How many times will the Florida International University football team play in its first bowl game? Loyal aficionados wanted to be eyewitnesses to history.

So they came to Motown to see the Golden Panthers beat Toledo 34-32 on Sunday in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl and pass another milestone on the growth chart. Nine years old and the football program that was once the worst in the nation was starring in its first national television performance.

“I’m facing divorce when I get home because I left my wife and kids after we ripped open the presents on Saturday,” said alumnus Ramon Lopez.

In a game of rallies, Florida International University had the last, most spectacular one. After quarterback Wesley Carroll was sacked for a 17-yard loss, Florida International University faced fourth down and 17 on its 41-yard line with 56 seconds left, trailing by one point.

On the next play, Jacob Younger caught a pass well short of a first down, so he tossed a lateral to T.Y. Hilton, who did a tight-rope act down the sideline for just the number of inchesFlorida International University needed.

Greg Ellingson’s 20-yard catch put Florida International University in field goal range and Jack Griffin kicked the game-winner as time expired.”Hot and ready!” sang players and coach Mario Cristobal, echoing the Little Caesars theme as they held up their trophy. “Florida International University is on the rise!”Of all the sports stories in South Florida this fall, the story of overshadowed Florida International University is really the most charming.

In the midst of players whooping euphorically in the post-game chaos, Ellingson ran around hugging cheerleaders and shaking fans’ hands, saying, “Thank you for coming.’

‘The game was not only significant for the football team but for a university seeking a higher profile beyond the borders of South Florida. “This puts us on the map,” Lopez said. “People will stop asking, `Where is FIU? What is FIU? ‘F-I-Who?’”

That used to be the question for the team trying to build tradition out on the Tamiami Trail. But after unexpectedly winning a share of the Sun Belt Conference championship and breaking even for the first time with a 6-6 record, Florida International University vaulted into the “bowl eligible” category. There were no roses or oranges here. Just a lot of pepperoni. But to be invited to one of the 34 bowls in college football’s second season was a step forward for a team in only its fifth year as an FBS program.

“When I was a student, football was getting started and nobody knew what to expect,” said Jose Nino, who received his undergraduate degree in 2002 and his masters in 2006. “We have accomplished so much in such a short time. If we keep up this pace, we can really flourish on the big stage. Sooner rather than later, we will get more recognition.”

In the Florida International University section of the stands at massive Ford Field, a couple hundred fans wearing blue and gold waved pom-pons and signs that said “Si se puede!” Toledo, the 93-year-old program located 63 miles south, had the advantage in terms of crowd support and pedigree.But underdog Florida International University came back from a 24-7 deficit in the second half thanks to an 89-yard kickoff return by Hilton, two interceptions by Kreg Brown, a touchdown run by Darriet Perry, Hilton’s scoop catch of a low pass and jubilant jump into the end zone, a punt block by Wayne Times that led to Griffin’s field goal and a 31-24 lead – until Toledo charged back with a touchdown and two-point conversion with 1:14 left.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia