Florida International 2009 NCAA Football Predictions

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fiu-6209After going a combined 1-23 in 2006 and 2007, the FIU Golden Panthers broke through with a five win campaign in 2008. Now they will try to take the next step in becoming bowl eligible. While the Panthers are likely another year away, they figure to be a tough out against nearly everyone on their schedule with the exception of Alabama and Florida. Bet on college football this season at BetUS.

Offense – Offensive coordinator Bill Legg is expecting a breakout season from an offensive unit which returns nine starters. Senior QB Paul McCall threw for 2,332 yards in Legg’s spread offense last season, and while he is expected to remain the starter, athletic junior Wayne Younger also expects to see some action. While the spread is most generally a pass first system, Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year T.Y. Hilton may force Legg to even things out a little bit more. The speedy flanker finished third in the nation in all-purpose yards. Expect to see the Panthers use him much like the Florida Gators used Percy Harvin last season. He and wide receiver Greg Ellison figure to be a handful for any defense in the league in 2009. The receiving game figures to get an additional boost with four-star tight end recruit Dudley LaPorte putting on the purple and gold. The ground game from the running back position needs improvement, and unfortunately spring injuries to both Darriet Perry and Daunte Owens have set its progress back even further. The offensive line is anchored by tackles Joe Alajajian and Ula Matavao.

Defense – The FIU Panthers need improved play on the defensive line before they can start thinking about a Sun Belt championship. Redshirt freshmen Andre Pound and Kasey Smith appear to be strong tackle prospects, but by and large, this unit is inexperienced and lacks depth. The linebacker corps is the strength of the defense led by leading tackler Scott Bryant. Sophomore Aaron Davis and senior Tyler Clawson will share time in the middle and Winston Fraser and Wendy Napoleon will split time on the outside. The secondary is solid as well with Anthony Gaitor leading the unit. Gaitor tied a school mark with five picks last fall. He will be joined by Jeremiah Weatherspoon and Dez Johnson. This unit is experienced and it is one that doesn’t mind laying the wood. Improved play up front would allow FIU’s secondary to really excel as it allowed just 212.9 yards passing per game (67th in the country) despite a lackluster defensive line in 2008.

Prediction: 5th Sun Belt – FIU is still young, but this program appears to be headed in the right direction. The Golden Panthers could be bowling as soon as the 2010 season and maybe even this year if the defensive line surprises.

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