Building A Career: A NCAA Football Coaching Dynasty

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Week 15 (Championship Week) Results

MAC Championship

Miami (OH) 29, Ball State 19

SEC Championship

#5 LSU 23, #6 Florida 7

Big 12 Championship

#2 Oklahoma State 36, Missouri 31

ACC Championship

#3 Florida State 38, #8 Miami 28

Conference USA Championship

Rice 30, UAB 17

New Top 25 Coaches Poll
Note: Previous Rank in ()

1 (1) Tennessee (37)
2 (3) Florida State (21)
3 (2) Oklahoma State (2)
4 (5) LSU (1)
5 (4) Texas
6 (7) TCU
7 (9) USC
8 (10) Iowa
9 (6) Florida
10 (11) Ohio State
11 (12) Arizona
12 (8) Miami
13 (13) West Virginia
14 (14) Rutgers
15 (15) Auburn
16 (16) Pittsburgh
17 (17) Louisville
18 (18) Texas A&M
19 (19) Penn State
20 (20) Illinois
21 (21) Oklahoma
22 (22) FIU
23 (23) Boise State
24 (24) Michigan State
25 (25) Michigan

National Players of the Week

Offense:
Jordan Lacey, QB, Florida State
24 - 36 - 356 yds, 3 TD; 13 att. - 35 yds

Defense:
Dan Johnston, MLB, LSU
8 tkls (1 TFL), INT, 2 FF, FR

FIU will play in Motor City Bowl for 2nd straight year, will take on Ball State
FIU Football News

As expected, the Sun Belt champions in the #22-ranked FIU Golden Panthers will return to the Motor City Bowl for postseason play. But this time around, they are the ranked team taking on a new opponent. The Panthers will take on 10-3 Ball State at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

Ball State presents an interesting challenge for FIU, as they match up pretty evenly. Both teams have offenses ranked in the nation's Top 20, while both teams feature defenses that have produced the same. Both teams are tied for defense in total yards given up per game at 332.0 ypg, good enough for 36th in the nation. Despite the eveness in several categories, there is one that should make the difference in the game --- FIU's #1 offensive ranking.

"I'm expecting a high-scoring battle," FIU head coach Kyle Borland said during a recent press conference. "Ball State has a very good offense and their defense is almost the exact same as ours. I think whoever plays better with the ball will determine the outcome. I'm just glad our offense is better."

Ball State ranks 17th overall in total offense, but FIU's #1 ranking should be the difference maker.

As for the rest of this season's bowl matchups, they are as follows. #1-ranked Tennessee will take on #2 Florida State for the BCS National Championship, despite Tennessee not winning or even participating in the SEC Championship.

Non-BCS Bowl Game Matchups

Poinsettia Bowl: Wake Forest (6-6) vs. New Mexico (6-6)

New Orleans Bowl: Rice (8-5) vs. North Texas (6-6)

Papajohns.com Bowl: South Carolina (5-7) vs. Houston (7-5)

New Mexico Bowl: Cal (5-7) vs. Indiana (6-6)

Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon (6-6) vs. UNLV (8-4)

Hawaii Bowl: Southern Mississippi (7-5) vs. #23 Boise State (10-2)

Motor City Bowl: #22 FIU (10-2) vs. Ball State (10-3)

Holiday Bowl: #18 Texas A&M (9-3) vs. #11 Arizona (11-1)

Champs Sports Bowl: #25 Michigan (8-4) vs. Virginia Tech (10-2)

Texas Bowl: UTEP (6-6) vs. Missouri (8-5)

Emerald Bowl: Kansas State (7-5) vs. Nevada (6-6)

Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina (6-6) vs. #17 Louisville (10-2)

Autozone Liberty Bowl: #9 Florida (11-2) vs. UAB (9-4)

Alamo Bowl: Fresno State (7-5) vs. #24 Michigan State (9-3)

MPC Computers Bowl: Idaho (6-6) vs. #21 Oklahoma (8-4)

PetroSun Independence Bowl: Washington (5-7) vs. Georgia Tech (5-7)

Armed Forces Bowl: Nebraska (8-4) vs. Temple (8-4)

Brut Sun Bowl: UCLA (8-4) vs. #13 West Virginia (10-2)

Music City Bowl: Mississippi State (7-5) vs. Virginia (6-6)

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Alabama (7-5) vs. #12 Miami (11-2)

Insight Bowl: Central Michigan (11-1) vs. Minnesota (7-5)

Outback Bowl: Ole Miss (8-4) vs. #19 Penn State (9-3)

AT&T Cotton Bowl: Arkansas (8-4) vs. Texas Tech (8-4)

Capital One Bowl: #15 Auburn (9-3) vs. #20 Illinois (9-3)

Gator Bowl: #14 Rutgers (9-3) vs. Maryland (9-3)

International Bowl: Miami (OH) (8-5) vs. Notre Dame (9-3)

GMAC Bowl: Kent State (7-5) vs. UCF (7-5)

BCS Bowl Game Matchups

Rose Bowl: #8 Iowa (11-1) vs. #7 USC (10-2)

