FIU enters uncharted territory Saturday night when it plays North Texas in Denton.

For the first time since moving up to Division I in 2005, the Golden Panthers are favored in a game.

Coming off its first non-conference Football Bowl Subdivision victory last Saturday at Toledo, FIU (1-3) is favored by a touchdown against North Texas (0-4) in the Sun Belt Conference opener for both teams.

When the Golden Panthers took No. 12 South Florida to a final onside kick two weeks ago in their 17-9 loss, FIU routed the Rockets 35-16.

Now coming off what could arguably be the most significant win in the program's six-year history, FIU is aware of the problems in taking the Mean Green lightly.

''I guess there is always that danger in any game that you go in with confidence,'' FIU quarterback Paul McCall said. ``But just because you win a few games doesn't mean you can get a big head. It's still been two wins in the last two years. That's nothing to be too happy about. It is great to come into conference play with a win and some confidence, but it could be just as dangerous if you rely on that.''

INTRIGUING HISTORY

The Golden Panthers and the Mean Green have played some strange and historic games in their three meetings.

In 2005, FIU had eight turnovers against North Texas, yet the Mean Green needed a late third-quarter touchdown to win 13-10 in Miami.

Two years ago, the teams tied an NCAA record for the longest game. The Golden Panthers and Mean Green missed four field goals in overtime before North Texas won 25-22 in the seventh overtime in Denton.

Last season, FIU closed out college football at the Orange Bowl and ended its 23-game losing streak with a 38-19 win.

''There is always something that goes either totally wrong for one side of the ball or totally good for another when we play North Texas,'' FIU senior defensive tackle Jonas Murrell said. ``The year we lost in seven overtimes I didn't sleep for like days after. This year ain't no telling what can happen.''

DIFFICULT SCHEDULE

North Texas has played four higher-caliber teams to start the season. Against Kansas State, Tulsa, LSU and Rice, North Texas has been outscored 219-55.

The Mean Green is coming off a 57-point loss to Rice, but the Golden Panthers, who have experienced some lopsided losses themselves, are leery.

''We don't want to let them catch us sleeping,'' Murrell said. ``We know they can put up some points. Their offense has played some good defenses, which is why they have a low point average right now. I'm pretty sure they'll be out looking for some kind of revenge, but we've been in the same shoes. We came off several 50-point losses, so we just have to go out there and get it done.''

Knowing how his team responded the last two weeks after two losses to open the season, FIU coach Mario Cristobal is aware North Texas can do the same.

'I know North Texas' capabilities,'' Cristobal said. ``I've watched them play and they are just millimeters away from making big plays on both sides of the ball. We have to play at an emotionally high level. We aren't at the point where we can just flick on a switch and say we're going to go out and score 24 points and shut them down. I know this is going to be a big-time battle.''

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