We're down to 42 hours before your new home to FIU football opens its gates. That, 42, is a pretty good number around FIU -- El Monstruo (right) returning an INT against FAMU in the Orange Bowl. 
Sure wouldn't hurt the Golden Panthers to have an EM-type of performance from their defense on Saturday. But we'll get to that down below on this post.
Here are some updates on the new FIU Stadium: The jumbotron is completely up and running. Each Golden Panther's photo and name was being shown on the board.
The new FIU logo at mid-field and the end zones have been painted and are ready for football. They have installed tarps with FIU logos covering the 4 tunnels leading out to the field, which includes the tunnel where the Golden Panthers will sprint out of.
The FIU tailgating, which will occupy the entire north road of the stadium is supposed to get underway at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday....but if you're a great college football fan, you will arrive at FIU around 11 a.m. or noon.
Gates to the stadium will open to the public at 3 p.m.
Was told that there likely will not be any Panther Walk this season, because the team is using the 
newly-built visitors clubhouse at the FIU baseball stadium and they'll be shuttling to the stadium on Disney World-like trams. Next season, when the team dresses in the FIU fieldhouse there will definitely be a Panther Walk.
Oh, yeah, they are playing a game on Saturday with No. 12 South Florida helping FIU inaugurate the new stadium.
We outlined several keys to the game in the Monday blog earlier this week and just can't see FIU doing all of them.
Yes, the Golden Panthers are going to be riding an emotional high with a new home and a national TV audience, but once da Bulls get something going it will turn into a football game between a No. 12 team and a team in the 2nd year of building.
Just can't see FIU's O-line stopping George Selvie and the creatures USF has at LB. On the other side, USF QB Matt Grothe can run like a running back and is a cagey passer with some physical receivers. You good people and the expected SRO crowd at The new Cage will help in the early going, but unless FIU plays the game of its life it won't be close at the end. FIU likely won't win this game on Saturday, but getting that new on-campus stadium opened is a huge win for FIU on Saturday and beyond.
GPP thinks: South Florida 52, FIU 10
GOLDEN PANTHER PAWSE
Like a fine bottle of red wine, the GPP fancies itself as a classy blog. I'm going to have the Panther Claw take a more active role in some comments. You guys want to insult each other go right ahead, waste your energy on a name/someone you only know through cyberspace.
But when the PC goes through the comments if it reads any vulgar, racial or threatening comments they will be deleted. And please don't impersonate other bloggers, I got all your e-mail addresses so I know when the post is a 
fake and it will be clawed out.
We have fans of other college teams (UF, FAU, USF, FSU and UM) visit the GPP quite often. Apparently, FIU is on the minds of many who do not root for the Golden Panthers or maybe it's just that the GPP is a damn good blog. Whatever the reason, everyone is welcome on here as long as they keep it clean.
Although, I do sometimes wonder about all the attention FIU receives from other teams' fans when FIU has not gotten off the athletic ground yet. Anyways, appreciate all the readership from everyone and thanks for making the GPP a Top 10 blog among the 40 blogs at the MH. Could you imagine, when FIU starts winning how this blog is going to soar up the MH rankings since we live in the Bandwagon Capital of the World??
On to your questions....
FIUfantastic: I think it's a great move putting Troy in the game. He hasnt gotten a chance to play in a college game and I am sure he will be pumped up to play his first college game against the number 12 
team in the nation.
GPP: Troy Dannehower (right) was working at LB with the scout team defense. He may eventually get some PT on D and STs, but right now he's only had 3 practices on D. TD said he could see the move being permanent. FIU is 4 QBs deep and could have Cedric McCloud next season to make it 5. TD did tell me something interesting after his INT for a TD. He said from playing QB all these years, he knew the FIU QB on that play was looking blitz and was going to throw to his hot read and that's how he stepped in front of the RB and picked off the pass for the score. TD has got football savvy.
ridgepanther: pete, with TD at LB who are the QB's now?
