FIU, NO TY HILTON , NO UNDEFEATED SEASON, NO WORRIES
Florida International University, many believe before this upcoming 2011 season because of their standout wide-out TY Hilton, who 4 years ago chose FIU over West Virginia, this would be the year for FIU to win ten games earn a major bowl appearance out of the Sun Belt Conference. A preseason Top 25 team in most college football mines, especially that of coach Mario Cristobal now opens the season with 3 wins and no defeats. The last time a Sun Belt team received this many poll votes, it wasMiddleTennesseeStatewho got some affection in the preseason 2010 polls. Unfortunately the hype was too much and Middle Tennessee lost its opener 24-17 to the Minnesota Gopher team out of the Big 10 and fell down the polls like Mt. ST. Helen’s erupting in a hurry. Don’t expect the same with FIU this team is deep, this coaching staff under Cristobal are winners so expect FIU to remain in the top 25 for at least another week and maybe longer.
What makes FIU different — aside from the status of wide receiver T.Y. Hilton’s injured hamstring — is the rush defense. The Golden Panthers ranked 31st in the country versus the run this year, will play Louisiana-Lafayette, which lost 38-17 to FIU last season. The Ragin Cajuns from Louisiana-Lafayette have little to offer as far as a big name running back or any kind of explosive offense. This little school from Louisiana ranks 101st overall in Division 1 college football so far this year, boasting a modest 2 and 1 record. This the Cajuns 3rd road game in four football games thus far this season, gives this team very little chance even with or without that offensive machine from FIU of upsetting the Home Golden Panthers.
So FIU will continue to win and rely on Sophomore running back Kedrick Rhodes and Senior half back Darriet Perry to run the ball and move the chains. Thus leaving the rest to the strong defense of the Panthers. Last week they held a very good offensive squad from UCF to only 300 total yards in the air on the ground. The defense while returning a fumble 51 yards for a score was as well balanced as they could have been. Even attacking and sacking UCF’s outstanding QB six times. The FIU defense was hungry and while losing TY from the offensive side of the ball early in the first half, yet there was no let down. FIU could have gave up, but this underrated defense from the Sun Belt Conference rose to the occasion and beat the The University of Central Florida 17-10.
So look for another huge night on the defensive side of the ball including keeping an eye out on LB Jordan Hunt-The junior college transfer who had a big night against UCF. Hunt led the Panthers in tackles with 11, including one of them a sack causing a 14-yard loss. “So No TY Hilton, No Worries” FIU goes to 4 and 0 after a low scoring and emotional victory. FIUstays at home and plays Duke next week and tries to remain undefeated and keeping moving forward in the polls.
BOBBY “FOS” KOROVICH
DFN Sports Staff Writer
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