Florida International Football

Florida International Golden Panthers running back Shawndarrius Phillips played the 2018 college football season despite having a warrant out for his arrest. 

On Friday, Andrea Adelson of ESPN.com reported a judge in Broward County, Florida, issued the warrant in August on a felony charge of domestic battery by strangulation. In June, his ex-girlfriend called the county's sheriff's office and said Phillips choked her and threatened to break her jaw after they got into an argument.

Phillips turned himself in to authorities Wednesday.

An FIU spokesperson declined comment to David J. Neal and Carli Teproff of the Miami Herald about whether anyone from the school knew about the warrant and the running back's current status with the team.

The Panthers play their home games in Miami-Dade County, the southern neighbor of Broward.

Phillips rushed for 393 yards on 94 carries with four touchdowns across 11 appearances (five starts) during the regular season. He also made four catches for 60 yards.

His availability for FIU's clash with the Toledo Rockets in next Friday's Bahamas Bowl is unknown. He's still listed on the team's official roster as of early Friday evening.

Florida International running back Anthony Jones and offensive lineman Mershawn Miller are in stable condition after being shot during an apparent drive-by shooting on Thursday afternoon, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press. 

Jones was shot in the face and back, and Miller was shot in the arm.

[tweaking 2nd line wave 1] Per the Miami Herald's Monique O. Madan, David J. Neal and Charles Rabin, Jones was shot in the face and the back and airlifted to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Miller was transported by ambulance after being shot in the arm.

The injuries are not considered to be life-threatening, according to Opa-locka police chief James Dobson:

Jones and Miller were reportedly visiting an unidentified person's home when the shooting occurred. The bullets reportedly also made their way through the wall of the house and hit the refrigerator inside.

"Somebody drove by and starting shooting from a vehicle," Dobson said, per the Miami Herald.

Police are still searching for the shooter.

Jones was a 3-star recruit coming out of high school, according to 247Sports. The Florida International redshirt junior ran for 88 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries in the Panthers' season opener against the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday. He missed the 2017 season due to a knee injury.

Miller is a redshirt freshman who made his Panthers debut last week.

Florida International is scheduled to play at Old Dominion on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The Florida International Golden Panthers are expected to hire Butch Davis as their next head football coach, according to ESPN.com.

Davis has spent the last three years working as an analyst for ESPN. Prior to that, he had successful stints as a head coach for the Miami Hurricanes and North Carolina Tar Heels, accumulating a 79-43 overall record.

He was the Big East Coach of the Year in 2000.

After a 0-4 start to the 2016 campaign, Florida International fired Ron Turner, who had a 10-30 record in four seasons. Ron Cooper has been the team's interim head coach since September.

Davis is perhaps best known for rebuilding Miami's program in the 1990s. While the 64-year-old never won a national championship, he led the squad to four bowl wins and an 11-1 record in 2000. The team he recruited then went on to win the national title under Larry Coker in 2001.

He also spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, accumulating a 24-35 record before being fired in 2004. He helped the team reach the playoffs in 2002, which remains the franchise's most recent postseason appearance.

Davis returned to the college ranks in 2007 and had three eight-win seasons at North Carolina, but his time was mired by scandal.

The Tar Heels fired him in 2011 amid an NCAA investigation into improper benefits for players and academic misconduct.

The NCAA vacated 16 wins from the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

After a few years in the studio, Davis will return to the sideline while hoping to lead FIU to its first winning season since 2011.

Florida International University senior tight end Jonnu Smith was ruled out for the remainder of the 2016 season Thursday after his girlfriend doused him with boiling water in his dorm room.

According to David J. Neal of the Miami Herald (h/t the Bradenton Herald), the arrest affidavit said Mary Gaspar admitted to the act, which resulted in Smith's suffering severe burns on his head, neck, back, a shoulder and an arm.

Gaspar is five months pregnant with Smith's child.

She was charged with aggravated battery and released on a pre-trial release order.