Sugar Bowl: #4 LSU (12-1) vs. #6 TCU (12-0)

Fiesta Bowl: #3 Oklahoma State (12-1) vs. #10 Ohio State (10-2)

Orange Bowl: #5 Texas (11-1) vs. #16 Pittsburgh (10-2)

BCS National Championship: #2 Florida State (12-1) vs. #1 Tennessee (11-1)

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Award winner Ernst highlights FIU All-Americans
FIU Football News

Coming into this season, senior WR/KR Shannon Ernst was already known as being a solid kick returner after earning 1st Team All-Sun Belt honors last year and was expected to reproduce a very similar performance this year. Ernst did not disappoint with 4 return TDs, earning him the coveted Returner of the Year Award. Ernst returned 3 punt returns for TDs and averaged 14.8 yards per punt return, while also returning a kickoff for a TD and averaging 23.1 yards per kick return.

The rest of the award winners are as follows. FIU head coach Kyle Borland was nominated for the Coach of the Year honor but finished as a semifinalist.

National Award Winners

Maxwell Award: Tavares Roberts, QB, Texas
Bednarik Award: Keith Blake, OLB, Iowa
Davey O'Brien Award: Tavares Roberts, QB, Texas
Walker Award: Andrew Hill, RB, Arkansas
Best WR: Nick Moore, WR, Boise State
Best TE: Ryan Smith, TE, Notre Dame
Best OL: Patrick Brown, T, TCU
Rimington Trophy: Greg Lester, C, Arkansas
Lombardi Award: Spencer Boyd, DE, Hawaii
Best LB: Keith Blake, OLB, Iowa
Thorpe Award: Samuel Jones, CB, LSU
Lou Groza Award: Corey George, K, Oklahoma State
Best P: Andrew Johnson, P, Tennessee
Best RET: Shannon Ernst, WR/KR, FIU
Best Coach: TCU Coach

Winning the award also earned Ernst a spot on the All-American team as a 1st Team returner. Joining him on the All-American teams are 5 other Golden Panthers, led by 1st Team nominations in TE Chris Hendrix, DE Mike Goins and OLB Roderick Anderson.

Hendrix emerged as a go-to guy in Coach Borland's offense and was one of the top pass catchers among tight ends in the nation. Hendrix had over 500 yards receiving and caught 10 TDs.

Goins did an amazing job replacing last year's 1st Team All-American nod in Adrian Mason, leading the nation in sacks with 20. Anderson was a force on defense for the Panthers, recording a team-high 73 tackles, forcing 7 fumbles and also returning one of his two interceptions back for a TD.

As for the youngsters, the freshman cornerback tandem of Chad Smith and Melvin Johnson swept both nominations on the Freshman All-American squad.

The rest of the All-American teams are as follows.

1st Team All-American (Offense)

QB: Tavares Roberts, Texas
RB: Andrew Hill, Arkansas
RB: Lawrence Smith, LSU
WR: Nick Moore, Boise State
WR: Bryan Anderson, Central Michigan
TE: Chris Hendrix, FIU
C: E.J. Moore, TCU
OG: Jordan Parker, Virginia Tech
OG: George Rogers, Oklahoma State
OT: Patrick Brown, TCU
OT: Erik Stewart, Oklahoma State

1st Team All-American (Defense)

DE: Spencer Boyd, Hawaii
DE: Mike Goins, FIU
DT: Kendrick Duckett, Ohio State
DT: Marques Sharp, Florida State
MLB: Josh Randle, West Virginia
OLB: Roderick Anderson, FIU
OLB: Keith Blake, Iowa
CB: Samuel Jones, LSU
CB: Willie Parrish, Arizona
FS: Mark McDowell, Florida State
SS: Ronald Perez, Illinois

1st Team All-American (Special Teams)

K: Corey George, Oklahoma State
P: Matt Pressley, Iowa
RET: Shannon Ernst, WR, FIU

2nd Team All-American (Offense)

QB: Jarrett Brown, West Virginia
RB: Brigham Brooks, TCU
RB: Montario Hardesty, Maryland
WR: Eric Miller, Pittsburgh
WR: Edward Jones, Missouri
TE: Matt Lopez, LSU
C: Randy Ingraham, Oklahoma State
OG: Cole Johnson, Texas
OG: Greg Isdaner, West Virginia
OT: Billy White, LSU
OT: Corey Mackey, West Virginia

2nd Team All-American (Defense)

DE: Dan Morse, Boise State
DE: Jarvis Nelson, TCU
DT: Will Barrett, Nevada
DT: Antone Duncan, USC
MLB: Dan Johnston, LSU
OLB: Mark Holt, Rice
OLB: Dustin Doe, Florida
CB: Art Flanagan, Texas
CB: Kennard Dingle, Boise State
FS: Sylvester Daugherty, Louisville
SS: Eric Ard, Arizona

2nd Team All-American (Special Teams)

K: Matt Szymanski, Texas A&M
P: Andrew Johnson, Tennessee
RET: Charles Nelson, WR, Mississippi State

Freshman Team All-American (Offense)

