2,400 Attend Fiu Spring Game

MeanGreen61 · April 21, 2007

FIU FOOTBALL

2,400 attend FIU intrasquad game as spring practices end

By PETE PELEGRIN

ppelegrin@MiamiHerald.com

2,400 attend FIU intrasquad game as spring practices end

Florida International football coach Mario Cristobal wants his players to believe that the Golden Panthers are entering a new era.

So before FIU's annual Blue/Gold Game took place at FIU Stadium on Friday night, the first-year head coach gathered his players in the locker room and showed them an empty picture frame with the words ''2007 Sun Belt Champs'' written on the bottom.

Cristobal told the Golden Panthers: ``Somebody's picture is going to go in there, so why not us?''

The players erupted.

Then before running onto the FIU Stadium field, the players expressed some concern, that like years before, they would be playing in front of a sparse gathering of fans.

Instead, an electric crowd of more than 2,400 greeted the 2007 Golden Panthers as they performed for the last time this spring in a game in which the FIU offense defeated the defense 28-17.

''Tonight's crowd gives you an idea of what it could be like around here,'' said Cristobal, who gave an impassioned halftime speech to the fans. ``Everyone knows what FIU can and will be some day when we get the right people in place. Our players came out on the field tonight and for them, seeing all these people in the stands, it was quite a treat. We're excited.''

Said linebacker Scott Bryant: ``This is totally different from last year. I think not only us as players, but this crowd that came out here tonight believes in what Coach Cristobal is going to do to turn this program around.''

The ambience -- which included complimentary food featuring six roasted pigs, a sale of retro FIU athletic uniforms and gear and the unveiling of the new football stadium design -- didn't disappoint the crowd.

''I have never seen an atmosphere like this at any previous FIU event with the exception of the inaugural football game in 2002,'' FIU radio broadcaster Jerry Del Castillo said. ``These fans are really soaking up the changes to this football program.''

The Golden Panthers' offense, which struggled to average 9.5 points per game last season, also displayed a makeover.

Employing a spread offense, FIU gained 396 yards.

Led by quarterback Wayne Younger's arm and legs, FIU's offense played better than it had in any of the two previous spring scrimmages.

Younger, who was No. 3 on the depth chart last season, was 13 of 23 for 145 yards and two touchdowns -- both to receiver John Houston Whiddon.

Younger also moved the Golden Panthers with his scrambling, gaining 30 yards on one play. He led FIU rushers with 80 yards.

Quarterback Paul McCall also continued his strong spring going 15 of 25 for 137 yards.

Tight end Moses Hinton (3 catches, 49 yards) and receiver Ash Parker (3 catches, 40 yards) led the receiving corps.

''It's a total 360 from last year,'' Hinton said. ``This year, everyone has a chance to make plays. We're just having fun and success comes from all this.''

Despite giving up 28 points, the defense had some fun, too, with six sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.

''They're still as tough as they were last year,'' said running back Julian Reams, of the FIU defense, which ranked 28th nationally in 2006. ``We had to be fundamentally sound to get anything done against them.''

Now Cristobal and his Golden Panthers have three months before they get back to work, but August can't get here soon enough.

''We got plenty of stuff done from an attitude and intensity aspect,'' Cristobal said.

``The biggest barrier that kept this team from attaining victory last year was discipline, and we instilled that. We're proud of the effort this spring.''

ARTICLE

http://www.miamiherald.com/588/story/82074.html

good_ken · April 21, 2007

The ambience -- which included complimentary food featuring six roasted pigs, a sale of retro FIU athletic uniforms and gear and the unveiling of the new football stadium design -- didn't disappoint the crowd.

I sure hope someone is taking notes....and at least unlocks the bathrooms this year.

UNT_playmaker · April 21, 2007

Wasn't there supposed to be a "big announcement" regarding our new football stadium this Spring.

Seems like th FIU people have it right, when they announced their "legitimate" stadium plans at their SPRING GAME

KingDL1 · April 22, 2007

Wasn't there supposed to be a "big announcement" regarding our new football stadium this Spring.
Seems like th FIU people have it right, when they announced their "legitimate" stadium plans at their SPRING GAME

Now that would be something! Just a day away