New Dawn for FIU Football

December 28, 2010
Update: January 31, 2011

Nine years. That's all it took for FIU football to reach its first bowl game since the program's inception in 2000. And the team is ready to continue its ascension in the college football ranks from this point on.

It was a season of firsts for the Golden Panthers: first Sun Belt Conference Championship, first bowl game appearance, and first bowl win in school history. These are all accomplishments that seemed unattainable prior to Head Coach Mario Cristobal's taking of the helm.

FIU held an 0-12 record the season before Cristobal was given the head coaching job. Defeat became more of a tradition than a result and the program was on a downward slope.

But all that changed with the infusion of confidence that Athletic Director Pete Garcia and Cristobal injected in the program starting in 2007. Promising to commit more resources and energy into the program, Garcia, Cristobal and company began the process of changing FIU's losing tradition into winning ways.

Today, that winless season seems like such a distant memory for FIU as their 2010 conference record (6-2) has overshadowed their forgetful past. What once was a dark, gloomy overcast of negativity that hovered above FIU's football program is now a bright, new dawn with plenty of potential to spare. 

What's Next for FIU

The team's 2010 success brings more than just school pride in the present; it brings positive future implications for the program.

First off, the combination of elevated team success and heightened media coverage will drive much-needed attention to the football program and the school as a whole. Florida high school football athletes now can look at FIU in a new light and potentially consider the Golden Panthers as a legitimate option. The mere fact that the program made a serious effort to become a winner and achieved that goal in such a short span has marked FIU as a new blip on the radars of these high school athletes.

Here's some proof: "A Bull Market Boost for FIU Golden Panthers"

But athletes aren't the only constituents that are affected by this. The idea of a successful sporting tradition attracts students in general to a university, and that's exactly what FIU is trying to establish. It's no secret that many students seek entertainment as an important element of their college experience, so having a sports program worth cheering for only adds to that aspect of a university.

Now, FIU may not be anywhere near the status of elite in college football but they are now one small step closer to the next level. In order for FIU football to reach that next level they will need to win a few more bowl games and probably move out of the conference. Nevertheless, programs that are now considered elite had to start somewhere and 2010 can be labeled as that "somewhere" for FIU.

FIU's Pro Prospects

It was a team effort that drove FIU's success this season but we cannot discount the help that a few of there premier athletes with pro potential brought to the table. We're talking about WR T.Y. Hilton and DB Anthony Gaitor in particular. These two studs have made enormous impacts on their respective sides of the field and deserve extra accolades for their contributions. One of those accolades will likely come in the form of a draft selection in future NFL drafts.

T.Y. Hilton

Hilton is a junior and is expected to return next season but would likely be drafted by NFL teams even if he were to enter the 2011 draft. As a combo receiver and kick returner, Hilton provides a dynamic skill set with game-changing potential (similar to the Chicago Bears' Devin Hester). Standing at 5'10, Hilton may be smaller than the average NFL receiver but his versatility may outweigh that disadvantage. Whether he enters the draft early or waits until 2012, expect this young gun to be off the draft board by no later than the third round. 




Anthony Gaitor

Gaitor is a senior and will enter the upcoming NFL draft. Just like Hilton, he is smaller (5'9) than the average player at his position but offers a skill set that is worthy of an NFL roster spot. Gaitor plays well in zone coverage, deflecting passes with regularity and raking in the occasional interception. Gaitor is expected to go in the later rounds of the draft, likely between rounds five and seven. Whatever the case may be, Gaitor will proudly represent FIU in the NFL.

A Tale of Two Teams

December 26, 2010

Is it possible for a football team to divide itself into two separate kinds of teams: one that is disastrous at home yet resilient on the road? Given the Miami Dolphins' bizarre season, the answer is absolutely yes.

Another home game, another loss. Falling to 1-7 at home, the Dolphins disappointed their fans once again at Sun Life Stadium. Nevertheless, Miami is just one game below .500 and could split even after next week's game versus a New England team that has safely secured its playoff seed (and will likely rest their starters).

As a whole, the team is neither horrible nor great but extremely average, and their record shows it.

However, those Dol-Fans that attend the home games week in and week out have a distorted perception of this team. In fact, it could be said that confusion has played into Dol-Fans' psyche as they watch their home team falter in person yet succeed on television in opposing stadiums.

