MIAMI – Twenty-two years ago, Willie Simmons was quarterback for The Citadel when Delaware launched its NCAA title-winning season with a 41-7 win over the Bulldogs.

Now he’s the first-year coach for a Florida International team aiming to thwart the Blue Hens as they seek another stellar start in their Conference USA debut on Sept. 20.

“Coming into the league, you hope that the new teams have kind of got a little ways to go. But clearly that's not the case,” Simmons said after complimenting Delaware for beating a UConn team last week that won nine games last year.

Kickoff between the Hens and FIU , both 2-1, is at 6 p.m. at Pitbull Stadium. Rain is forecast, though teams will hope it is not accompanied by lightning that forced delays at FIU's first two home games this year.

“You'll

See Full Page