Winston Fraser News

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.

IAMI, Sept. 16 -- Florida International University , a component of the state university system, issued the following news release: FIU head coach Mario Crisotbal returns to his old stomping grounds as the oldest program in all of football , Rutgers , faces one of the youngest in FIU .

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.

In FIU's first special teams scrimmage last Thursday, sophomore receiver Junior Mertile showed that he could be another kick-returning option for the Panthers.

With a few exceptions, the defense had the upper hand on the offense during red zone drills in Monday morning's practice.

Golden Panthers quarterback Paul McCall would have been comfortable entering the 2009 season with a cast that includes a freshman All-American in T.Y Hilton, another solid freshman in Junior Mertile, and veterans Greg Ellingson and Jason Frierson.

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.