After wrapping up its conference schedule last week, the Gators (10-0, 8-0 SEC) meet the Golden Panthers for the first time. Among 120 Division I-A teams, FIU (3-7, 3-4 Sun Belt) is No. 101 in total offense (322.6 yards per game), No. 117 in rushing defense (238.5) and No. 118 in total defense (490). UF coach Urban Meyer seemed annoyed when continually asked how his team benefits from this game. He said he has great respect for the athletes from the state of Florida and believes FIU has some of them. "I think this team will be in a bowl game within a couple of years, a lot like (Florida Atlantic) years ago," he said. "We have great respect for (FIU), and we're going to do the very best we can to get another win."
Antonya English, Times staff writer
What to watch for …
A lot of those backups you've been wondering about all season, including quarterback John Brantley, receivers Omarius Hines and Frankie Hammond and running back Mike Gillislee, will see action. Because the reality is even with Florida's offensive woes, FIU will be overmatched. And the Gators can't afford to lose starters to injury.
No. 1 Florida vs. Florida International, 12:30, pay-per-view, 620-AM
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