Florida Atlantic: For the Owls, they look like a team that can score alot of points, and they look to continue the momentum they had going at the end of the 2008 season.
Returning for FAU includes RB William Rose who led the team in rushing with 308 yards, QB Rusty Smith who passed for 3224 yards, Cortez Gent who caught for 935 yards, Safety Ed Alexander who had 42 tackles, DE Daniel Joseph who had two sacks, and Safety Ed Alexander who had three interceptions. They also have returning LB Edward Bradwell, WR Chris Bonner, CB Tavoris Hill, TE Jamari Grant, TE Rob Housler, G David Matlock, G Kevin Miller, P Keegan Peterson, OT Lavoris Williams, and DT John Savidge.
Key losses for FAU include LB George Allen, S Carldayle Brantley, LB Andre Clark, DE Michael Hancock, DT Jervonte Jackson, LB Frantz Joseph, S Greg Joseph, C Nick Paris, RB Charles Pierre, OT John Rizzo, and CB Corey Small.
For the 2009 Season the Owls look to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing campaign, as they were favorites in 2008 to win the Sun Belt, however only finished 4-3 in conference and averaged 25 points up until the last four games of the season when they were averaging over 40 points. With so many veteran players returning this season, they should once again be among the favorites to win the Sun Belt.
Florida International: For the Golden Panthers, 2009 is looking to be an interesting season as they are looking to win at least six games to become bowl eligible. They will have their work cut out for them, but they do have some solid veteran players returning.
For FIU, among the players returning, they have RB Darriet Perry who rushed for 173 yards, QB Paul McCall who passed for 2332 yards, WR TY Hilton who recieved for 1013 yards, LB Scott Bryant who had 89 tackles, Toronto Smith who had 2.5 sacks, and CB Anthony Gaitor who had five interceptions. Other key returning players include G Mario Caraballo, OT Joe Alajajian, LB Tyler Clawsom, WR Greg Ellingson, G Andy Leavine, OT Ula Matavao, WR Junior Mertile, S Ashlyn Parker, K Dustin Rivest, C Brad Serini, and DE Armond Willis.
Key losses for the Golden Panthers include DT Dan Chacreton, LB Mike Dominguez, G Dustin Gibson, CB Robert Mitchell, LB Ryan Martinez, RB A'mod Net, DE Quentin Newman, DT Jarvis Penerton, and RB Julian Reams.
Last season FIU was counted out and were thought to be the worst team in the FBS in 2008, however they were just one win from becoming bowl eligible as they finished 5-7. This season, led by QB Paul McCall and company, they look to finally get that sixth win so they can be bowl eligible.