GPP: Paul McCall, Wayne Younger, Colt Anderson, Darold Hughes.
FIUBlueandGold: Does Jamie Burke (13, below left) have any eligibilty remaining ?? Guy got like 2 medical red shirts I think. He might have been the best QB recruit we've ever had.
GPP: JB probably would have been the best QB in FIU history, but both his knees were torn throughout his FIU career and the left one he tore twice. He was an accurate passer, had a strong arm and was able to dissect any defense. He's already graduated and I heard he got married.
True story about JB, former coach Don Strock was not going to allow anyone to wear No. 13, because he wanted to honor Dan Marino. The No. 19 (Johnny Unitas) and 39 (Larry Csonka) were also off-limits. But Marino seeing JB's talent told DS to give JB No. 13.
NYCFIUFan: Pete I read from your article that FIU has 6,000 season ticket holders, is that above or below expectations?
GPP: That is way above expectations considering FIU was coming off a 1-11 season. The expectations of where this program is headed and the new stadium are what shot up the season ticket numbers.
Pantera Dorada: Any news on ticket sales at the stadium?
GPP: Last I heard when I was at the stadium today, there will be no individual game day sales for Saturday's game. There will be, however, individual ticket sales for the other 4 home games. BTW, as Ultimate FIU Fan pointed out, great reply by PG on the radio today when a radio host took him to task about tickets for Saturday's game.
FIUJM: Pete, how's it going with naming rights to FIU Stadium?
GPP: FIU is talking to several folks, but has not completed any deals yet. It could be another year before there is "insert corporate USA name" here on FIU Stadium.
sunblazer69: PP, is Raul "Ala de Pollo" Puga the same guy that has been featured on ESPN Deportes as 
the #1 tailgater in the world ?. He's tailgated during the World Cup, Super Bowls, Boxing events in Vegas and was interviewed last month in Beijing by NBC. Where is his tailgate party? Are we invited?
GPP: That's the Puga that you are talking about. Heard he will be tailgating in the south side parking lot. Just show up to the tailgate, I'm sure he's got plenty of wings for all. Puga is an FIU grad of the school of hospitality and he bought like 10 season tickets to FIU football. I tried his world famous BBQ mojo chicken wings at a food festival in the Grove and they were outstanding.
seiscervezas: Hey Herald writer what is it with this Sotolongo guy selling bricks. Isn't he working for your paper. Kind of silly to promote your own guys.
GPP: Jose Sotolongo works for FIU so the MH is not promoting "our own guys". He used to work for the MH, but left after they got rid of the meat empanadas at the cafeteria. Well, that's one reason. I got nothing to do with the selection of photos in today's FIU Stadium story in the paper, but overall the MH editors did a great job with today's layout of FIU Stadium in the sports section. Speaking of promoting, the GPP will take this time to promote the Golden Dazzlers.
outofthecage88: Pete, I was reading the UM blog (yes, sorry, I read all the blogs) and was wondering why Manny Navarro is covering the FIU game this weekend? Are we getting more coverage now from the paper? Is he going to stop covering Miami?
GPP: The MH is coming out in full force for Saturday's game: yours truly will cover the game, Manny and another writer (don't know who yet) will write sidebar stories, there will be a columnist out there too (don't know who) and David Quinones will be shooting video throughout the game of everything -- not just the action on the field -- and doing video interviews for the Herald's website.
I'm sure FIU Nation is looking forward to an FIU win the most on Saturday, but for this poll question's sake let's see what else has got you psyched for Saturday:
Pete Great Story!!! IT was so great to see FIU take up a huge chunk of the herald. Im so excited about Saturday!!! By the way do you still stand by your Marlins not making the playoffs prediction? Not even a little chance? They've been so hot lately Im starting to see what the Colorodo Rockies did last year.
oh yea. is there any chance we can get Pete Garcia to shave off that Wanstaache? He looks like Saddam Hussein in today's herald picture.
