--Cristobal said following the Iowa game that Paul McCall remains his starting quarterback, though the bye week may give him a chance to have some second thoughts. Backup Wayne Younger has posted nearly double the passing efficiency (95.18) of McCall through the first two games of the season. The more mobile Younger could be a better fit in the short term as FIU attempts to address its offensive-line issues.
--FIU's home opener against USF on Sept, 20 (7 p.m. kickoff) will be aired nationally. It's the first time that FIU has appeared on national TV at home. "This is another step in the development of the football program and the athletic program at FIU," FIU athletic director Pete Garcia said.
--Cristobal has invited several speakers, including etiquette instructors, police officers and motivational speakers, to address his team during fall practices.
NEXT GAME
Sept. 20, home vs. USF -- FIU will open its new 18,000 seat stadium against a state rival. FIU is trying to follow the blueprint that South Florida set when it launched football more than a decade ago. Like USF, FIU is a city commuter school that is trying to establish a football tradition.
SEPTEMBER AT A GLANCE
After USF, the Golden Panthers hit the road for another tough non-conference test Sept. 27, at Toledo. If nothing else, FIU will be battle-tested for its Oct. 4 conference opener at North Texas.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"To open against a team like USF, a state rival, playing our first game in our new stadium, it's a very big thing for recruiting and the development of our program." -- FIU coach Mario Cristobal.
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