Smith is an Ocala, Florida, native who has been the Golden Panthers' top offensive weapon for much of his tenure with the school.

Over four seasons, he racked up 175 receptions for 1,936 yards and 17 touchdowns. That includes 39 grabs for 441 yards and two scores this year, making him the team's No. 2 receiver behind wideout Thomas Owens.

Smith's most productive season came in 2014 when he set career highs with 61 catches for 710 yards and eight touchdowns.

The loss of Smith is a significant one for FIU as it enters the latter part of its season, but with a 3-7 record, bowl eligibility was already out of the question.

Smith's collegiate career is over, but due to his athleticism and impressive production during his four-year career, an NFL stint is possible provided he recovers in the near future.

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Louisville junior quarterback Teddy Bridgewater set out to make the Cardinals national title contenders this season.

So far, he has the team off to a great start. 

No. 7 Louisville has won its first three games of the season by a combined score of 120-27. Bridgewater ranks No.4 in the nation in passing touchdowns (10), No.6 in yards per pass attempt (11.4) and No. 18 in completion percentage, but the defense has also stepped up, allowing nine points per contest (No. 4 in the country).

Florida International, on the other hand, is on the other side of the spectrum. The Golden Panthers (0-3) have lost to Maryland, UCF and FCS opponent Bethune-Cook to start the season. 

FIU lost to Bethune-Cook last week, 34-13, allowing the Wildcats to scamper for 311 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Here's a look at the matchup on Saturday in Louisville.

*Statistics courtesy of CFBStats.com

When: Saturday, Sept. 21 at 12 p.m. ET

Where: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, KY

Watch: GamePlan

Live Stream: ESPN3

Betting Line (via Covers.com): Louisville -42

FIU Injuries (via USA Today)

Out: N/A

Doubtful: QB Travis Wright (Doubtful), QB Jake Medlock (Concussion)

Questionable: G Jordan White (Knee), S Demarkus Perkins (Leg), LB Davison Colimon (Ankle), DE Paul Crawford (Undisclosed), QB Israel Paopao (Foot)

Probable: S Demarkus Perkins (Knee)

Louisville Injuries (via USA Today)

Out: TE Hunter Bowles (Neck), RB Corvin Lamb (Knee)

Questionable: N/A

Probable: N/A

Top Storyline: Is Louisville's Rushing Attack For Real?

Louisville's offense is dangerous enough with Teddy Bridgewater under center, but you add balance and the Cardinals' attack could soar.

Last week against Kentucky, the Cardinals rushed for 242 yards and two scores, led be senior Senorise Perry (11 rushes, 100 yards, two touchdowns). 

Louisville currently ranks No.9 in the nation in passing yards per game and No. 67 in rushing yards per contest, so more balance would be ideal. Bridgewater is good enough to find holes in opposing defenses, even when they are focused on him, but giving teams something to think about in the backfield would make the junior even more devastating.

The question is, did Louisville rush the ball well because of poor defense, or is there something really there?

Prediction: Louisville 52, Florida International 7

Florida International allowed 34 points against Bethune-Cook. 

How do you think the Golden Panthers are going to fare against Teddy Bridgewater and company?

This has "blowout" written all over it. FIU ranks No. 116 in the nation in points allowed per game, No. 116 in yards per pass attempt allowed and No. 112 in yards per carry ceded.

Louisville scored 47 points against Eastern Kentucky and 49 points against Ohio. I expect the Cardinals to score even more against Florida International on Saturday.

The last thing the Golden Panthers needed was for Louisville's ground game to get going. This team has no chance to stop the Cardinals in Louisville.

It was the day before Christmas and FIU Football was on the verge of receiving a program-lifting gift in the form of former University of Miami and University of North Carolina head coach, Butch Davis. 

Patrick Nohe of the Miami Herald tweeted, "I can confirm that the next head coach of FIU will be Butch Davis."  Nohe's concern was Florida State's offensive coordinator James Coley, who was also rumored to be a candidate for the FIU vacancy.  Davis' hire would mean Coley would stay put.  After all, Nohe covers the Seminoles.

