With a critical final bye of the season this week, surprising Florida International still has plenty to play for.

The Golden Panthers (4-5, 3-2 SBC) remain in the Sun Belt title race, a game behind Troy and a game-and-a-half behind conference leader Louisiana-Lafayette.

"Plenty of our goals are still intact," coach Mario Cristobal said. "Things have to happen in the conference for us to win it, but that will always be a goal."

Even without a conference title, Florida International still could secure an at-large bowl bid if it wins its three remaining games.

The Golden Panthers will play two of their games at their new on-campus home stadium, beginning Nov. 22 against Louisiana-Monroe. After playing rival Florida Atlantic only 20 miles up the road at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida International will close the season at home Dec. 6 against Western Kentucky.

Anything is possible. Speedy freshman T.Y. Hilton, who leads the nation with 198.7 all-purpose yards per game, is a scoring threat.

Florida International's defense also has come up with big plays, forcing 17 turnovers in nine games.

"It's a hungry bunch of guys," Cristobal said. "They want this. They've been working for this and they deserve a chance to be great and that's what we're going to focus on."

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