Offensive lineman Cedric Mack will make his first start of the season when the Golden Panthers take on Middle Tennessee on Saturday in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Mack will start at left guard against the Blue Raiders. Senior Mario Caraballo will start at right guard.

Freshman Dave Istanich, who had started the previous two games, will get plenty of playing time as well Saturday as he rotates with Mack.

``Cedric has earned a start, but Istanich has done nothing to lose his starting job,'' coach Mario Cristobal said. ``You can consider those two co-starters. All those three guys need to play. Cedric has really started to separate himself. We got ourselves a real good one there.''

Earlier this season it wasn't so certain Mack would start in 2009. A junior college All-American last season at El Camino (Calif.) College, Mack arrived at FIU overweight at 360 pounds.

Cristobal wanted Mack to lose weight and get in shape, which he did. The 6-4 offensive lineman, who was a former Miami Palmetto standout, is down to 320 pounds and is looking quicker in practice and games.

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