FIU beats FAMU in front of 21,000 fans

FIU snapped a five-game losing streak on Nov. 27 as the Golden Panthers defeated the Florida A&M Rattlers, 40-23, in the 68th annual Orange Blossom Classic played in the Miami Orange Bowl. More than 21,000 fans attended the contest.

The Alumni Association's Panther Pit was at the Orange Bowl for the Thanksgiving Weekend game and attracted more than 250 alumni. A few lucky alumni showed up early to take advantage of a barbecue cooking class with "Dr. BBQ."

"We had some alumni eating ribs at 9:30 in the morning," said Duane Wiles, the Alumni Association's senior director of membership.

The alumni tent featured a free BBQ catered by Dr. BBQ, visits by the FIU Marching Band, the Golden Dazzlers and the FIU cheerleaders. For the children, there was a clown doing face painting, a bounce house and a climbing wall.

"It probably was one of our most successful tailgates this year," Wiles said. "It was just a great day for a tailgate, too. Everybody was having a great time."

Everybody who is a Golden Panther, that is.

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Despite being out-gained nearly two-to-one on offense, the FIU defense made key plays to help secure the victory:   a school-record six sacks, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

Rashod Smith ended the game with 109 yards to become the first Golden Panther ever to run for 1,000 yards in a single season. This game was Smith's fifth 100-yard game of the year and fourth in a row, dating back to Oct. 30 at New Mexico State.

Josh Padrick completed 13-of-26 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns, both of those to Cory McKinney. McKinney had four receptions for 108 yards on the day, including one for 71 yards in the second quarter that gave FIU some much-needed breathing room.

"This is a win we are all very pleased with," said FIU head coach Don Strock, who had a little something to celebrate on his 54 th birthday. "I was thrilled with the big plays and, like I always say, play hard for 60 minutes and good things will happen."