QB: Brendan Thompson, Nebraska
RB: Tom Keller, Tennessee
RB: William Stovall, Oregon State
WR: Dan Coker, Cal
WR: Curt Brink, Penn State
TE: Josh Givens, Boise State
C: E.J. Moore, TCU
OG: Jerome Ratliff, TCU
OG: Alex McDuffie, Ohio State
OT: Paul Hall, Auburn
OT: Josh Downing, Ohio State

Freshman Team All-American (Defense)

DE: Joe Baker, Nebraska
DE: Antoine Gore, Kansas State
DT: Bryan Sherman, Oklahoma State
DT: Donald Herring, Nebraska
MLB: Gene Finley, Florida State
OLB: Kory Reese, Arizona
OLB: Jamal Washington, Central Michigan
CB: Melvin Johnson, FIU
CB: Chad Smith, FIU
FS: James Thomas, San Jose State
SS: Eric Ard, Arizona

Freshman Team All-American (Special Teams)

K: Corey George, Oklahoma State
P: Andrew Johnson, Tennessee
RET: Lewis Green, CB, Florida State

HEISMAN TROPHY RESULTS

*Tavares Roberts, QB, Texas* --- 2149 points (613 1st-place votes)

Jordan Lacey, QB, Florida State --- 1164 pts (80)
Randy Harris, RB, Oklahoma --- 748 pts (50)
Jarrett Brown, QB, West Virginia --- 508 pts (34)
Chris Raymond, QB, Texas A&M --- 85 pts (3)

[kblu54]

Blue-and-gold galore on All-Sun Belt teams as FIU pulls in 22 nominations
FIU Football News

FIU's undefeated conference record was rewarded with a huge amount of All-Sun Belt nominations, as 22 Golden Panther players earned a spot on either the 1st or 2nd Team. The All-Sun Belt 1st Team is almost FIU's entire starting lineup, as 18 FIU players earned 1st Team honors.

Eight players were named to the 1st Team offensive squad, 8 were named to the 1st Team defensive squad and 2 others made the 1st Team special teams unit.

The entire All-Sun Belt squads are as follows.

All-Sun Belt 1st Team (Offense)

QB: DeMarcus Jean, FIU
RB: Ray Brooks, FIU
RB: Aaron Lundy, North Texas
WR: Donald Anderson, FIU
WR: Jason Morgan, FIU
TE: Chris Hendrix, FIU
C: Eric Hall, FIU
OG: Marvin Ross, North Texas
OG: Arthur Cwik, FIU
OT: Steven White, FIU
OT: Jimmie Keyes, Middle Tennessee State

All-Sun Belt 1st Team (Defense)

DE: Mike Goins, FIU
DE: Harvey Diggs, FIU
DT: Derek Valentine, FIU
DT: Jake Hill, Troy
MLB: Nathan Jenkins, FIU
OLB: Roderick Anderson, FIU
OLB: Elliott Woodard, Florida Atlantic
CB: Chad Smith, FIU
CB: Melvin Johnson, FIU
FS: Mark Owens, FIU
SS: Brian Wilson, Middle Tennessee State

All-Sun Belt 1st Team (Special Teams)

K: Terence Woodard, FIU
P: Taylor Mohn, North Texas
RET: Shannon Ernst, WR, FIU

All-Sun Belt 2nd Team (Offense)

QB: Tim Burke, North Texas
RB: Jordan Winston, Middle Tennessee State
RB: Marcus Davis, UL-Lafayette
WR: Zach Nakfoor, Troy
WR: Mark Moses, North Texas
TE: Lance Tyler, North Texas
C: Tim Owens, FIU
OG: Adam Charles, Troy
OG: John Castillo, Arkansas State
OT: Blair Johnson, UL-Lafayette
OT: Andrew Charles, Florida Atlantic

All-Sun Belt 2nd Team (Defense)

DE: Micah Hall, Middle Tennessee State
DE: Kevin Rodriguez, Troy
DT: Brian Diggs, North Texas
DT: Mikal Johnson, North Texas
MLB: Trae Wilson, Florida Atlantic
OLB: James Carter, Troy
OLB: Ross Gorman, North Texas
CB: Tyree Alexander, FIU
CB: Corey Sutton, FIU
FS: Adam Washington, North Texas
SS: Tim Sykes, FIU

All-Sun Belt 2nd Team (Special Teams)

K: Brad Hall, Troy
P: Ricardo White, Troy
RET: Andrew Foreman, Florida Atlantic

[kblu54]

Jean shreds Ball State secondary to lead FIU to 1st bowl win ever
FIU Football News

As the saying goes, you should always leave the best for last.

Junior QB DeMarcus Jean completed an amazing season for the #22-ranked FIU Golden Panthers in the Motor City Bowl against Ball State, dicing the Cardinal secondary for 443 yards passing and 5 TDs to lead FIU to a 62-41 shootout victory. The win gives FIU their 1st bowl victory in program history and gives them a school-record 11 wins on the year.

"Ball State really focused on stopping the run," Jean said after the win. "Coach kept trying to mix it in but it wasn't working like it should. He turned to the passing game and we had a good day. My receivers were awesome and the line gave me enough time to find the open man. It was a good team effort."

