FIU Panthers weather-tested by experience

If last year’s Shula Bowl remains in memories for a while, it’ll be for one of two moments, one fast and one oxen-plow-dragging slow: FIU’s Richard Leonard racing 100 yards with a fumble and the 1-hour, 50-minute lightning delay that preceded the play (and pushed it beyond the live event time extensions on many DVRs).

FIU might be the most lightning-prepared team in the country. None of this year’s games have been halted, but three of last year’s were.

“Actually, we practice it,” FIU coach Ron Turner said. “I don’t have to be creative to practice it, it happens during camp.”

When South Florida summer storms aren’t driving FIU inside, Turner said sometimes, they’ll break meetings, do something social and then head back to meetings. Players get used to mentally shifting gears.

“The guys are really good about [lightning delays],” Turner said. “They’re more used to it than I am. I’m the one who gets [ticked] off and frustrated.”

This story was originally published October 29, 2015 at 8:52 PM with the headline "FIU Panthers weather-tested by experience."