Posted by: alt7787@yahoo.com | September 19, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Personally, I can't wait to just be back at home. I hated going to the OB last year and as sad as our original stadium was, it was ours. It's good to have a home again.
Posted by: Max | September 19, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Pete, I know this ain't your fault...but for the Troy D. article, they used that pic of Paul McCall with a caption that says "Troy Dannehower".
Posted by: FIUfantastic | September 19, 2008 at 08:51 AM
USF 24, FIU 14
Posted by: FIUVoice | September 19, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I was driving south on the 'Pike this morning on my way to work and they Jumbotron was clearly visible....even from a distance in the bright early sun! That thing is going to look awesome at night!!! and could probably be used as the backup if the field lights go out!
ROARRRRRRRRRRRRR
On a side note though, I do have to show my displeasure with FIU Athletics. I'll be at the game, but that's cause I'm a season ticket holder. Howeve, I have friends that are FIU Alumni that aren't necessarily big time football fans and have no interest in seeing all the home games. However, the want to show up and support the school in what is one of our biggest events ever. And guess what, they can't! That's not cool.
I know the tickets have been a problem, but I wish they would've figured something out so that those from FIU's past could represent. I'll be really upset if I see lots of empty seats when I alone know of 7 alumni that want to go but can't, unless they buy the season tickets.
Posted by: Quijote | September 19, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Quijote - a rare moment of camaraderie from a UM fan. As a suggestion, maybe your alumni friends can go down to the stadium and buy from people scalping tickets. I do not think it is illegal. Also, have you checked on ebay or craigslist, maybe someone local is selling tix and you could just pick them up
Posted by: TheU24/7 | September 19, 2008 at 10:39 AM
I must be in a good mood b/c I am leaving for Texas in a few hours - but I checked on Craigslist and there are some tickets posted for sale. Good luck and I do really hope you all get to go to the game on Saturday.
Posted by: TheU24/7 | September 19, 2008 at 10:48 AM
hahahaha.... that sadaam comment was hysterical.
cant wait! go panthers!
Posted by: TheChampionUnderdog | September 19, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Thanks for the blog and GO FIU!
I'm excited for this Friday. I hope everyone has a good enough time that even if we don't do so hot this year fans enjoy the enviroment enough to come out in good numbers. This stadium has the potential to create a lot of memorable Saturdays.
Posted by: FIUPanther07 | September 19, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Before I forget, let me enter my prediction:
Although it pains me, I'm going to have to say 50-10 USF over FIU. I hope I'm wrong on the victor.
Posted by: FIUrulez | September 19, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Am I really attending a D1 football game on campus to see FIU take on the # 12 team in the land along with an ESPNU crew?
This is unreal.
Regardless of the score, tomorrow will be a win for FIU.
Go G-Panthers!
Posted by: gpantera | September 19, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Pete:
USF 34 FIU 13
ESPU coverage, 790 The Ticket broadcasting at 11am all day from the "CAGE."
Packed house and hopefully a little luck !!
Can't wait, good luck to our guys !! Great moment for the FIU community.
Protect that house !!!!
Posted by: FIUBlueandGold | September 19, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Oye gpantera...its Jose the tall mofo we met at the Penn State game at Hooligan's last year. I've misplaced the card you gave me, could you e-mail me your contact info to fiufiu80@gmail.com? I'd love to swing by and say hi at the game.
Roar baby!!!
Posted by: Quijote | September 19, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Quijote, i just e-mailed you.
Posted by: gpantera | September 19, 2008 at 09:23 PM
GPP Nation, as I've said before, I've been involved w / FIU for a looooong time. Tomorrow will be very special for my family and me.
I have received a ton of calls from alumni coming out of the woodworks asking how they can attend the game. I truly hope for a magical day!!
GO FIU!!!
Posted by: Ultimate FIU Fan | September 19, 2008 at 09:53 PM
gpantera my friend....I totally agree with what you are saying..if you would've told me this 10 years ago, I would tell you are crazy....now, tomorrow night...it's like that first game against St. Peter's all over again....Regardless of what the final score is...if everything else goes fairly good, FIU will have a big WIN in their ledger!!!