Jean completed 22-of-34 passes in the win, throwing TD passes to four different receivers. Three receivers went over 100 yards on the day as FIU rolled up 641 yards of total offense. Senior WRs Jason Morgan (176 yards, 1 TD), Donald Anderson (145 yards, 2 TD) and J.J. Smith (101 yards, 1 TD) each eclipsed the 100-yard mark and scored at least once in their final games as a Golden Panther. Morgan also returned a 2nd-quarter kickoff for a TD. All-American TE Chris Hendrix added 21 yards and caught Jean's final TD pass.

As for the running game, FIU totaled 198 yards on the ground but it wasn't due to any true running backs. Freshman QB Lamont Whitworth piled up 166 yards rushing on only 9 carries and scored on two long TD runs of 71 and 57 yards. Senior RB Ray Brooks, playing in his final game as well, tallied only 49 yards on 17 carries.

On the other side of the field, Ball State played well despite the loss and the game really lived up to its shootout expectations. QB Nate Davis did a great job finding holes in the FIU secondary, which was missing a big piece due to suspension. FIU freshman All-American CB Melvin Johnson was suspended for the bowl game due to violation of team rules. Davis threw for 380 yards on only 14-of-23 passing and 4 TDs to keep the Cardinals in the game for the most part. WR Daniel McClellan led Ball State with 175 yards receiving and a TD, while RB DeMarcus Walker had 132 yards from scrimmage (74 rushing) and scored 2 TDs.

FIU finishes the season 11-2 overall with a Sun Belt championship and now a win in the Motor City Bowl. It was an incredible year 3 for head coach Kyle Borland and the Panthers.

Box Score

BALL 10 16 8 7 - 41
FIU 10 24 21 7 - 62

1st --- FIU --- Woodard 25 FG
1st --- BALL --- Russell 37 FG
1st --- FIU --- Whitworth 71 run (Woodard kick)
1st --- BALL --- Owens 60 pass from Davis (Russell kick)
2nd --- BALL --- Russell 44 FG
2nd --- FIU --- D. Anderson 29 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
2nd --- BALL --- Walker 43 run (Russell kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Morgan 97 kick return (Woodard kick)
2nd --- FIU --- Woodard 28 FG
2nd --- BALL --- Walker 51 pass from Davis (kick blocked)
2nd --- FIU --- D. Anderson 19 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
3rd --- FIU --- J. Smith 59 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
3rd --- FIU --- Morgan 17 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
3rd --- BALL --- McClellan 71 pass from Davis (Davis pass to Thompson)
3rd --- FIU --- Whitworth 57 run (Woodard kick)
4th --- FIU --- Hendrix 12 pass from Jean (Woodard kick)
4th --- BALL --- Horn 47 pass from Davis (Russell kick)

Team Stats

1st Downs: BALL --- 13 ... FIU --- 26
Total Offense: BALL --- 459 ... FIU --- 641
Rushes-Yards: BALL --- 24-79 ... FIU --- 44-198
Passing (C-A-I): BALL --- 14-23-2 ... FIU --- 22-34-0
Pass Yards: BALL --- 380 ... FIU --- 443
Times Sacked: BALL --- 2 ... FIU --- 6
3rd Down Conversions: BALL --- 4-9 ... FIU --- 10-17
Turnovers: BALL --- 4 ... FIU --- 1

Individual Stats

BALL STATE

Nate Davis, QB --- 14 - 23 - 380 yds, 4 TD, 2 INT; 6 att. - 5 yds

DeMarcus Walker, RB --- 18 att. - 74 yds, TD; 2 rec. - 58 yds, TD

Daniel McClellan, WR --- 5 rec. - 175 yds, TD
Vernon Owens, WR --- 3 rec. - 72 yds, TD
Seth Horn, TE --- 1 rec. - 47 yds, TD

David Porter, MLB --- 9 tkls (3 TFL)
Michael Brown, CB --- 9 tkls (1 TFL), FR
Marvin Brown, FS --- 9 tkls (1 TFL), 1 sack, FF
Byron Southall, DE --- 6 tkls (4 TFL), 2 sacks
Joe Bennett, DT --- 6 tkls (3 TFL), 1 sack

FIU

Jean, QB --- 22 - 34 - 443 yds, 5 TD; 10 att. - (-36) yds

Whitworth, QB --- 9 att. - 166 yds, 2 TD
Brooks, RB --- 17 att. - 49 yds
Chance, RB --- 7 att. - 19 yds
Fisher, RB --- 1 att. - 0 yds

Morgan, WR --- 9 rec. - 176 yds, TD; 170 KR yds, TD
D. Anderson, WR --- 7 rec. - 145 yds, 2 TD
J. Smith, WR --- 4 rec. - 101 yds, TD
Hendrix, TE --- 2 rec. - 21 yds, TD

Owens, FS --- 7 tkls, INT
Goins, DE --- 6 tkls (4 TFL), 2 sacks
R. Anderson, OLB --- 5 tkls (1 TFL), FF, 1 blk

