YSU FOOTBALL FIU's routine interrupted by Hurricane Frances

Their opener was canceled and they didn't return to practice until Monday.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- After four days of inactivity forced by Hurricane Frances, Florida International finally returned to practice earlier this week.
Their opener last Thursday against Jacksonville was washed out, so coach Don Strock has turned his Golden Panthers' attention to Saturday's game at Youngstown State.
The Penguins opened their slate with a 35-13 home victory over Slippery Rock last Thursday.
Monday's practice didn't get rave reviews from Strock.
"The four days off from the hurricane didn't do us any good," he said. "We were a little sloppy and we got tired as the practice progressed.
"But, we'll do more running over the next couple of days and we'll get better."
Getting healthy
One area of concern for Strock has been the offensive line, but he got good news Monday when junior left tackle Tim Dierks (6-foot-4, 263 pounds) returned to practice and worked with the first team. Also, freshman Tad McConahie (6-3, 310) practiced after being cleared to play by the NCAA.
Another injured lineman, freshman John Shanahan (6-1, 312) has returned for limited practice.
"Guys are getting healthy and others are getting eligible," Strock said. "The offensive line has always been an Achilles heal for us so it's nice when we're able to get everyone ready to go."
The Golden Panthers were 2-10 last season in the program's second season. FIU was 5-6 in 2002.
Veteran team
They return 22 starters from that team, including all 11 on offense, nine on defense and two on special teams.
Sophomore Josh Padrick (6-3, 192), who started 10 games last year, returns at quarterback. He threw for a school record 2,493 yards with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Senior running back Rashod Smith (5-9, 191) was limited to six games last year because of injuries, but is the school's only 1,000-yard rusher. He gained 1,062 yards in 2002 when he was the team's most valuable player.
Senior Harold Leath (6-3, 205) led the team in receptions with 42 and three touchdowns.
The defense is led by junior Lance Preston (6-1, 233) who had 96 tackles last season was named the team's player of the year, and Antwan Barnes (6-1, 228, sophomore). The entire defensive secondary also returns.
FIU returns both kickers -- junior Adam Moss (6-1, 201) who led the team in scoring with 70 points, including 14 field goals, and senior Doug Jones (5-9, 199) who averaged 36.4 yards on 58 punts.
Too many turnovers
One area the Golden Panthers must improve on is cutting down on turnovers. A year ago they finished with 26, including 14 fumbles lost and 12 interceptions.
Florida International plans to be Division I-A by 2006 when it will become a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
Saturday's game is scheduled to kickoff at 5 p.m. and will be televised live in Florida by the Sunshine Network.
mollica@vindy.com