just a point here:

there were classes in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005…

the problem is the source of the data above, rivals.com, did not follow, nor have the network they have now…

but even better would be comparison stats of the players that were recruited back then, and how they did/or are doing now? (if someone is really bored at work and wants to look up that info.)

Florida_Owl said

just a point here:

there were classes in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005…

the problem is the source of the data above, rivals.com, did not follow, nor have the network they have now…

You are saying exactly what I meant.  That's why I made a point to signify that in 2005 we were in IA limbo, thus more information on recruits became availabe.  Prior to that, neither FIU nor FAU got many of the more "known" recruits with assinged stars, nor they followed both of our programs due to our classification.  Of course, from 2006 on, the info was more readily available.

At any rate, my point and contention still stands backed by facts.  Contrary to beliefs in several threads here, FIU has not "won" recruiting vs. FAU since the inception of the programs based on what these recruiting sites broadcast in terms of stars assigned.  On the contrary, if your (not you, generically speaking ;)) gripe is against the stars assigned in the past, hard facts could well indicate that prior to Cristobal taking over as coach, FAU had "better" recruits on signing day than FIU.  That trend, though, has been reversed the last two years since Mario took over.  I have no doubt whatsoever, that the "gap" is indeed closing  as evidenced, in part, by last season's results and game.

All this really shows I think is FIU is building some momentum and will be a real team to be worried about in Florida very soon.

chanman said

All this really shows I think is FIU is building some momentum and will be a real team to be worried about in Florida very soon.

I have been hearing that for 5 years, I will agree when I see it on the field.

Jab979 said

If we lost to FIU they would not have gone to a bowl game instead of us. It either would have been ULL going to a different bowl or another team on the bubble that could have filled the spot on in the MCB

Realistically, FIU would have needed to be 7-5 to go to a bowl game last season.

If FIU is able to build off what they accomplished last season, they'll be bowl eligible in 2009. That's great for the Belt. My hope is for at least 4 teams to be bowl eligible.

And for us to win a third bowl in a row ;D

UCFKnight85 said

I will say that their star recruit is Mars and he has severe academic problems.  There's a reason that most of his schools backs off him, including UCF, and it's due to grades.  He will be very, very fortunate to qualify.

I'm not just pulling this out of no where- he's an Apopka did which is very local and he definitely has grade issues.

I wondered that as well. Schnellenberger said for this class he wanted bigger guys and better academics… for instance, WR Jamal Davis has a 4.0 GPA. If Mars has grade issues on top of the fact that he was too small for us, then I don't need any other explanation of why he didn't play here.

If they go up to Gainesville and score more than 20 pts on a defending national champion (what we did) I will be impressed.  If they keep it close or win, I will give them the congratulations they deserve.  Unfortunately…won't happen.

To follow up on Jamal, he’s obviously a very intelligent kid (GPA 4.0), but he was also a real team leader for Coral Springs.  He actually played both sides of the ball; on offense as wide receiver and then went over and played defense (where he played line backer and sometimes defensive end).  He was a team leader on a team that was not that good because of a number of players transferring to others schools.  (The previous coach there said he was leaving and because of that a number of players defected).  Jamal stayed because of his dedication to his school.  He’s a great kid who is quiet leader both in and out of the classroom.  (Most likely he will major in Business.)  If he’s any indication of the types of players were getting, FAU is doing even better than we think at recruiting.

OwlSabom said

 If he’s any indication of the types of players were getting, FAU is doing even better than we think at recruiting.

Every year that seems to be the case that's why these discussions are an absolute waste of time.  It has to be proven out on the field 2 to 3 years later.