Posted by: FIU Fanatic | September 19, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Just got home about an hour ago from the new cage....finishing touches are still being put on the new home of FIU football. Jumbotron looks amazing and field is in pristine shape. Can't wait for tomm.
Posted by: FIUVoice | September 20, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Just drove home from a oil burner at the office...man that jumbotron looks awesome lit at night!!! woo hoooo
They were playing that "YOU IN" 30 second ad.
Posted by: Quijote | September 20, 2008 at 03:10 AM
Im telling you guys mark it down I said it first FIU will win today. My final prediction is 21-17 FIU. Amod Ned scores two touchdowns and Paul McCall throws for one more threw the air. Matt Grothe throws 2 INT's in the second half. Everyone runs on to the field and celebrates with the team!!
Posted by: FIU 24/7 365 | September 20, 2008 at 07:58 AM
My prediction is
USF 48
FIU 17
Posted by: Baltimorepanther | September 20, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Mack's not playing again, which means our offensive line has no chance against the Bulls. That means we can't control the ball and our defense will be on the field way to long and will eventually wear down. It also means Younger will probably play the entire second half similar to the Iowa game. FIU loses 43-17.
Posted by: SouthPaw | September 20, 2008 at 09:38 AM
It pains me to make this prediction on this, very historic night for our beloved university.....My family helped me out with this.....USF 41 FIU 10
Posted by: FIU Fanatic | September 20, 2008 at 09:57 AM
SouthPaw im not trying to put down your comment or analysis of the game but why does everyone on this blog talk about cedric mack like if he's the whole line he's only one guy its not like just because he's in the game our line is going to be 100 times better but i dont know thats just my opinion. I think with or without him it'll make a difference because FIU will still win and a new breed of football will be born.
Posted by: FIU 24/7 365 | September 20, 2008 at 09:59 AM
I am so pumped up!!! I think most of the FIU family have been waiting for this day and long time. It is finally here, lets get loud and crazy today...our team will definitely need to feed off that emotion.
I know it can get ugly today, but I believe we can keep it competitive with great game planning, executions, and turnovers.
Go FIU!!!
Posted by: FIUJM | September 20, 2008 at 11:53 AM
35-17 usf
But I'll be out there tailgating before hand and I'm just going to savor my first real college football game.
Posted by: fiuchris | September 20, 2008 at 12:16 PM
USF 48
FIU 9
Posted by: Puma | September 20, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Mack is a big, dominating presence. He's a junior, so he's already physically mature, and we need someone who can keep Selvie from tearing up the backfield without double teams. Leavine is out at the other tackle, so the line is in no better shape that it was against Iowa where we got manhandled. I'm not saying the line would be 100 times better with Mack, or even with our complete first string in the game (which hasn't happened a single minute this year yet). I'm just saying that without the first string healthy, establishing a running game and giving McCall time to throw against a top caliber defense like USF will be very difficult.
I said before the season started that I thought the offensive line was out thinnest area, and we've not been at full strength there this year. If the last two years have taught FIU fans anything, it's taught us that without an offensive line that gives our QB time to throw and creates space for our running backs, winning isn't going to happen very often.
If we can keep this game close at halftime, I'll be happy with the result. This season will be measured on how well we do in Sun Belt games, in my opinion. In past years we've played pretty well against out-of-conference teams (like we did against USF two years ago in Tampa), but have stunk it up in Sun Belt play. We HAVE to reverse that trend this year.
Posted by: SouthPaw | September 20, 2008 at 12:46 PM
21-17 FIU.
What the hell... let's have a bit of fun with this one. I got a good feeling about this game. Dunno why. But I do.
Posted by: Clawing Cancer | September 20, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Just came home from the game.
17-9 USF wins. Man was this game exciting even though our points came at the end.