Regardless, it was the tweet heard around South Florida as FIU fans everywhere rejoiced. 

It all started and ended with Davis.  Any other hire would make the firing of former FIU head coach Mario Cristobal appear foolish.  Well, the move by FIU's athletic director, Pete Garcia, is still foolish, but Davis will make it all better.

Garcia denied the rumors on Christmas eve. 

The Panther community was slightly deflated because that was not the announcement they were anxiously awaiting.  They were not completely disheartened because there was smoke, lots of smoke. 

Davis was the front-runner for the position as soon as Cristobal was dismissed.  Garcia and Davis worked together at UM and for the Cleveland Browns.

On Thursday, Alex Marvez of Fox Sports reported that FIU and Butch Davis were in negotiations, but UNC is getting in the way. 

Apparently, North Carolina still owes Davis three more annual payments of $590,000 (almost $1.8 million) and UNC officials are arguing that Davis is not entitled to that money if he is hired somewhere else.  Marvez' source claims FIU is set to ink Davis to a multi-year deal worth approximately $500,000 a season.

FIU fans, prepare yourself for a coach that will put you on the map one phenomenal recruiting class at a time.

It's no secret that Duke Football hasn't been the "team to watch," ever in the ACC, but their game against Florida International on Saturday night could be one of the most entertaining games of Week 1 if you enjoy offensive shootout-type college football.

In last year's meeting between the two schools, FIU put up an astounding 568 yards of total offense, but that still wasn't enough as Duke took home the victory. With Florida International returning 18 starters from last year, you can expect they will be right back with their high-powered offensive attack.

As for Duke, the key is that starting quarterback Sean Ranfree is back and after a bad turnover year for him in 2011-12, Duke fans hope this year will the year he'll turn it around and become the quarterback coaches and fans alike have been expecting from him since he arrived on campus.

A key sour note for Duke is that it is expected to be without five projected starters, including safety Jordan Byas and defensive lineman Jamal Bruce. Two injured players who are expected to be in uniform include linebacker David Helton and defensive end Kenny Anunike. Both Helton and Anunike are expected to play a major role in the hopefully improved Duke defense.

A key factor for FIU is getting the offense rolling and balancing its running attack led by 1,000-yard rusher from last season Kendrick Rhodes and its stellar passing attack to keep the Duke defense on its toes.

The major factor for Duke is avoiding mistakes on offense and attempting to rattle new FIU starting quarterback Jake Medlock with pressure from the defensive line as well as the home crowd at Wallace Wade Stadium.

Last year's contest showed that even your so-called "cupcake" teams can put on a show as FIU and Duke combined for more than 700 passing yards and seven total touchdowns. Will we see the same from these two Saturday night?

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and the game can be seen live on ESPN3.

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Florida International coach Mario Cristobal was kind enough to take a moment this Sunday morning to speak with me about the football program's current breakthrough. All quotes were obtained first-hand.

Q: Coming off the program's first Sun Belt title in 2010, you fell short last year due to what seemed like a resurgence among conference opponents. How will you get back to a championship-like caliber of play?

A: Every single year everybody is in it until like Week 10 or 11. We have to play great defense because there are a lot of high-powered, top-25 offenses...we're looking for complete games.

Q: What's the team atmosphere like so far in summer practice?

A: There's a tremendous buzz around here. Recruiting has really taken off to a high level, we've got a lot of pride and we believe in ourselves. There's something special going on here.

Q: What're your thoughts on yesterday's scrimmage? Did anyone stand out?

A: It was very physical on both sides of the ball. The defense did a great job on third down and had an edge. We had some great battles.

Q: Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette are both looking strong this year. Both are on the schedule, and both games could end up deciding the conference winner. What will your team have to do to come out on top?

A: Both teams have always been great. Arkansas State has arguably the best player in the conference with [quarterback] Ryan Aplin. Lafayette's quarterback is really tough to handle as a dual-threat guy. Both are gonna be real good, but they both have a short week coming to us. They can beat anybody, and that's how we feel about everybody in the conference.

