With a new offensive coordinator and a bunch of underclassmen playing key roles, consistency and execution have been weekly mantras for FIU's offense.

Both elements were largely missing as the Golden Panthers' offense accounted for one touchdown in the first three games of the season, all losses.

Then FIU's offense erupted in Saturday's 35-16 victory at Toledo, accounting for five touchdowns in the program's first victory against a nonconference Football Bowl Subdivision opponent.

''We had been very inconsistent up to that point,'' offensive coordinator Bill Legg said. ``Saturday, for really the first time all season, we were able to string plays together and as a result . . ., we were successful from the standpoint of being able to score points.''

FIU was able to establish the running game against Toledo, pounding out 141 yards and four touchdowns on 45 carries.

Julian Reams carried 19 times for 75 yards and three touchdowns, including a season-long 27-yard burst to give the Golden Panthers the lead to stay, 21-16. A'mod Ned added 51 yards and a touchdown.

`WITH A NAIL'

Reams echoed Legg's sentiments about consistency, citing the final minutes against Toledo, when the Golden Panthers were able to run the ball to pick up a couple of first downs and end the game.

''We wanted to end the game, so we had to get a first down or two and we got that done,'' Reams said. ``Even knowing we had the game in our hands, we still were consistent to make the proper block and end the game with a nail.''

While FIU managed to grind out possessions on the ground, quarterback Paul McCall was efficient. He completed 6 of 13 passes for 98 yards, and he hooked up with freshman T.Y. Hilton for a 37-yard score. He also and didn't have a turnover.

''You can run around with effort all day, but you've got to be productive with it,'' McCall said. ``You've got to know your assignment and execute it to a `T'.

``That's how we were able to move the football against Toledo.''

Even though the offense showed improvement against Toledo, Saturday was more of a building block than an epiphany for FIU.

FIU totaled 239 yards of offense, and its only scoring drive longer than 50 yards was the first (74 yards). The other four drives were 24, 27, 5, and 44 yards. Two were set up by long kick returns by Hilton and two were set up by fumble recoveries.

`EMOTIONALLY HIGH'

The Golden Panthers still rank last among FBS teams in total offense and 116th in scoring offense.

Still, Legg and head coach Mario Cristobal said the point outburst was a sign of progress.

''We're playing teams that are more talented than us and that have more experience than us,'' Cristobal said. ``So for us to have an opportunity at success, we have to have be emotionally high and assignment-perfect. So that's what we're driving home everyday.''

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