Negatives::: Costly Personal fouls led to atleast ONE of their touchdowns. Offensive Line still having trouble, we cant run it up the middle as seen in the touchdown run to the outside after two tries up the middle. The interception FIU threw was just bad decision making, the QB needs to realize that he cant just force the all when u are on the run, threw it away if you need! NO more missed field goals! It could have been 12-17 or better.
Positives::: Defense is sick!! Way to stop USF on the 1 yard line TWICE! T.Y. is fast and we need to get him involved on more plays. Stadium is AMAZING! Crowd was into it! Can't wait till we get the stadium fully built.
Even though we got our points at the very end, I feel the score ACTUALLY indicates how close it really was. No personal fouls would not have given made them punt instead of touchdown!
Posted by: FIUFloridaPower&Light | September 20, 2008 at 10:00 PM
OVERALL, i'm excited for conference play. No reason we should do GREAT in conference.
Posted by: FIUFloridaPower&Light | September 20, 2008 at 10:01 PM
shouldn't*
Posted by: FIUFloridaPower&Light | September 20, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Went to the game, watching the DVR and when Mompremie went down like that, FIU students started yelling "BullS$it" and it comes across VERY clear on the ESPN feed. Even the announcers made a comment about it, we didn't come across as a classy fan base to be quite honest. Those yelling probably didn't know what was up, but regardless if someone is on the floor for over a minute it should be safe to assume its not bull$hit.
Posted by: Quijote | September 20, 2008 at 10:32 PM
man i am pissed... not because of the game. the game was very well played.. i figured the outcome.. and i did see a closer result that most were predicting but i didnt see this result. no im not pissed w/ the team.. what i am pissed.. i got so worked up over the game... and in the first qtr. my friends passes out from the heat and we had to take her home! when a friends in trouble you must react but.. damn i was hoping to be ther today all game
Posted by: CJ | September 20, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Hey Quijote... how did the game/stadium look on ESPN? My friend told me the stadium looked a bit small...granted its only half its ultimate size, but I figured it would look big anyways.
Also, did they do any tours of the stadium/tailgating/fans section on ESPN?
Posted by: FIUFloridaPower&Light | September 20, 2008 at 11:01 PM
FPL,
It did look a bit small because the cameras were angled from the suite's side, facing the USF side so it looked small. Then when they used wide shots you were able to see the entire stadium, and then it shined. The scoreboard looks just as good on TV as well.
They did tour some of the stadium facilities, like teh Club Suites and Mario's office. They did a good job, and went out of their way to interview Mario and Pete.
Posted by: Quijote | September 20, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Back from the game, it is unfortunate that we lost but very proud of the effort. I hope that the few idiot fans that were yelling that garbage when the USF player was hurt did not make our fans overall look bad, especially since we probably have a horrible reputation from that garbage that occurred at the OB versus UM 2 years back. I was at the game and it was a great picture seeing the FIU and USF players getting together in prayer, I wish him the best.
It was great seeing the school spirit on campus before the game, it is growing ever so slowly, at least since I was there. Overall we could have won that game if the offense was more productive the first 3 quarters. Lets give Toledo hell!
GO FIU!!!
Posted by: NYCFIUFan | September 20, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Toledo beat #25 ranked Fresno State.
lol we can't catch a break.
Posted by: Quijote | September 21, 2008 at 12:30 AM
new stadium same sorry team, who cares? move down to D3 were you clowns belong!
Posted by: FAU RLZ | September 21, 2008 at 01:28 AM
fau, how is it that you guys got stomped on by minnesota..... and we kept it within 8 points against 12th ranked USF.
You guys opened your mouth and got all cocky but yet texas raped you, michigan st shut you out
Posted by: TheChampionUnderdog | September 21, 2008 at 02:39 AM
I also saw the game on ESPNU. I can attest to what Quijote said. They did a pretty good job overall with the broadcast. The camera angles weren't the greatest, but it was definitely better than the old stadium, for what that's worth. The broadcast crew wasn't too sharp, but they weren't a reason to mute, either.