Q: In my Sun Belt preview, I have FIU finishing 10-2 and unbeaten in the conference. However, wins over tough Central Florida and Louisville teams (who you beat in 2011) are not out of the question. Is an undefeated record something you've thought about?

A: We try to be 1-0 every week. We have a special team, and we're ready to play ball.

Q: T.Y. Hilton, arguably the best offensive player in FIU history, is gone. How do you replace him?

A: Collectively. With the play of the offensive line, quarterback, receivers, everybody. He's one of the most dynamic players in history and it's hard, but the moment is here and everybody is ready to step up. We have units that are capable of getting the job done.

Q: The defense did a pretty nice job last season, holding opponents to under 20 points per game and ranking 31st overall in yards allowed. You have much of the same unit back, including team leader in tackles Winston Frazier. How has the defense looked so far this offseason and how big of a role will it play in the success of FIU in 2012?

A: When we first got here the defense was the biggest hole. Now we're looking at a front seven that is a top-30 and a secondary that will help us become a top scoring defense. 

Q: When you took over the program, FIU had finished 0-12 the year before. It was considered the toughest job in the nation, but you've turned it into a consistent conference title contender in just a few short years. How were you able to do it?

A: On the surface, [the program] was awful. But it was a united effort by everybody that turned things around. We truly believed it could be done. There were some painful moments, but you have to get your butts kicked before you can take Texas A&M to the wire and get your victories. It's been a process from the beginning, but it's always been about the team—trainers, walk-ons, staff members, everybody.

To check out the feature story on coach Cristobal, click here.

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T.Y. Hilton stands at 5'10", and is only 183 pounds, but he's big enough to carry two football teams on his back.

The former FIU Panther was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts during the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. He'll be expected to help stretch the field for the Colts, a team that is basically rebuilding on the offensive side of the ball and desperately looking to surround their new quarterback, Andrew Luck, with playmakers.

Hilton has the potential to really stand out. In four seasons at Florida International, he caught a total of 229 passes for 3,531 yards and 24 touchdowns. Keep in mind those numbers are from playing on a team that had a run-first offense.

Hilton is the main reason the Panthers won their first bowl game ever in 2010 against Toledo. It was his hook and lateral play on 4th-and-17 that kept the drive alive and eventually led to a victory.

He also holds pretty much every FIU receiving record there is, and is the first player in the program to catch a touchdown, rush for a touchdown, pass a touchdown and return a kick and punt for a touchdown in the same season. He did everything for that school.

But even with him no longer playing for the Panthers, he may end up having a bigger impact on the school than when he was playing.

Florida International is still a very young school, a baby pretty much. Their first season was in 2002 and they've been a member of the Sun Belt Conference since 2004. Although the last two seasons they've reached a bowl game under head coach Mario Cristobal, and they believe they can eventually become another big-time school in the state of Florida.

That next step will start with the help from Hilton.

The small wide receiver from Miami, FL is now the highest draft pick in school history and only the fourth Panther to have a shot to step foot on an NFL field. The only player from FIU that has become something at the next level is linebacker Antwan Barnes, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2007. (He finished last season with 11 sacks playing for the San Diego Chargers)

Colts general manager Ryan Grigson believes they have found a diamond in the rough with Hilton and hopes he'll become the playmaker for Indianapolis, the way he was for that small school in Miami.

"When you get a great player who electric like that, that's fun," Grigson said via CBS Sports.  "Sometimes you have to go up and grab those guys. He's a little bit undersized, but I'm ecstatic about getting him."

The Panthers' recruiting classes are slowly getting better each year, as players around the country are beginning to realize you don't always have to go to a big school to have success. Hilton can be another example to come out of the university that will continue to help this program grow.

For every big play or touchdown he makes for the Colts, he is basically still making one for the Panthers.

Hilton may not be a big wide receiver by NFL standards, but he's big enough to carry two teams on his back.