Florida International Is the New Predator in the Sun Belt

FIU has been a doormat in the Sun Belt Conference since they first arrived on the scene.

No longer will that be the case.

FIU has new life in their program with a fiery head coach in Mario Cristobal, a beautiful new stadium, and a flashy freshman in T.Y. "Goodbye" Hilton.

Hilton leads the nation in all-purpose yards with 198.67 yards per game, just ahead of Jeremy Maclin. He is also seventh in the nation in punt return average, 31st in average per kick return, and 25th in average per reception.

In FIU's latest game against Arkansas State, Hilton had over 280 all-purpose yards, including the game-winning 38-yard touchdown pass to Junior Mertile.

Oh yeah, the four wins help too. FIU students are taking notice of the team's improvement, and so are some of Florida's finest recruits.

Currently committed to FIU is Hallandale's very own Korvic Neat. Standing at 5'10" and 170 pounds, his size is not what makes him the biggest threat on the field. Instead he relies on speed—4.3 speed to be exact—shiftiness, and vision to rack up his yards and touchdowns.

If he does sign with FIU, you would be looking at the fastest receiving unit in the Sun Belt. Hilton and fellow true freshman Junior Mertile run 4.3 40s as well.

FIU has found a winning formula, and Cristobal's recruiting is going to keep them winning for years to come.

FIU is looking at becoming bowl eligible for the first time in the history of the program. FIU, now sitting at 4-5 (3-2), would need two wins in their next three games to do so. FIU rounds out the season with games against UL-Monroe at home, Florida Atlantic at Dolphin Stadium, and against Western Kentucky at home for the season finale.

Watch out, Sun Belt. This young Golden Panther squad is only going to get better, much better, in the years to come.