fauowl said

They can live for the future all they want.  It's always about the future for them because their present stinks.  Realizing those dreams could take 20 years.  It's good to think ahead, but you cannot forget about now.  By the time they get there they won't have any fans.  Seems like they are there in that regard.  Building the fan base is a key element for growth and they are missing that point.

If they don't want to have a close rival then why do we care really?  Playing them 8 times and winning 7 doesn't exactly create a rivalry.  What Howard did to create the Shula Bowl and try to develop these programs together was genius.  Too bad they are looking 20 years ahead only.

As a loyal FIU fan and student, I have to agree with you on this one. As much as I would like to see FIU move on to a bigger conference, we're yet to establish ourselves in the worst conference in college football. Once we start dominating the Belt and winning bowl games, if ever, then we could start talking conference moves. And no, I'm not saying next year is going to be the year where we establish Sun Belt supremacy. I know it's going to take time and we're far from where we want to be. I have respect for what FAU has accomplished so far and would go out on a limb and say you guys have the edge on us, FOR NOW! As far as the Shula Bowl is concerned, I'm all for it. Being the only public universities in South Florida, I embrace this rivalry to the max. This rivalry, and both of our programs, have potential to grow into something huge. Our teams have given us tough, grind it out type performances two years running and I hope they do so for years to come. I just wish more students, on FIU's part, would take more pride in our school and help make this rivalry blossom. I don't know the extent of FAU's fanbase, but you guys did have a nice little turn out last night. Was the majority students or alumni? But anyways, congrats on the win and until next year, Go Panthers!

fauowl said

They can live for the future all they want.  It's always about the future for them because their present stinks.  Realizing those dreams could take 20 years.  It's good to think ahead, but you cannot forget about now.  By the time they get there they won't have any fans.  Seems like they are there in that regard.  Building the fan base is a key element for growth and they are missing that point.

If they don't want to have a close rival then why do we care really?  Playing them 8 times and winning 7 doesn't exactly create a rivalry.  What Howard did to create the Shula Bowl and try to develop these programs together was genius.  Too bad they are looking 20 years ahead only.

As a loyal FIU fan and student, I have to agree with you on this one. As much as I would like to see FIU move on to a bigger conference, we're yet to establish ourselves in the worst conference in college football. Once we start dominating the Belt and winning bowl games, if ever, then we could start talking conference moves. And no, I'm not saying next year is going to be the year where we establish Sun Belt supremacy. I know it's going to take time and we're far from where we want to be. I have respect for what FAU has accomplished so far and would go out on a limb and say you guys have the edge on us, FOR NOW! As far as the Shula Bowl is concerned, I'm all for it. Being the only public universities in South Florida, I embrace this rivalry to the max. This rivalry, and both of our programs, have potential to grow into something huge. Our teams have given us tough, grind it out type performances two years running and I hope they do so for years to come. I just wish more students, on FIU's part, would take more pride in our school and help make this rivalry blossom. I don't know the extent of FAU's fanbase, but you guys did have a nice little turn out last night. Was the majority students or alumni? But anyways, congrats on the win and until next year, Go Panthers!

I really thought he would comment in a way that Rusty did. It may not be like a UF/FSU but its important to the two programs. I have always said this is going to be the next UF/FSU rivalry in this state and one day be played on a mutual field like Joe Robbie Stadium (Landmark). I think he shot down an opportunity to increase the state of the rivalry. He could have easily said although we have eyes bigger than our stomach I believe this could become a nationally recognized rivalry in years to come. Instead of being an ambassador for the rivalry and the conference his team is a part of,he took the low road and dismisses any recognition. Pretty crappy in my opinion. Kudo's to you PantherPride excellent post

I really thought he would comment in a way that Rusty did. It may not be like a UF/FSU but its important to the two programs. I have always said this is going to be the next UF/FSU rivalry in this state and one day be played on a mutual field like Joe Robbie Stadium (Landmark). I think he shot down an opportunity to increase the state of the rivalry. He could have easily said although we have eyes bigger than our stomach I believe this could become a nationally recognized rivalry in years to come. Instead of being an ambassador for the rivalry and the conference his team is a part of,he took the low road and dismisses any recognition. Pretty crappy in my opinion. Kudo's to you PantherPride excellent post

I think this rivalry is merely fun for now. I'd think it would be more pertinent since FIU hasn't won in years and you'd think the fans would want to see their team get revenge; it's like how we get hyped up about the Troy game because we've only beaten them once. And then lose.

Anyway, it's obvious that the game doesn't have enough meaning yet that FIU students will forego studying for finals in droves to come see it. While our section was half students, most of the people around me were 40+ years old and seemed to be cheering for particular players, which indicated to me that a lot of them were parents.

In fact, I think I sat a couple seats away from Rusty's folks - do they really make the 4+ hour drive all the way down here every Saturday, even when Rusty isn't playing anymore? That's awesome. Kudos to them.

