FIU

The Miami Herald >  Sports >  Colleges >  FIU

FIU notebook

Panthers coach Mario Cristobal sees ‘intensity level’ of rivalry game with FAU

 
Kedrick Rhodes (9) of Florida International University gets a first down against Florida Atlantic University at FIU Stadium in University Park on Nov. 12, 2011.
Kedrick Rhodes (9) of Florida International University gets a first down against Florida Atlantic University at FIU Stadium in University Park on Nov. 12, 2011.
Jim Rassol / MCT

By Bill Van Smith

Special to The Miami Herald

Coach Mario Cristobal makes it clear he considers every game “the most important game.” But even he concedes “rivalry games” add intensity. And it is a rivalry game that will take place 8 p.m. Friday when FIU (2-8, 1-5 Sun Belt) plays Florida Atlantic (3-7, 2-4) in Boca Raton in the Shula Bowl.

“I think all games are of the same importance,” Cristobal said, “but a rivalry game does up the intensity level some.”

Friday’s game will be the last between FIU and FAU, at least for now. Next season FIU moves into Conference USA.

In the future, will the two schools get together for a nonconference game?

“That’s something to be discussed later,” Cristobal said. “Once the season is over.”

Friday’s game will be televised on ESPNU. FAU leads the series 8-2, but FIU was a runaway 41-7 winner last season.

• FIU quarterback Jake Medlock needs only 22 passing yards to surpass Paul McCall’s school mark for yardage in a season set in 2009. McCall had 1,884 yards and Medlock, who missed two full games this season with an injury, has 1,863.

Read more FIU stories from the Miami Herald

Join the
Discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere on the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

The Miami Herald uses Facebook's commenting system. You need to log in with a Facebook account in order to comment. If you have questions about commenting with your Facebook account, click here.

Have a news tip? You can send it anonymously. Click here to send us your tip - or - consider joining the Public Insight Network and become a source for The Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald.

Hide Comments

This affects comments on all stories.

Cancel OK
Web Search powered byYAHOO!SEARCH
Search: Horoscopes | Comics & Games | Data Sleuth

  • More FIU

  • Videos

  • On Facebook

  • Quick Job Search

Enter Keyword(s) Enter City Select a State Select a Category