in the first half to guide Florida International to a 21-7 victory over New Mexico State on Saturday night. James connected with Tyrese Chambers for a 4-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead for Florida International (2-2) after one quarter. New Mexico State (1-5) knotted the score at 7 just 2:02 into the second quarter on Star Thomas ' 2-yard touchdown run. James answered on the Panthers' next possession with a 25-yard touchdown throw to Jalen Bracey and followed with a 60-yard scoring strike to Lexington Joseph with 6 minutes remaining before halftime. Neither team scored after that. James completed 13 of 19 passes for 175 yards and ran for 43 yards on 18 carries for the Panthers. ------