[kblu54]

Bowl Week 1 Results

Poinsettia Bowl --- Wake Forest 31, New Mexico 12

Bowl Week 2 Results

New Orleans Bowl --- Rice 35, North Texas 28
Papajohns.com Bowl --- Houston 24, South Carolina 21 (OT)
New Mexico Bowl --- Cal 42, Indiana 21
Las Vegas Bowl --- Oregon 35, UNLV 13
Hawaii Bowl --- Southern Mississippi 29, #23 Boise State 24
Motor City Bowl --- #22 FIU 62, Ball State 41
Holiday Bowl --- #18 Texas A&M 48, #11 Arizona 31

Bowl Week 3 Results

Champs Sports Bowl --- #25 Michigan 38, Virginia Tech 20
Texas Bowl --- Missouri 45, UTEP 24
Emerald Bowl --- Kansas State 49, Nevada 35
Meineke Car Care Bowl --- #17 Louisville 29, North Carolina 7
Autozone Liberty Bowl --- #9 Florida 39, UAB 15
Alamo Bowl --- Fresno State 38, #24 Michigan State 21
MPC Computers Bowl --- #21 Oklahoma 59, Idaho 24
PetroSun Independence Bowl --- Washington 49, Georgia Tech 28
Armed Forces Bowl --- Nebraska 28, Temple 21
Brut Sun Bowl --- UCLA 24, #13 West Virginia 19
Music City Bowl --- Mississippi State 45, Virginia 35
Chick-fil-a Bowl --- Alabama 21, #12 Miami 13
Insight Bowl --- Minnesota 35, Central Michigan 17
Outback Bowl --- Ole Miss 31, #19 Penn State 24
AT&T Cotton Bowl --- Texas Tech 63, Arkansas 42
Capital One Bowl --- #15 Auburn 31, #20 Illinois 17
Gator Bowl --- #14 Rutgers 24, Maryland 17

Bowl Week 4 Results

International Bowl --- Notre Dame 46, Miami (OH) 21
GMAC Bowl --- UCF 35, Kent State 21

BCS Bowl Results

Rose Bowl --- #7 USC 28, #8 Iowa 17

Sugar Bowl --- #4 LSU 36, #6 TCU 25

Fiesta Bowl --- #10 Ohio State 42, #3 Oklahoma State 24

Orange Bowl --- #16 Pittsburgh 51, #5 Texas 44 (OT)

BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP --- #2 Florida State 28, #1 Tennessee 21

[kblu54]

FIU Individual Stats

Passing

DeMarcus Jean --- 208 - 387 - 3483 yds, 33 TD, 24 INT
Lamont Whitworth --- 9 - 19 - 174 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT

Rushing

Ray Brooks --- 260 att. - 1520 yds, 20 TD
Lamont Whitworth --- 93 att. - 802 yds, 10 TD
Josh Chance --- 35 att. - 145 yds, 1 TD
Patrick Harris --- 12 att. - 48 yds
DeMarcus Jean --- 89 att. - 37 yds, 4 TD
Alonzo Fisher --- 4 att. - 17 yds

Receiving

Donald Anderson --- 64 rec. - 1247 yds, 9 TD
Jason Morgan --- 50 rec. - 926 yds, 11 TD
Chris Hendrix --- 40 rec. - 532 yds, 10 TD
J.J. Smith --- 33 rec. - 530 yds, 3 TD
Mike Smith --- 11 rec. - 166 yds
Shannon Ernst --- 11 rec. - 144 yds
Ray Brooks --- 6 rec. - 66 yds, 1 TD
Brandon Turner --- 2 rec. - 46 yds, 1 TD

Defense

Roderick Anderson --- 73 tkls (25 TFL), 10 sacks, 2 INT, 2 passes def., 7 FF, 1 blk, TD
Tyree Alexander --- 50 tkls (5 TFL), 1 INT, 5 passes def., 1 FF, 1 FR
Mike Goins --- 43 tkls (25 TFL), 20 sacks, 2 INT, 2 FR
Mark Owens --- 42 tkls, 2 INT, 12 passes def., 1 FF, 1 FR
Chad Smith --- 39 tkls (2 TFL), 2 sacks, 3 INT, 4 passes def., 3 FF, 1 FR, TD
Harvey Diggs --- 37 tkls (18 TFL), 11 sacks, 3 FF, 3 FR, 1 blk
Nathan Jenkins --- 36 tkls (16 TFL), 12 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 3 FR
Melvin Johnson --- 35 tkls (2 TFL), 6 INT, 8 passes def., TD
Alfred Moore --- 32 tkls (3 TFL), 1 sack, 2 INT, 1 pass def., 1 FF
Corey Sutton --- 32 tkls (4 TFL), 1 sack, 3 INT, 13 passes def.
Lonnie Houston --- 30 tkls, 1 INT, 1 FR
Derek Valentine --- 24 tkls (14 TFL), 10 sacks, 1 pass def., 2 FF, 1 FR
Matt White --- 24 tkls, 3 passes def.
Tyrone Kellner --- 18 tkls, 1 INT, 1 pass def., 1 FF
Gabe Moore --- 14 tkls (6 TFL), 3 sacks
Tim Sykes --- 14 tkls (1 TFL), 4 INT, 1 pass def., 1 FF, 2 blks
Eric Doyle --- 12 tkls
Brad Gutierrez --- 3 tkls (3 TFL), 2 sacks
Pat Smith --- 1 tkl
Zack Whitworth --- 1 tkl

