Florida International Panthers O:4 D:6
The Golden Panthers proved the pundits wrong by finishing with a better than expected 5-6 record last season. In the process, Florida earned the first three Division I-A victories in the program's existence. Nevertheless, there have been changes with the coaching staff, but Head Coach Don Strock is back for his fifth campaign. He appears to have his team headed in the right direction. Senior quarterback Josh Padrick, who was voted 2nd Team Sun Belt Conference last season after passing for 2461 yards and 13 touch downs, leads the offense. Padrick has a solid contingent of experienced wide receivers to pass to, and a stellar pair in the backfield to hand off to.
Bet on the Florida International Golden Panthers.
There have been some changes with the offensive line, but as they come together, the offense should be able to beat last season's twenty four points per game. On defense, the Panthers front seven is mean and boasts a lot of experience and depth. The secondary was horrible in 2005 but returns six of eight and should improve. Graduating players could kill the Panthers this season. Even with a lot of skill returning on both sides of the ball, there may be too many gaps to fill and the Panthers could drop a few notches in the standings.