Hence, the tale of two teams.

If we can take something away from this season it's that perception is not reality in Miami. We know that the Dolphins are not as bad as their home record states or as good as their road record claims. In essence, gauging this team's true direction has been the most challenging part of the 2010 NFL season for Dol-Fans.


One thing is known for certain though: a team with a divided identity like the Dolphins is a team that cannot be a playoff contender.

If anything is changed this offseason it should be the definition of what the Miami Dolphins are all about. Whether that definition includes a staunch defense or a high octane offense in it, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that the Dolphins know, understand and embrace their identity, and most importantly manifest that identity on the field next season.

In order to strive for a goal, one must define the plan that will lay the path toward achieving that goal. In the case of the Dolphins, part of that plan is to define themselves first.

Dolphins Will End Third Best in AFC East

December 13, 2010

Dol-Fans at Sun Life Stadium were sent home once again with the taste of defeat ripe in their mouths after a sixth home loss by the Miami Dolphins. It was a statement game for the Fins; a statement that they are unworthy of a playoff spot this season.

Miami's AFC East rivals each dealt a final blow to the Fins Sunday afternoon: The Buffalo Bills (4-10) handed the Fins a loss, the New England Patriots (12-2) clinched the division title and the New York Jets (10-2) secured the second spot in the division as they seek a Wildcard berth.

That leaves the Dolphins as third best within their own division with only two games left in the season. Let's take a brief look at the state of the AFC East: 

Patriots Still Number One

Despite their young and inexperienced secondary and unproven defensive unit, the Patriots proved that they can still dominate in the league. New England holds the most points per game in the NFL and has made a habit of dismantling opponents with their unrelenting offense - something that the Dolphins learned first hand earlier this season. As much as Dol-Fans hate to admit it, the Patriots are still elite.

Even after winning three NFL titles, Tom Brady has elevated his level of play (perhaps aging for him is like wine, the older the better) and has made his supporting cast better in the process. Beyond that, it's difficult to fathom that the departure of Randy Moss made this team better (it just sounds wrong as I type it). Nevertheless, Bill Belichick continues to be a solid leader in New England, guiding the team toward the promised land just about every season.


Jets Still Hunting

For a second there it looked like the Jets were taking a page out of the New York Mets book and were about to stage a complete late-season collapse. Instead they ended their two-game losing streak this week in a difficult road game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Standing three games above Miami, New York is ensured second place in the AFC East - a consolation prize that many Dol-Fans would have liked to boast about.

The Jets still have one of the most feared defenses in the NFL meaning that if they were to make the playoffs, they could do some damage. Jets’ fans need to take advantage of their current +2500 Superbowl odds in the sportsbook!

Dolphins Still in Rebuild Mode

With expectations high entering 2010, the Dolphins 7-7 record is a huge disappointment for the team and its fans. However, a .500 record shows that the potential to contend is ever-present with only a few adjustments necessary. All it takes is one solid offseason to turn this "average" team into a playoff contender. And given this past offseason's success in acquiring Karlos Dansby and Brandon Marshall, there is legitimate hope for this franchise.

Owner Stephen Ross invested a nine-digit figure in the Miami Dolphins with hopes of turning the team into a winner. With that said, the past three seasons have not fulfilled Ross' goals and could be a catalyst for change within the organization.


Bills Remain Irrelevant

Do we really have to talk about the Bills? We will just because there is very little to say.

Buffalo is "who we thought they were" and earned its lowly spot at the bottom of the AFC East for yet another season. At least the emergence of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Steve Johnson and Fred Jackson have helped Bills fan stay entertained. But the fact remains that this team is still one of the league's worst franchises. Period.

Dol-Fans are cool with that though, they already have the Pats and Jets to worry about in the division race each season.

Process of Self-Elimination

December 6, 2010

If there were an equation to determine how a team reaches the playoffs it would look something like this:

A) Take care of business at home +  B) Defeat division rivals +  C) Win at least one statement game = Playoffs

Now if you apply this equation to the Miami Dolphins you can take a large permanent marker and scratch out all the variables listed.

The Dolphins are 1-5 at home, so that eliminates part A. They hold a 1-2 record versus divisional opponents, so there goes part B. And they've failed to defeat any playoff-contending teams, so "X" out part C too.

Thus, we have the process of self-elimination.