Kicking

Terence Woodard --- 8/8 FG, 74/74 XP, 98 total points

Punting

Austin Carroll --- 22 punts - 1011 yds (45.9 avg), 2 in 20

Kickoff Returns

Shannon Ernst --- 30 ret. - 692 yds (23.1 avg), 1 TD
Jason Morgan --- 22 ret. - 474 yds (21.5 avg)

Punt Returns

Shannon Ernst --- 29 ret. - 429 yds (14.8 avg), 3 TD

FIU Team Stats & Rankings

Offense

Total YPG: 518.8 (1st in NCAA)
Pass YPG: 304.7 (6th)
Rush YPG: 214.0 (5th)
PPG: 46.8 (1st)
Pass TD: 35 (19th)
Rush TD: 35 (3rd)
1st Downs: 294 (1st)
Redzone Scoring %: 83% (11th)
3rd Down Conversions: 49% (20th)
Turnover Differential: +0 (59th)

Defense

Total YPG: 332.0 (36th)
Pass YPG: 247.8 (72nd)
Rush YPG: 84.2 (6th)
Pts Against: 23.6 (36th)
Sacks: 72 (1st)
Interceptions: 28 (6th)
Fumble Recoveries: 13 (3rd)
Redzone Scoring %: 69% (19th)

[kblu54]

FIU placed on 2-year probation but still manages to bring in 15
FIU Football News

Some disappointing news out of FIU football headquarters was received today, as the NCAA handed down a surprising punishment to the Golden Panther football program. FIU, who has had minimal behavior problems but some recruiting problems, was placed on a 2-year probation that removed 5 scholarships.

"I was shocked to hear the new," FIU head coach Kyle Borland said. "The NCAA was barely even looking at us, and I thought we have had no behavior problems. I'm curious if the low numbers we pulled in through recruiting the last few years have anything to do with it."

FIU has pulled in only 9 recruits each of the last two years and has seen their numbers dip dramatically since Coach Borland took over. After this year's recruiting class, it appears FIU will field less than 60 players compared to the 71 that suited up just a few years ago.

"The last few years of recruiting hurt us," Coach Borland said. "We needed a big year last year and didn't get it, and we had a good year this year, but without those extra 5 scholarships, we were down more players than we expected."

Despite missing those 5 scholarships, FIU did take a big step in the recruiting field, filling up the remaining scholarships and pulling in 15 new guys for next season.

FIU pulled in four 4-star recruits, seven 3-star players and four 2-star commits to fill out their impressive recruiting year. Their collection of new guys puts them out of the triple digits in class rank, which is a major improvement from the last 2 years, and actually places them in the Top 30 nationally at #28.

FIU's recruiting class is highlighted by some new potential starters at FS and OLB and also grabbed the #1 kicker in the nation from a rival state.

FS Barrett Wright, OLBs Brent Hunter and Mike Anderson and K Dwight Heinz highlight FIU's incoming class. Wright, Hunter and Anderson, all 4-star recruits, are expected to come in and start right away in place of graduated seniors. Coach Borland noted his excitement for finding and bringing such young talent.

"I'm really pumped for Wright, Hunter and Anderson to be coming here. I know these guys are primed and ready to play right out of the gate for us and I know with their talent that we won't miss much from last year's departed seniors."

Coach Borland went into Alabama to pull in his specialists this year, including the nation's #1-ranked kicker in Heinz. Heinz is joined by another Alabama specialist in punter Taylor Wright. Heinz and Wright will fill the void left by two solid graduated seniors.

Defensively, OLB Mark Abrams committed during the in-season period and kept his promise. The recruit out of Texas joins Hunter and Anderson to help replace 3 graduated outside linebackers. CB Bill Swain also committed during the in-season period and is coming to FIU.

On offense, Coach Borland went out and filled a lot of need spots for his spread option attack, especially on the offensive line. Tackles Sean Gore and Julius Carr and centers Kenny Farris and Derrick Walker are coming to help shore up the missing pieces left by graduated seniors.

As for skill guys, Coach Borland pulled in one RB, a fullback and a WR. RB Keith Benson committed during the in-season period and is joining by FB Brandon Johnson and WR Lawrence Coker. Johnson is expected to start this upcoming season, whereas Benson and Coker will more than likely redshirt.

As for an enigma, Coach Borland pulled in a pure athlete in Jason Nelson. Nelson can play several positions, including QB, RB, WR and most of the secondary, and should find a home soon.

Here is the recap of FIU's commits.

