Colleges

FIU at a glance

By Izzy Gould
Published August 31, 2007

Florida International

WHERE: Miami

ENROLLMENT: 38,000

NICKNAME: Golden Panthers

COACH: Mario Cristobol (first season)

CONFERENCE: Sun Belt

LAST SEASON: 0-12, 0-7 in Sun Belt

LOCAL TIES: WR Greg Ellingson (Robinson), OL Andy Leavine (Springstead), DB Kreg Brown (Admiral Farragut), DB Kerry Guy (Durant).

STADIUM: Orange Bowl Stadium (72,319)

OUTLOOK: The Golden Panthers bottomed out in 2006, losing all of their games for the first time in five seasons of existence. That led to the resignation of coach Don Strock, who was replaced by former Miami player Mario Cristobol. The offensive-minded Cristobol will have plenty to overcome starting with a schedule that begins at Penn State, against Maryland and at his alma mater. Offensively, FIU is looking for stability at quarterback and receiver and battles were expected at those spots through the preseason. The running game has some stability with juniors Julian Reams and leading rusher A'mod Ned running behind an experienced offensive line that returns five starters including senior guard Jeffery Eugene. Defensively, FIU lost a lot but expects the line and secondary to remain strong.

WEB SITE: www.fiusports.com

SCHEDULE: Saturday - at Penn State, noon; Sept.8 - Maryland, 7 p.m.; Sept.15 - at Miami, 3:30 p.m.; Sept.22 - at Kansas, 7 p.m.; Sept.29 - at Middle Tennessee, 7 p.m.; Oct.6 - Troy, 7 p.m.; Oct.20 - at Louisiana-Monroe, 7 p.m.; Oct.27 - at Arkansas, 2 p.m.; Nov.3 - at Arkansas State, 3 p.m.; Nov.17 - Louisiana-Lafayette, 7 p.m.; Nov.24 - Florida Atlantic, 7 p.m.; Dec.1 - North Texas, 7 p.m.

Izzy Gould, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 10:22:46]