Florida International Golden Panthers Football Tickets

FIU was just 2-10 in 2003 but was only outscored by 5.9 ppg in their 2nd and final full year of Div IAA ball. They are the youngest team playing IA ball, as they just started playing football in 2002. After not winning on the road their first two seasons, they actually won their first two road games SU in 2004 although both were vs |AA foes. They had 22 starters back in '04 and went from losing 10 games in '03 to just 7, playing two less games (from 2 wins to 3). Despite having 22 returning starters, the team had just 8 seniors. Last year, once again, the team returned almost intact with 17 starters back. FIU was expected to be a much improved team and only trailed Kansas St 28-21 in the 4Q. The next two weeks they were pounded by 53 points vs Texas Tech and 42 vs Ark St and it appeared it would be a long season. FIU rebounded, going 5-3 down the stretch and winning three SBC games. They overcame their early season turnover problems, including -7 vs N Texas (a 3 point loss) and won their last three games. While FIU was outgained by 25 ypg in league play, they came up just one game short of a winning record. They had two tough losses but also had 3 close wins. Last year FIU was put on 3 years probation in May but there are no penalties. They do return just 10 starters this year. The offense looks to be in good shape at the skill positions but the development of the young OL will determine if the team can top lastyear's 23.4 ppg. Despite having a veteran defensive unit the last 3 years, FIU has allowed 28.4, 32.5, 29.4 ppg. This year they only have 6 defensive starters back but figure to have their best D so far in IA ball. The Panthers are a year behind Fla All and last year the Owls had their first ever heavy graduation loss and went from a 9-3 team to 2-9. This year it's FlU's first heavy graduation loss and while this is a talented squad, I'll call for a rebuilding season and a drop in their win total.

Florida International Golden Panthers Football 2006 Schedule