Dwight Heinz, K --- **** --- Alabama (#1)
Barrett Wright, FS --- **** --- Florida (#13)
Brent Hunter, OLB --- **** --- Florida (#17)
Mike Anderson, OLB --- **** --- Florida (#18)
Keith Benson, RB --- *** --- Florida (#55)
Brandon Johnson, FB --- *** --- Florida (#18)
Kenny Farris, C --- *** --- Florida (#18)
Sean Gore, T --- *** --- Florida (#31)
Julius Carr, T --- *** --- Louisiana (#32)
Mark Abrams, OLB --- *** --- Texas (#40)
Bill Swain, CB --- *** --- Florida (#69)
Jason Nelson, ATH --- ** --- Florida (#42)
Derrick Walker, C --- ** --- Arkansas (#40)
Lawrence Coker, WR --- ** --- Florida (#97)
Taylor Wright, P --- ** --- Alabama (#9)

As mentioned, FIU's class ranks them high at #28 nationally. Texas claimed the #1 spot for recruiting classes, followed closely by in-state rival Texas Tech. The rest of the Recruiting Top 10 are as follows.

Top 10 Classes

1) Texas
2) Texas Tech
3) Ohio State
4) Florida State
5) Oklahoma
6) Arizona
7) Penn State
8) Virginia Tech
9) Tennessee
10) LSU
.
.
.
28) FIU

FIU will look ahead to their 4th year under Coach Borland and a possible 3rd-straight Sun Belt championship.

[kblu54]

Season Preview: Can Jean lead Panthers to Sun Belt three-peat with brand new offense?
FIU Football News

The FIU Golden Panthers are coming off their greatest season in their young program history, an 11-2 season in which they claimed their 2nd straight Sun Belt title and a postseason win in the Motor City Bowl. The Panthers will of course be looking to go for championship #3, but it will have to do so on the play of senior QB DeMarcus Jean and a nearly-brand new offensive lineup. FIU only returns 3 starters on offense including Jean, losing every offensive weapon they had last year except one. The FIU defense, which finished a solid 36th overall in the nation and was ranked in the Top 10 for rushing defense, returns seven starters but will be starting a few freshman at several spots.

Let's take a look at the year 4 Golden Panthers.

OFFENSE (Returning Starters = 3)

Quarterbacks (Grade = C+)

The FIU spread option attack surprised the nation with its explosiveness and finished #1 in the nation in first downs, total yards and points per game. Their attack is led by a Heisman candidate in senior QB DeMarcus Jean. Jean had a great year in leading FIU to their 2nd straight Sun Belt title and a Top 25 ranking, throwing for 3483 yards and 33 TDs. Jean is expected to have a better year this year and a more careful year (24 interceptions last season), but will have to do so without much experience from his skill guys. Also expected to make some noise at the QB spot will be sophomore Lamont Whitworth. As a freshman last year, Whitworth finished 2nd on the team with 802 yards rushing and 10 TDs on the ground. Whitworth should be a bigger factor this year with a year under his belt in running FIU's option attack. Jean also showed some mobility, running for 4 TDs himself.

Tailbacks (Grade = C+)

It will be another important year to fill in for a missing piece at the tailback spot for FIU, as they have to replace 1st Team All-Sun Belt selection Ray Brooks. Brooks ran for over 1500 yards last year and scored 20 TDs on the ground. Filling in for the graduated Brooks will be new starter Josh Chance. Chance, a senior, ran for 145 yards and a TD in limited action last year. He is expected to take the bulk of the carries, but he will get some help from fellow senior Alonzo Fisher (17 yards last year). Converted athlete Tony Pollock is active this year after redshirting a year ago and will be the #3 back. Freshman Keith Benson will redshirt.

Fullbacks (Grade = C)

The fullback spot is not used that often in FIU's attack, but they lost a big piece last year when 3-year starter Patrick Harris went down with an injury and then left school due to graduation. In his place will be incoming freshman Brandon Johnson. Johnson showed good ability blocking in the preseason, so expect him to be solid despite his inexperience.

Wide Receivers (Grade = C+)

The wide receivers took a huge hit due to graduation this offseason, as they lost every single WR that caught a pass last year. In their place will be a couple of unknowns who have only caught one pass combined in the last 3 years. Sophomore redshirt Nick Arnold showed great ability in the preseason and emerged as the #1 guy and a legitimate go-to threat. Junior Mark Lloyd and senior Eddie Poole fill out the remaining spots, followed by senior Brian Stewart.

Tight Ends (Grade = C+)

Jean has a lot of untested players to throw and hand off to at the RB and WR spots, but he should feel safe knowing all his tight ends return. This group is led by the outstanding returning 1st Team All-American in junior Chris Hendrix. Hendrix emerged as a goalline target for Jean and led the nation for tight ends with 10 TD catches. Joining him will be sophomore Mike Smith, who caught 11 passes for 166 yards but was a key to FIU's ground attack thanks to his solid blocking.

Tackles (Grade = B-)

Another offensive group that lost both starters does feature a talented bunch. Senior Jose Mackey steps up to start after being an understudy for a few years, and he is joining by a true freshman on the other side. Sean Gore beat out junior Jason Alvarez for the starting job and is expected to be solid on the edge. Freshman Julius Carr will also backup.

