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FIU 42, NORTH TEXAS 10

FIU blows out North Texas for second win in a row

FIU got one of its most complete games in school history and blew away North Texas for its second victory in a row.

ppelegrin@MiamiHerald.com

Seven overtimes were not necessary this time around for FIU.

After losing in an NCAA record seven overtimes two years ago at North Texas, the Golden Panthers needed just two quarters to rout the Mean Green en route to a 42-10 victory Saturday night at Fouts Field.

FIU got a breakout performance from its offense, a third consecutive solid game from its defense and a record-setting night from freshman receiver T.Y. Hilton, who scored two touchdowns and had 145 receiving yards.

''We made big plays,'' FIU coach Mario Cristobal said. ``It makes life easier and it really sparks an entire team. A great team effort.''

FIU's offense rolled up the most yards (347) since it joined the Football Bowl Division (formerly Division I) in 2005, and the Golden Panthers scored their most points since a 52-6 win over Florida Atlantic in 2005.

Quarterback Paul McCall threw four touchdown passes, tying Jamie Burke's school record set in the 2002 inaugural season.

The Golden Panthers defense limited the Mean Green to 10 points -- the fewest points allowed by FIU since it held Middle Tennessee to seven in 2006.

And Hilton -- who chose to play at FIU over Florida, West Virginia and Ole Miss -- showed why he was recruited by those BCS schools by setting an FIU record with 138 receiving yards in the first half.

Hilton opened the scoring by sprinting past the Mean Green and catching a 65-yard touchdown from McCall in the first quarter.

HILTON A PLAYMAKER

Early in the second quarter, Hilton -- the fastest Golden Panther -- displayed his speed and elusiveness.

Hilton caught a screen pass from McCall at the FIU 29, broke several tackles in the middle of the field, and sped down the sideline, spinning by a North Texas defender at the 5 before diving into the end zone.

The 73-yard touchdown catch-and-run by Hilton gave FIU a 21-0 lead. Hilton credited his performance to receivers coach Frank Ponce.

''Coach Ponce tells me once the ball is in your hands it's up to you to know what to do,'' Hilton said. ``Which I know what to do. Once I get the ball I just do what I do best.''

Said McCall: 'After T.Y.'s second touchdown, I asked coach Cristobal `Where did you get this guy?' ''

In between the Hilton touchdowns, FIU's special teams contributed to the scoring.

On a North Texas punt attempt, FIU defensive back O'Darris D'Haiti broke through the line of scrimmage and blocked Truman Spencer's punt. Alonzo Phillips scooped up the ball and returned it 11 yards for the Golden Panthers' second touchdown.

With the offense and special teams providing the early scoring, the defense helped out just before halftime.

Defensive lineman Reggie Jones tipped and juggled a pass from North Texas quarterback Giovanni Vizza before pulling it in for the interception. Jones then rumbled to the North Texas 35.

FIU's defense forced four turnovers for the second consecutive game.

Two plays later, running back A'mod Ned split the Mean Green defense for a 26-yard touchdown run to give FIU a 28-0 lead at the half -- the largest halftime cushion for FIU since it led FAU 24-0 in 2005.

About the only goal FIU did not accomplish Saturday was to preserve the shutout.

ALMOST PERFECT

The Golden Panthers surrendered a third quarter field goal and along with his defense, Cristobal was none too happy about it.

So upset by the field goal, Cristobal incurred an unsportsmanlike penalty afterward and earned himself some extra punishment when FIU returns home to Miami.

''I got some up-downs to do,'' Cristobal said with a wry smile. ``So I'll be ready getting ready for those when we get home.''

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