With all but statistical possibility pressed against the Dolphins playoffs hopes, Miami must now look at the rest of the season with next year in mind. Sadly enough for Dol-Fans, this is a situation their team faces more times than not around this stage of the regular season.

The "Early Offseason"

Nevertheless, there are always positives that come with this "early offseason" outlook.

First off, the team can begin making judgment calls on particular players' futures and whether or not they are worth keeping. For Miami, positions like quarterback, running back and defensive line come to mind as areas to focus on. That means that the final four games will be a proving ground for players like Chad Henne, Ronnie Brown and Paul Soliai.

The biggest question facing the front office is what position is of greatest need of improvement for this team. With no second round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft (for now at least), the Dolphins will have to make sure their first round pick counts. With that said, this could be the most important draft for the Fins in terms of franchise-changing potential.

Let's not forget that the coaching staff will also be under a watchful eye as no jobs are guaranteed in the National Football League. In other words, Tony Sparano and Dan Henning will need to show their worth as well.

However, the best part about this situation is the clarity that it provides everyone with. That is, with the post season out of the conversation, the players must now play for pride and their spot on the roster. This let's us know what the team, as a whole and as individuals, is made of.

Stay tuned for final analyses of the Fins as the season winds down, along with the first glimpses of the 2011 offseason and the possible trades, free agent signings and draft picks it has in store for Miami.

Pittman Improving with Skyforce

December 4, 2010

With the lack of playing time Dexter Pittman received with the Miami Heat, the team shipped him out to the Sioux Falls Skyforce to get some game experience and develop his skills. Three games into his stint with the Skyforce, Pittman is beginning to show his worth as a serviceable and valuable big man.

November 27th was his first game in the D-League and he turned out a solid nine points, nine rebounds performance, with five of his rebounds coming on the offensive glass. He played a total of 26 minutes that game. Since then, Pittman has earned more playing time, capitalizing on the opportunity.

In the last two games, he has averaged 18 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Pittman also continued dominating the offensive boards with an average of 5.5 in those games.There's no doubt the Heat would love that kind of production from their rookie if he is able to translate it at the next level.

Now, even though the D-League is a clear "step down" from the NBA level, the talent that Pittman is playing against is not to be brushed aside as unworthy opponents. In fact, 63 former D-Leaguers found their way onto opening day rosters in the NBA just this season. Some notable players in that list include Aaron Brooks, Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass, Shannon Brown and Ramon Sessions.

With that said, Pittman is getting reps against players that someday may be in The Association, thus making his experience with the Skyforce a valuable one.

Stay tuned for more updates on Pittman as the D-League season progresses. The Skyforce's next game is tonight versus the Reno Bighorns, followed by a match-up Tuesday against the Austin Toros.

Heat-Cavs Proves Drama Trumps Competition

December 2, 2010

Forget about the records these teams have or how good or bad they've been playing lately. What matters in the Miami Heat versus Cleveland Cavaliers game is one thing: Drama.

Fans in Cleveland could care less that their team is 7-10 entering Thursday's game or the fact that they've lost five of their last seven games. All they care about is the return of LeBron James to his former team's arena for a game that will go down in sports history. But not because of its competitive implications; neither team's playoff hopes will be significantly improved or worsened as a result of the game. It's because of the game's emotionally-charged storyline.

History Proves It

The match-up is just one of many examples proving that drama trumps competition in sports. Just look back to recent examples of this phenomena:

October 24th, 2010: Brett Favre, with the Minnesota Vikings, plays against his former team in Green Bay on a Sunday Night Football special. The game drew 25.7 million television viewers and marked the highest rated game on SNF ever. Before that game ever took place, the Vikings had a miserable 1-4 record and had greatly lowered their shot at the playoffs already.

Did that matter to the fans? Nope. It was the drama that drew them in.

December 25, 2004: Shaquille O'Neal goes back to Los Angeles to face the Lakers as a member of the Miami Heat, marking the beginning of the Shaq-Kobe rivalry. That game too broke television rating records as it was the highest viewed regular season NBA game since 1998. While both teams were competitive, the Lakers had a slightly-above-average 14-12 record whereas the Heat stood at a much better 22-7. In essence, Miami was a superior team than L.A.

Did that matter to the fans? Nope. It was the drama that drew them in.