Guards (Grade = C+)

The guards lost 1st Team All-Sun Belt pick Arthur Cwik to graduation, and unfortunately didn't get any incoming recruits to fill the gap. Senior Fred McNeal returns, but he is joined by untested sophomore Scott Capers. Fellow sophomore Stewart Faulk will backup both guard spots.

Centers (Grade = C)

The center spot literally lost everybody from last year, including 1st Team All-Sun Belt selection Eric Hall, and is now filled by freshman. Derrick Walker beat out highly-touted recruit Kenny Farris to win the starting job.

DEFENSE (Returning Starters = 7)

Defensive Ends (Grade = C+)

One of the biggest spots of the defense that is thankful to have people returning is the defensive ends. 1st Team All-American senior Mike Goins and 1st Team All-Sun Belt pick junior Harvey Diggs return after huge years last year. Goins recorded a nation-high 20 sacks while Diggs added 11 to help FIU lead the nation in sacks as a team. Both these men are expected to play an even bigger role as FIU looks to overcome their offensive and secondary inexperience. Sophomore Brad Gutierrez and junior Pat Smith will backup.

Defensive Tackles (Grade = C+)

The entire defensive line returns for FIU as senior defensive captain Derek Valentine (10 sacks, 1st Team All-Sun Belt) and junior Gabe Moore (3 sacks) return to anchor the FIU interior. Valentine played very well down the stretch last year and emerged as a serious pass-rush threat, and is expected to build on that success this year. Freshman redshirt Matt McMillan and junior Zack Whitworth will backup.

Outside Linebackers (Grade = C)

After being the most experience group on the team last year with 3 seniors, the outside linebackers now become the youngest spot on the team with 3 freshman. Highly-touted freshman Brett Hunter and Mike Anderson will start for the Golden Panthers and are expected to learn fast in FIU's aggressive blitzing defense. Hunter and Anderson have big shoes to fill after FIU lost 1st Team All-American Roderick Anderson to graduation. Freshman Mark Abrams and junior Courtney Miller will provide backup duty.

Middle Linebackers (Grade = C)

Sophomore Nathan Jenkins (36 tackles, 12 sacks) returns after earning 1st Team All-Sun Belt honors as a freshman. Jenkins is helped out by senior redshirt Will Gray. Gray was supposed to graduate this past spring, but due to minimal playing time this past season, he earned the right to use his redshirt season and returns this year. Walk-on Jeremy McKenzie will redshirt.

Cornerbacks (Grade = C+)

The most-honored position group on the team returns All-Americans and All-Sun Belt players. Senior Corey Sutton returns after earning 2nd Team All-Sun Belt honors last year and looks to lead this young group of corners. Sutton led FIU in tackles as a junior nickelback, but saw some of his production suffer last year due to injury and a position change. As the #1 corner, he still had a solid year with 32 tackles, 3 interceptions and a team-high 13 passes defensed. Joining him at the other corner is sophomore and highly-honored Chad Smith. Smith and sophomore nickelback Melvin Johnson earned Freshman Team All-American honors and swept both cornerback spots on the 1st Team All-Sun Belt squad last year. Smith recorded 39 tackles, 3 interceptions, forced 3 fumbles and scored a TD, while Johnson recorded 35 ackles, 6 interceptions, 8 passes defensed and a TD himself. Both are expected to take bigger roles this year. Converted athlete freshman Jason Nelson will redshirt this year. Freshman Bill Swain is noted as the #5 corner on the depth chart.

Free Safeties (Grade = C+)

FIU replaced the graduated Mark Owens with a true freshman in the highly-touted Barrett Wright. Wright is built in the same mold as Owens, but seems to have more athleticism and speed. Junior Eric Doyle got some much-needed experience as a dime back last year (12 tackles) and should help out in the secondary.

Strong Safeties (Grade = C+)

Sophomores Tim Sykes and Matt White return after a heated battle for the starting job this preseason. Sykes, the starter last year, barely beat out White for the job. Sykes (14 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2nd Team All-Sun Belt) will start and play in all the SS spots, while White (24 tackles, 3 passes defensed) will play as FIU's dime back to keep the talented safety on the field.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker (Grade = B-)

Freshman Dwight Heinz enters to replace a very accurate predecessor. Graduated senior Terence Woodard nailed over 90% of his field goals and extra points combined over the past 3 years, and Heinz is expected to produce the same accuracy.

Punter (Grade = C)

Once again, the position FIU hopes not to use that much does feature a solid punter. Freshman Taylor Wright will do his best to replace graduated Austin Carroll.

OVERALL

It's going to be another very interesting year for FIU in their quest for their 3rd-straight Sun Belt championship. With so many new starters in so many important positions on offense, it appears Jean will have to do a lot of work on his own. Jean has the talent to win, but does the weapons around him have enough to match him? Defensively, the Golden Panthers seem solid, especially up front with that tenacious defensive line, but the freshman starters in the next two lines of defense could provide some worry. Overall, the amount of good way outweighs the bad for FIU. Expect another good year.

Predicted Finish: 9-3 overall (7-0 Sun Belt)