ESPNU also did a good job with showing the crowd and setting the vibe... and not showing the areas that weren't full. I was a little surprised there was some empty seats. Pete... did FIU relent at all from their "you gotta buy season tix to get the USF game" line?
Anyway... the stadium looked great. Roman came through loud as hell on the TV feed. I could hear him almost as well as the ESPN crew. Seriously.
As for the game... I dunno what game some of you watched, but this was NOT well-played on either side. USF clearly wasn't focused. They're the better team, by far, but it sure looked like they were still thinking about the KU win. They went through the motions big time for most of the game.
As for FIU... we straight up pissed this game away. That was the worst game from USF that I have seen in a long time. This was entirely winnable... and would have been, I think, had we an O-line worth a damn. I'm sure some yahoos on here will say "Younger should start again." To you guys, I will only say this: Had McCall had the time during the game that WY did on that big throw to TY Hilton, McCall would've looked like a genius. 12 was running for his life all game long. It's a miracle he only had one bad pick.
Our O-line is terrible. I thought the inaugural year was a bad display of O-Line... this one might actually be worse. I honestly think we've regressed. I'll wait until the first Belt games to make sure of that, but wow... Mario, you need to fix this quick, brother.
The D played like freakin' studs. I thought I was watching the 2006 team out there. I'm glad they got that safety, too... they deserved points more than the offense did.
Oh, one more thing... PLAY TY HILTON EVERY DAMN DOWN FROM NOW ON! Pleeeease? I don't care if he's a freshman. That kid is electric. Get his butt out there. Do what you gotta... have him marry the ball if needed... but get him out there!
Posted by: Clawing Cancer | September 21, 2008 at 07:16 AM
I really liked the environment and I think everyone has pointed out the really awesome positive stuff...let me point out the stuff I think needs a little improvement:
-The parking situation was really disorganized. Cars were being parked in different places, some spots looked empty, others were packed with cars.
-The sound system was way too low.
-The band needs like 15 more members, USF band was incredibly loud!
-WHY WAS THERE SO MANY EMPTY SEATS!! That place should have been rocking... I think it was a bad choice not selling ANY individual game tickets. I had like 10 people I could have brought but there was no way for them to get it!
Posted by: FIUfantastic | September 21, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Great game, nice way to open the stadium, a win would have been best but at least we didn't get blown out. Although it has been a LONG time since anyone has walked out of that stadium after a win. A LONG time. I think we've covered the positives of the game and stadium, here are some stadium areas of improvement I noticed.
1. The sound system. While it is much better than before, there's only sound coming out of the jumbotron. I was on the other side and the USF band would drown out everything coming out of the jumbotron. Need a surrounding sound system quickly.
2. Our band. Man they looked teanie tiny compared to USF. I had to really focus just to hear them playing. And when I did hear them playing they were rarely playing something recognizeable. Seems like they were better a few years ago.
3. No bathrooms on the concourse level. Hopefully they put 1 or 2 in once the other side is complete.
4. Where was Roary? Our mascot needs to get more involved with what is going on in the game. Be more like the UM Ibis, as much as I hate to say that.
This is all very solveable. Everything else was great.
Posted by: FIUer | September 21, 2008 at 09:03 AM
FIUFanatic, you bet me to the punch on a few of those! I totally agree.
Posted by: FIUer | September 21, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Roary was on the student side.
I agree, I was sitting on the student side and I still could barely here the sound system.
I doubt they will place speakers on the suites because I think thats where the coordinators sit.
When the scoreboard goes up on the other side, they will probably place speakers there as well.
Pete-Can you find out if there was something wrong with the sound system, it was very low. They need to raise the volume.
Posted by: FIUFloridaPower&Light | September 21, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Yea our band is small, I swear to you, I didnt even realize our band was there until half time. I kept looking for them and couldnt see where they were seated.