Putting it in Context

To ultimately prove this point we can look at a theoretical scenario that truly puts the Heat-Cavs hype in context. Picture this: LeBron James comes down with a sudden ailment or somehow seriously injures himself, which knocks him out of the game before tip-off. Let's say it's so bad that he stays in the locker room and doesn't even touch the court or sit on the bench.

Where will the excitement of the game come from then? Simply put, there won't be any.

Cavaliers fans amped up about expressing their deep disdain for LeBron will be forced to keep their anger bottled up, deflating their outlook of the game. No longer will the idea of revenge be present for the fans because the one they sought revenge against is nowhere to be seen.

At that point, the match-up itself will have declined to the status of "just another game." What you're left with is two teams playing in their 18th (Cavaliers) and 20th (Heat) games of a lengthy 82-game season. Nothing worth hyping up.

Interesting Thought to Consider

It's pretty interesting to see how sports are just an extension of the entertainment industry, firmly planted in the business of "putting on a show" for the fans. That is, audiences pour in to watch the spectacles of sports the same way they do for a movie, TV series or theatrical play.

So, if fans treat sports like product they consume (e.g. they don't attend unless they are satisfied with the team/organization), then why cant the athletes treat sports like a business (e.g. they can leave when they feel dissatisfied with their team) without being outrageously criticized?

After all, if they go out there, do their job in entertaining the fans and succeed at it - just like LeBron did for seven seasons in Cleveland - then it shouldn't matter if he/she decides to move to a more preferable situation.

Last time I checked, athletes played the game because they loved the sport, not necessarily because they loved the fans. Connections with the fans are a byproduct of the commercialization of the game. In simpler terms, your feelings toward an athlete are as superficial as your feelings toward a rock star. It just so happens this rock star plays in an arena in the town you live in for extended periods of time through the year.

Funny thing is I've never seen fans burn the album covers of their once-favorite artist after that star made an unpopular decision on national television. That would be silly.

Hot Points: Comparing Heat to Lakers

December 1, 2010

Since so many people are quick to jump on the Miami Heat early in the season for their less-than-stellar start - despite the fact that there are over 60 games left to play - it is necessary to put some perspective on the situation. Here we compare the back-to-back NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers' current state to that of the Heat's, thus proving that Miami isn't as bad off as the media depicts it to be.

Quality of Wins and Losses

First off, let's look at both Miami and L.A.'s record thus far; The Heat stand at 10-9 while L.A. stands at 13-5. In essence, the teams are separated by four victories, which is not a huge margin given how much basketball is left to play. Does this four-win difference constitute the largely lopsided negative coverage of the Heat compared to the Lakers?

Beyond record comparisons, let's look at the victories and losses that each team has earned.

Grizzlies hand Lakers third straight loss, 98-96.

On Miami's end, they have fallen to playoff contending teams like the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, New Orleans Hornets, Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks. But the Heat have also lost to unproven teams like the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies. That leaves Miami with only two quality wins (versus the Magic and Phoenix Suns) while the rest of their Ws are against average squads.

Then again, the Lakers are on a three-game slump as of late and - what do you know - all three losses have come against teams that Miami lost to; That is, the Jazz, Pacers and Grizzlies. So should the Lakers receive as much flack as the Heat for those losses, particularly those against Indiana and Memphis, or do they deserve a free pass? Not sure where the fairness in coverage is here.

Lakers Haven't Proven Much

But hold up. We still haven't looked at the teams L.A. has defeated. Perhaps that will prove that they have more quality wins than Miami and are thus deserving of less negative press.

Not so fast.

Looking at all 13 victories the Lakers have earned, we find it hard to come by a win that stands out. Just take a look at the list for yourself:

• Houston Rockets
• Phoenix Suns
• Golden State
• Memphis Grizzlies
• Sacramento Kings
• Toronto Raptors
• Portland Trailblazers
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Detroit Pistons
• Chicago Bulls*

*Teams that have a record of over .500 thus far. 

In essence, L.A. has only played against three teams with an above-.500 record and are 1-2 in those games. Yet the defending champs are cruising under the radar without anywhere near the media criticism Miami has received.

Last Word

There is clearly a missing element of fair coverage in the national media when it comes to the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. Nevertheless, most of the noise coming through the airwaves means little to nothing with 75% of the season left to go. We'll revisit this issue around the dawn of the New Year and see if the media's tone takes a clear shift.