Toronto Smith News

The Golden Panthers will have starting quarterback Paul McCall and linebacker Toronto Smith back in action Saturday when they take on North Texas.

Who knows what made the big difference on Saturday? Maybe it was because they were missing a few of their key leaders and their replacements felt they had to step up their game.

Receiver T.Y. Hilton, who missed all but one play against Louisiana-Lafayette last Saturday with a recurring knee injury, was cleared by team doctors Monday to resume practicing.

With a plethora of injuries this season, especially where nearly one-third of its starters are out for the season, FIU has adopted the title of a Baltimore Ravens book Next Man Up as its motto for the rest of the season.

A season that many billed as a possible breakout campaign for Florida International has instead become more of a letdown.

For the first time in FIU history, the Golden Panthers will unveil black jerseys when they face Troy on Oct.

Now that is more like it. It took five games, but the Golden Panthers finally got into the a oeWa column this season.

On his first throw of the game, FIU quarterback Paul McCall found Greg Ellingson down the middle of the Hilltopper logo for a 32-yard gain.

Florida International scored on their first four possessions of the second half - accounting for 20 unanswered points - as it pulled away to defeat the Western Kentucky University football team 37-20 Saturday night at Houchen Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in WKU's first Sun Belt Conference game.

After the Toledo Rockets scored two touchdowns early in the game, the FIU Golden Panthers responded with a drive of their own.

FIU plays its home opener against Toledo on Saturday at FIU Stadium. After losses to Alabama and Rutgers to start the season, the Golden Panthers should match up better with a Rockets team that is more on par with them physically.

Player to watch: Rutgers must be aware of Florida International sophomore T.Y. Hilton, who was third nationally in all-purpose yards, at 180.25 yards per game last season, and began this season with a 96-yard kickoff return against Alabama as FIU lost to the Tide, 40-14. He started his freshman season with a 74-yard punt return against Kansas.

For Florida International to take that next step and compete for the Sun Belt Conference title and a bowl berth in year two under coach Mario Cristobal, the Golden Panthers must be steady again this season defensively.

Having attended FIU sporting events for nearly 25 years, Robert Valcarce initially was not surprised one November night last season.

Having attended FIU sporting events for nearly 25 years, Robert Valcarce initially was not surprised one November night last season.

Having attended FIU sporting events for nearly 25 years, Robert Valcarce initially was not surprised one November night last season.