Coach Cristobal touched on many points during Wednesday's news conference inside FIU's newly remolded football meeting room.
Have you decided who will be the starting QB?
"We have a good plan and we are very close to making some of those things final. If we make them public or not, that depends on what we want to go with over the next couple of days."
What would a win mean to FIU?
"Anytime you step outside the conference and play a football game of this caliber it always give you a chance to measure yourself against the top programs in the country. Rutgers has established themselves as that type of program. Being at home adds a little special feeling as well."
On the defense
"Rutgers is a real physical football team. I think they showed that all season last year. They are very dangerous."
On Greg Schiano (right)
"We're good friends. I'm looking forward to playing him on Saturday."
Do you see any parallels between Rutgers and FIU?
"Lots of parallels. Very similar blueprint. The differences in the blueprint, us taking over during probation and missing 16-20 scholarships and not having that issue at Rutgers. Year after year being a little ahead in games won. We are a little ahead of the schedule in that respect. In terms of process, changing the culture, building the program, it's almost identical. In terms of the type and caliber of student athletes we are bringing into the program. A great learning experience because when you walk into a place where it seems impossible and you start chipping away at that and the process takes it course and it finally hits. I believe it was year 5 or 6 six when it finally popped for [Rutgers] with that bowl game. It was very encouraging when that happened."
Will Jonathan Faucher (left, during his years at Cypress Bay) be ready to play on Saturday?
"He's ready for as many plays as he needs. Fauch is very important guy on special team as much as he is on the offensive side of the ball. We are very excited to have him back."
What did you learn last year from Rutgers?
"They are disciplined and talented. That is a very tough combination. They do it all pretty well."
How would you grade yourself?
"I don't grade and I don't rate performances. My job here is make sure our guys graduate and our football team gets better."
Dwight Dasher (left) update
Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill said - earlier this week - that he hopes the NCAA will render its' decision on Dasher's suspension sometime this week.
Story on Miami native and current Rutgers LB Antonio Lowery (right)
The Newark Star-Ledger had a nice story about LB Antonio Lowery and his return home to Miami. Story here.
Check back Friday for a full breakdown of the game against Rutgers and my predictions.
Response to comments
Q. 18.5 points? Are you serious?!?!? 17 Point game at most...FIU FPL
A. Don't get mad at me, I don't set the lines. You can thank the good people in Las Vegas for that. Last year the line was 14 and it was at Rutgers. Not really sure what the odds makers find so different this time around. It might have to do with the fact that FIU has an unproven QB and new coordinators. Guess we have to wait and see.
Justin Azpiazu
How about I grade you Mario...
F in coaching
A+ in self promoting
A+ in making excuses
A+ in impersonating a coach
so overall not so bad
Posted by: lmao | September 09, 2010 at 07:05 PM
18.5 points? Are you serious?!?!?1 7 Point game at most.
Posted by: FIU FPL | September 09, 2010 at 07:27 PM
http://prosportsblogging.com/ncaa/sun-belt-conference/fiu/prediction-time-fiu-vs-rutgers/
New Blog with predication and analysis
Posted by: Jay Ramos | September 09, 2010 at 08:54 PM
Last year team played Rutgers very well and only lost by a single score (even as the offense struggled). Rutgers, as seen in their opener is no offensive beast. They run the ball and play defense. Score 21 point and limit the run game and FIU win their QB is not great and will not carry a team but will make play if he is covered up by the run. If we can get after him when they throw and JUST CONTROL the ground game we can win this game if the offense is less then stellar. my line 24-19 FIU. Think Rutger moves the ball well but we hold up in reds zone and force field goals and somewhere some how we get a big turnover over or two.
Will be there to see it happen.
Posted by: Dhaiti #20 (2009 FIU Player) | September 10, 2010 at 12:57 AM
always good to hear the perspective of a former player.
Posted by: panther viscosity | September 10, 2010 at 02:07 AM
So, who is this Didier fellow?
Posted by: FIUPantherFan | September 10, 2010 at 10:14 AM
Nice input Dhaiti! I always enjoy reading what you write. I'm excited to see what coordinators will bring this year.
As for game tomorrow, I see defenses making some plays. Hopefully we get off to a good start.
Go FIU!
Posted by: FIUJM | September 10, 2010 at 10:22 AM