Related Content

• FIU blog | Golden Panther Prowl
• Chat with other FIU fans
• Download your 2009 FIU Golden Panthers iPhone app

X-Rays negative on FIU's Carlos Munera

GAINESVILLE -- FIU might have lost one of its top weapons on special teams at the start of Saturday's game against Florida.

Backup Gators defensive back Markihe Anderson rolled into Golden Panthers punter Carlos Munera's left ankle on the fourth play of the game.

FIU shuffles roster against Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- For the second consecutive week, starting tight end Dudley LaPorte was not cleared by the NCAA. He missed the game against Rutgers.

Sophomore tight end Jonathan Faucher started his second consecutive game and former quarterback-turned-tight end Colt Anderson backed up Faucher.

Last year's starting tight end, Eric Kirchenberg , missed his second consecutive game as well. Kirchenberg was recovering from a knee injury.

FIU tight end Dudley LaPorte misses game

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Starting tight end Dudley LaPorte did not make the trip for the Golden Panthers because he is awaiting full clearance from the NCAA.

The NCAA informed FIU on Friday that LaPorte was not cleared to play in Saturday's season opener.

Coach Mario Cristobal said LaPorte, who led all junior college tight ends in receiving last season, is ``hopefully expected to be back with the team on Monday.''

Florida Panthers (15-15-7) at Philadelphia Flyers (15-17-2), 7 p.m.

The lowly Philadelphia Flyers will try to halt a three-game skid when they welcome the Florida Panthers for tonight's battle at Wachovia Center.

The Flyers are second from last in the NHL with just 32 points on the year and they have lost 13 out of 16 games. Philadelphia is also just 2-6-1 since Peter Laviolette took over as head coach from the fired John Stevens.

Philadelphia was swept in a home-and-home series by Pittsburgh recently and then dropped Saturday's matinee against the visiting New York Rangers.

Sloppy play dooms FIU football team in loss to Rutgers

FIU plays its home opener against Toledo on Saturday at FIU Stadium.

After losses to Alabama and Rutgers to start the season, the Golden Panthers should match up better with a Rockets team that is more on par with them physically.

In the first two games, FIU struggled at the line of scrimmage, and that could have been expected against the more physically mature Crimson Tide and Scarlet Knights.