Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton's illustrious career at Florida International University is coming to a close as this week's game against Middle Tennessee State (or, hopefully, the bowl game) will be his last.

His quarterback, Wes Carroll, is also done after this year. 

Even though the success of the FIU football program can be tied to those two top offensive players, they are not the sole reason for Florida International's rise to prominence. 

FIU finally has a 1,000 yard rusher with sophomore Kendrick Rhodes, so whoever takes over as the starting quarterback next year will have some help in the run game. 

But the true strength of the Panthers is defense.  FIU is among the nation's top 20 in points allowed per game with 19.5, and most of their starters will be back for 2012. 

Their leader in tackles, Winston Fraser, is a junior from Miami.  The next guy, Jordan Hunt, is also a junior. Their top guys for total tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and so forth are all returning next year. 

FIU can rebuild their passing offense for next year with head coach Mario Cristobal's ability to recruit top talent from Miami.  In the meantime, their ground-and-pound will get them by.