FIU hopes for winning season

Last Year's Record: 5-7 The 2008 season began tough for the Golden Panthers as they took on three straight BCS opponents. Once they hit conference play, however, they quickly turned things around. A 2-0 start in conference let teams know that they were no longer a pushover. Things leveled out for Florida International University, but as the season ended they were a close loss to Louisiana-Monroe and a heartbreaking loss to Florida Atlantic away from being bowl eligible.

Toughest Opponent in 2009: Sept. 12 at University of Alabama Last year FIU took on BCS powers to start their season and test its players. This year will be no different. The Golden Panthers open its season against preseason Top 10 team Alabama. If Alabama loses to Virginia Tech in week one they could come out against FIU looking to prove something. That would be the worst case scenario for the Golden Panthers as they wouldn't want to be tackling dummies and risk injuries so early in the season.

Key Game in 2009: Oct. 17 vs. Troy University After playing two of the lesser teams in the Sun Belt to open conference play, FIU hosts Troy to open its home conference schedule. With the coaching staff's goals of a bowl game in 2009, FIU knows it must go through Troy. Winning this game and potentially starting 3-0 in the conference would be a huge step towards accomplishing those goals.

Key Players: WR T.Y. Hilton and QB Paul McCall Hilton was fourth in the nation last year in all purpose yards as a freshman and accounted for touchdowns in the four different ways, including a touchdown pass. In his second season, he must avoid a sophomore slump, and offensive coordinator Bill Legg has to find more ways to get the ball in Hilton's hands. Part of the responsibility will fall on Senior Paul McCall. McCall won the starting job last year during the season and this season needs to play with confidence. A strong receiving corps will have to carry the offensive load and potentially the team if FIU wants a bowl game appearance.