In the state of Florida, there is something known as the Big Three. The Big Three consist of Miami, Florida and Florida State. Three college football powerhouses in the state of Florida.

South Florida is also among Florida's BCS teams, and Central Florida will join in soon as a member of the Big East. But in a year of surprises, could the Florida team with the best record be Florida International?

Yes, the Florida International Panthers of the Sun Belt Conference have beaten Middle Tennessee to tie with Florida State with a record of 8-4. Florida and Miami are 6-6, and Central Florida is 5-7. South Florida could be as high as 6-6 with a win against West Virginia next week.

Florida Atlantic has only won one game so far. What a way for legendary head coach Howard Schnellenberger to go.

The idea of Florida International University winning more games than any other team in Florida may be unbelievable, but so is the idea that they are the better Miami-based team.

Florida International is a football program on the rise and should continue to be a threat to opponents everywhere. Their young head coach has Miami roots from his days as a Hurricane and his recruiting prowess shows that. Most of their roster comes from South Florida, even their wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who could be playing in the NFL next year. 

It won't be long until their success and market puts them in a power conference like the football-desperate Big East, who already has South Florida and will soon have Central Florida.