Posted by: FIUFloridaPower&Light | September 21, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Very impressive performance by the defense yesterday. The good thing about our defense is they're still young. Anthony Gaitor played a great game!!! Our DT were impressive in goal line situations. The last TD USF scored they had to go right because they weren't penetrating inside.
TY Hilton is the man!!! I think coaches are trying to put him in and get him the ball as much as they can. On punt and kickoff returns he gives us hope. This is just his first year, and now we know why programs likes UF and WV wanted him. Our receivers are going to be good for the next 3-4 years and props goes to MC and staff. Recruiting guys like Hilton, Mertile, Rolle, and Frierson shows that coaches are working hard to get talented players. Now all we need is protection so we can find a way to get them the ball.
Cristobal will get the Younger/McCall question this week. I think he's doing the right thing playing both of them. Personally, I think Younger was progressing towards the end of last year and even though he doesn't have the better arm, he can make plays with his athleticism. At the same time, McCall needs protection. After he gets that we can judge him. One thing though, he didn't need to force that pass that was intercepted. He had nothing on that play.
Yesterday many recruits showed up and I'm sure they were impressed with tough play from FIU.
Overall, I'm excited on where this program is headed...ideally, lets win 3-5 games this year and build on that for next year.
GO FIU!!!
Posted by: FIUJM | September 21, 2008 at 10:50 AM
So I'm browsing through sports articles on the Miami Herald on FAU and UM when I run across the blog from Manny Navarro titled "Canes crush Aggies 41-23". I start reading it and the first couple of lines read...
"Sitting here at a half-empty and embarrassing scene at FIU Stadium where the 12th-ranked South Florida Bulls are playing the Golden Panthers. But my heart is in Texas."
He goes on to mention how he spent the FIU game listening to the UM game over the radio! What kind of sorry excuse for a sports writer are you? Were you not sent there to cover the game?
To say the stadium was half empty is a completely lie. Even the picture on the Herald shows only one side being somewhat empty opposite of the student section. What write such lies? Why try to embarrass our fans, alumni and school?
What's embarrasing about losing 9-17 against the #12 team in the nation?
Frankly, if he doesn't want to be covering FIU, then he needs to get his a$s up and leave. We need him like men need n1pples, we dont! Do us a favor and never step foot on our campus again!
Posted by: FIUFloridaPower&Light | September 21, 2008 at 10:57 AM
What did you guys think about that video FIU played during the game? The one where they had that massive golden panther roaming the FIU campus, jumping over buildings and finally landing at midfiled blowing up the oppenents helmet?
PETE, is there any way for us in cyberspace to get a hold of that video, post it on our Facebooks, favortie blogs, etc. and effectively share FIU with the world?
Posted by: gpantera | September 21, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Overall, I'm very happy with this performance. The defense was very good and the offensive line looked like they got better as the game went on which is somewhat encouraging, especially against that defense.
Wayne looked much more comfortable in the game and did a nice job getting positive yards when the pocket broke down. I love the comment that ESPNU showed from coach Legg wishing that he could combine McCall and Younger into one QB. You could really see what he meant by that in this game. In my opinion, that's what Colt Anderson brings: a taller guy with more mobility than Paul and a better passer and decision maker than Wayne. He should be our starter if he truly is our future and we should bring in McCall if the OL is giving the QB time to throw but Colt is making bad decisions and passes, and bring in Younger if the OL isn't giving the QB time to throw and we need a guy with more mobility. That's why Wayne should have seen more time against USF--he was much more suited for success against a defense like the Bulls.
Anyway, a very nice showing for our stadium's opening game. Just like our stadium, our program is still under construction. Let's keep building.
Posted by: SouthPaw | September 21, 2008 at 11:15 AM
PETE,
Who's in charge at the Miami Herald sports? I will start a petitition and send it to the person in charge at MH sports. The petition will be to ban Manny Navarro from all FIU related activities.
It is in Manny Navarro's best interest not to show up to cover an FIU event again. Let's resolve this through diplomatic channels before something bad happens to him.
Posted by: gpantera | September 21, 2008 at 11:40 AM