Oh, The Possibilities!

For the first time ever in FIU history, it's okay to talk about bowling without fear of a meltdown. It is happening for real this time after a big win against Arkansas State this past weekend to win at least a share of the Sun Belt title.

For the first time in program history, the Golden Panthers are going bowling somewhere besides Bird Bowl. But the question of where is still yet to be determined. There are still a number of options in play for FIU so don't make your travel plans just yet. At this stage, it appears to be coming down to the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 18, the GoDaddy.com Bowl in Mobile, AL on Jan. 6, or the Little Caesar's Bowl in Detroit, MI on Dec. 26.

It all comes down to the final game of the season against Dwight Dasher and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, who need a win to become the third bowl-eligible team in the Sun Belt Conference and throw a wrench into the conference bowl picture. If the Golden Panthers win, it appears likely that the Golden Panthers will be heading to New Orleans while Troy will head off to Mobile.

Based on all the statements coming from New Orleans Bowl representatives and with a good showing by MTSU fans at last year's game (that in conjunction with the fact that they have not already extended an invitation to the Golden Panthers), it appears that would jump at the chance to invite the Blue Raiders for an encore appearance in favor of the Golden Panthers, who may not bring the kind of fan support they did. MTSU brought roughly 5,000 fans to last years game on short notice. So if the Blue Raiders do defeat the Sun Belt champs this weekend, and with Mobile all but guaranteed to invite the Trojans, my guess is that the Golden Panthers might be spending Christmas in the Motor City while MTSU parties it up in New Orleans (left).

New Orleans Bowl reps will be in attendance this weekend to see what the fuss is all about. It'll be an audition of sorts for both teams as they try and prove their worth and why they would be worthy of a trip to Louisiana.

Here are a number of different potential matchups for FIU in all three potential destinations and what they might be like:

FIU vs. UTEP (New Orleans Bowl):

This might be the most likely game, especially if FIU wins on Saturday, and it might be a very fun game to watch. The Miners (6-6, 3-5 CUSA) stumbled greatly during the last half of the season despite getting off to a 5-1 start, losing five of their last six games of the season. Senior QB Trevor Vittatoe, who had his worst statistical season in terms of yards (2,511) and passer rating (121.59), still threw 19 touchdown passes to his 10 interceptions. But his nagging ankle injuries could definitely harness his ability to be effective and was a big reason for UTEP's late season drop off. UTEP has a solid run game that averages close to 150 yards a game led by Joseph Banyard and his eight rushing touchdowns.

In their season finale against Tulsa, the Miner defense allowed a whopping 543 yards of total offense (325 through the air and 218 on the ground), but on the season they rank 58th in the FBS in points against, allowing just 25.4 points per game.

If the Golden Panthers can get their ground attack going and their defense can bring the chili against the run game and force an ailing UTEP quarterback to make plays, they might be able to bring in their first bowl trophy.

FIU vs. Northern Illinois (Little Caesar's Bowl):

The only way FIU (or any Sun Belt team for that matter) ends up in Detroit with lots and lots of pizza and Crazy Bread (left) would be if the Golden Panthers lose. Period. This might be the likely match up if FIU loses against the Blue Raiders in The Cage this weekend and No. 24 ranked NIU (10-2, 8-0 MAC) would be a tough game for the Golden Panthers to win. The Huskies boast one of the best running games in the country, averaging a stunning 279 yards on the ground (7th in FBS) led by Chad Spann, who has 1,239 yards to go along with 20 touchdowns. NIU has also scored 39.3 points per game and will play Miami (OH) in the MAC championship game, who they probably will defeat handily.

There is a good chance, however, that the MAC champion will be sent somewhere else in favor of placing a team like Miami (OH) or Toledo into the game, who may be able to put more fans in the seats.

FIU vs. Toledo (Little Caesar's Bowl):

The Rockets (8-4, 7-1 MAC) left a bad taste in the Golden Panthers mouths after beating them at FIU Stadium last season, returning the favor for their embarrassing defeat at home to FIU in 2008, which gave them their first road win over an FBS team and their first out-of-conference win in program history. Both teams would have a chance to settle the score if this scenario occurs in a game that would also see offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield try to outfox and defeat his old employer. It would basically be a home game for the Rockets, however, since the school is located just an hour away from Ford Field.

With a balanced offensive attack that averages 203.5 passing yards and 156 rushing yards per game, the Golden Panther defense would be put to the test. But the FIU offense might be able to find some success against their defense, which has allowed nearly 30 points a game and 369 total yards per game.

This game might end up turning into a high-powered shootout later on in the game.

FIU vs. Miami (OH) (Little Caesar's Bowl/GoDaddy.com Bowl):

Another possible matchup if the Panthers end up in Detroit or in Mobile (which I see as the least likely destination for FIU this postseason) would be Miami. The one from Ohio, not "The U". If they upset NIU in the MAC title game, the Little Caesar's Bowl may end up choosing the RedHawks (8-4, 7-1 MAC). If not, then most bowl projections have them headed to Mobile for the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

The RedHawks have struggled putting points on the board and running the ball, but they make up for it with their passing game and with a staunch defense that has kept opposing offenses to little more than 20 points per game. If these two teams end up pitted against each other, it might end up being a defensive chess match.

Just a year ago, the RedHawks were 1-11 and now they have a chance to become the MAC champions. If these two meet, it would be a great story of two programs turning things around in a very fast period of time.

FIU vs. Tulsa (New Orleans Bowl):

The New Orleans Bowl could turn into the "Golden Bowl" if the Golden Panthers meet up with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Dec. 18 in the Big Easy. Tulsa (9-3, 6-2 CUSA) has been red hot, finishing its season with six consecutive victories and New Orleans could be a potential destination.

The Golden Hurricane are the very definition of an offensive juggernaut, putting up 39.7 points per game and ranking 15th and 16th in passing and rushing, respectively. Junior QB G.J. Kinne has thrown for 3,307 yards this season and 28 touchdowns and throwing just 10 interceptions on 429 passing attempts. Kinne is also the teams leading rusher with 527 rushing yards, making him a very dangerous dual threat signal caller.

The Golden Panthers would have their hands full just trying to stop Kinne.

FIU vs. SMU (New Orleans Bowl):

Southern Methodist (7-5, 6-2 CUSA) is preparing for a CUSA Championship game against the UCF Knights and if they lost that game, New Orleans may be an option for the Mustangs. QB Kyle Padron has thrown for 3,306 yards this season. They have allowed close to 30 points a contest, however, and the Golden Panthers could take advantage of that and turn things into an interesting contest.

FIU vs. UCF (New Orleans Bowl):

This one might be the long shot, but it would be the most fun for FIU as they prepare to open up an extended home-and-home series with the Knights (9-3, 7-1 CUSA) next season starting at FIU Stadium. What better way to kick start the in-state series/rivalry than with a bowl game in the Bayou? UCF would have to lose the CUSA Championship game against SMU in order to open up a potential meeting, and many other factors and lobbying would need to take place, but it'll still be fun to see if it happens.

The UCF defense would pose a big challenge for the Panthers having allowed just 18.9 points per contest, helping the Knights push one step closer a CUSA championship. Their offense is led by running back Ronnie Weaver, who has rushed for 11 touchdowns on 857 yards. Quarterback Jefferey Godfrey is more of a weapon with his feet, rushing for 527 yards of his own. It could be an intense inaugural meeting for these two teams on neutral ground if it happens.