Thursday, July 26, 2018
By Xavier Holloway/Staff Writer
In only his first season as head coach, Butch Davis helped the FIU program match their record for wins in a season. However, this year the Panther’s will face a more challenging schedule of opponents.
To start the season the Panthers will square off against Big Ten opponent, the Indiana Hoosiers, on Sept. 1st at Riccardo Silva Stadium.
The program will also renew their inner-city rivalry against the University of Miami on Sept. 22 at Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes and the Panthers matchup has already made an impact on some of the faculty members as they’re excited about the upcoming game.
“I think both teams will treat it as a rivalry,” said Samantha Greenberg, an executive accountant for the athletic department. “It’ll be a Miami thing. It’ll be good to see everyone come out to it.”
Dinahli Lopez wants Panther fans to show up to games and to eliminate the comparison of FIU to the Univ. of Miami.
“Everyone always compares FIU to Miami of course,” said Lopez. “Our expectation this year is to eliminate that stigma and really bring in our community. A community that represents FIU at his fullest potential.”
Since Davis took the Panthers to their first bowl appearance last season in six years, the upcoming 2018 season has been surrounded with enthusiasm.
“I’m expecting the season to be great,”said Greenberg. “I’m expecting us to do really well, we have a great roster this year. We have a great football team playing this year. It’s gonna be a great season.”