In terms of the facilities, FIU definitely has a headstart on us. At least they have something to show recruits which is what's helping them (and UCF) net these 3-star guys. Was that Pooh Bear Mars guy in the game last night? And Morris may have claimed the Sun Belt rushing title last night but that Daunte Owens kid (#8) has tremendous speed and I'd love for FAU to have a player like him. Perhaps we do with Travis Jones… that seemed to be the early take on him in the preseason but he redshirted so we'll have to see how he does next season. In general I thought FIU had a good pass rush, good receivers and a great running back. I'm surprised that they only have 3 wins.

Our team was more of a mess. Maybe my expectations were too high. We played well enough to win but between the sacks and the fumbles and the missed throws and our cornerbacks being nowhere near the receivers, you can see why teams like Troy have walked over us. Pretty much our whole team needs some work if they want to have any chance of getting back to a bowl game next year. And we definitely need a new DC if we ever want a chance at playing in BCS bowl (years from now).

I think this rivalry is merely fun for now. I'd think it would be more pertinent since FIU hasn't won in years and you'd think the fans would want to see their team get revenge; it's like how we get hyped up about the Troy game because we've only beaten them once. And then lose.

Anyway, it's obvious that the game doesn't have enough meaning yet that FIU students will forego studying for finals in droves to come see it. While our section was half students, most of the people around me were 40+ years old and seemed to be cheering for particular players, which indicated to me that a lot of them were parents.

In fact, I think I sat a couple seats away from Rusty's folks - do they really make the 4+ hour drive all the way down here every Saturday, even when Rusty isn't playing anymore? That's awesome. Kudos to them.

In terms of the facilities, FIU definitely has a headstart on us. At least they have something to show recruits which is what's helping them (and UCF) net these 3-star guys. Was that Pooh Bear Mars guy in the game last night? And Morris may have claimed the Sun Belt rushing title last night but that Daunte Owens kid (#8) has tremendous speed and I'd love for FAU to have a player like him. Perhaps we do with Travis Jones… that seemed to be the early take on him in the preseason but he redshirted so we'll have to see how he does next season. In general I thought FIU had a good pass rush, good receivers and a great running back. I'm surprised that they only have 3 wins.

Our team was more of a mess. Maybe my expectations were too high. We played well enough to win but between the sacks and the fumbles and the missed throws and our cornerbacks being nowhere near the receivers, you can see why teams like Troy have walked over us. Pretty much our whole team needs some work if they want to have any chance of getting back to a bowl game next year. And we definitely need a new DC if we ever want a chance at playing in BCS bowl (years from now).

I say whoever wins 10 Shula Bowls first keeps the trophy...forever ;D

I say whoever wins 10 Shula Bowls first keeps the trophy...forever ;D

You can't rush tradition that a game like this might eventually develop into…You have two schools trying to establish traditions as young programs and the Shula Bowl was suppose to help two program establish something with meaning & purpose, then again can't force something the other program doesn't embrace…so with Garcia comments about FIU having bigger fish to fry, is fine and dandy…it's not like FAU isn't playing the Money games (advance training games, at least until we become more competitive anyway) as well.

We all know that getting killed in these type of games is no fun & IMO, we are at a point where we need to find the balance that will help push us forward in our development and progressing growth as a program.  In the same instance, give us a chance to become bowl eligible each year.  Something that will be more beneficial in the long term and help strengthen the health of this program.  Getting you posterior kicked-in all the time does very little unless you can follow it up with some form of success.  Sports is just as much a mental game as it is about physical abilities, losing does take a toll on individuasl & programs alike.  Winning is a learning process which you can only develop with successes.

Just maybe this game will start to mean something to the Kitties down south, if the outcomes of the Shula Bowl involves the winners have a chance to advance to a bowl game or a chance at a conference title.  I would rather the Owls already be Bowl eligible by the time the Shula Bowl game is played…then again conference titles are always sweet indeed.  Ask Troy.

You can't rush tradition that a game like this might eventually develop into…You have two schools trying to establish traditions as young programs and the Shula Bowl was suppose to help two program establish something with meaning & purpose, then again can't force something the other program doesn't embrace…so with Garcia comments about FIU having bigger fish to fry, is fine and dandy…it's not like FAU isn't playing the Money games (advance training games, at least until we become more competitive anyway) as well.

We all know that getting killed in these type of games is no fun & IMO, we are at a point where we need to find the balance that will help push us forward in our development and progressing growth as a program.  In the same instance, give us a chance to become bowl eligible each year.  Something that will be more beneficial in the long term and help strengthen the health of this program.  Getting you posterior kicked-in all the time does very little unless you can follow it up with some form of success.  Sports is just as much a mental game as it is about physical abilities, losing does take a toll on individuasl & programs alike.  Winning is a learning process which you can only develop with successes.

Just maybe this game will start to mean something to the Kitties down south, if the outcomes of the Shula Bowl involves the winners have a chance to advance to a bowl game or a chance at a conference title.  I would rather the Owls already be Bowl eligible by the time the Shula Bowl game is played…then again conference titles are always sweet indeed.  Ask Troy.