MIAMI – As FIU football continues its 25 Moments in 25 Seasons series in celebration of the program’s upcoming 25th season, we revisit one of the most unique victories in Panther history. On Dec. 1, 2007, FIU defeated North Texas, 38-19, in the final football game ever played at the historic Orange Bowl.
THE ORANGE BOWL HISTORY
Located in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, the Orange Bowl was one of the most iconic venues in college football history. The stadium hosted five Super Bowls, 16 college football national championship games, and the annual Orange Bowl game for decades.
The venue also served as the longtime home of the Miami Hurricanes from 1937-2007 and the Miami Dolphins from 1966-1986, cementing its place as one of South Florida’s most celebrated sports landmarks before being demolished following the 2007 season.
During the 2007 season, FIU called the Orange Bowl home while FIU Stadium underwent major expansion and renovations. The season also marked the beginning of a new era for Panther football under first-year head coach Mario Cristobal.
Entering the final game of the season, FIU was still searching for its first victory of 2007. Standing in the way was North Texas, but the Panthers would save their best performance for last, earning a memorable victory while becoming the final team to win a football game at the legendary stadium.
SECURING THE VICTORY
Playing before one of the final football crowds at the Orange Bowl, FIU looked to make history to close out its time at one of college football’s cathedrals. North Texas struck first, taking a 6-0 lead on its opening possession. The Panthers quickly responded with a six-play, 66-yard drive, capped by a 22-yard touchdown run from Julian Reams to give FIU a 7-6 advantage.
The Mean Green answered with a 79-yard scoring drive midway through the second quarter to reclaim the lead at 12-7. Moments later, FIU delivered one of the game’s biggest plays when Lionell Singleton returned a kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown. The return, which ranks among the longest in program history, put the Panthers back in front, 14-12. FIU continued to build momentum before halftime as quarterback Paul McCall connected with Trenard Turner for a 58-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 21-12 heading into the break.
The Panthers maintained control in the second half. McCall found Marquis Rolle for a 31-yard touchdown strike in the third quarter to push the lead to 28-12. North Texas answered with a touchdown drive of its own, trimming the deficit to nine points.
FIU responded immediately. McCall tossed his third touchdown pass of the afternoon on the ensuing drive, extending the lead to 35-19 before a fourth-quarter field goal capped the scoring and secured a 38-19 Panther victory.
Making his first collegiate start, McCall delivered a standout performance, throwing for 228 yards and three touchdowns while helping secure the first victory of the Mario Cristobal era. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Orange Bowl’s storied history came to a close—with FIU forever etched into its legacy as the final football winner at the famed venue.
25TH SEASON CELEBRATION
The upcoming 2026 season for the Panthers officially marks FIU’s 25th season of football competition, dating back to the Panthers’ first-ever season in 2002. Over that time period, FIU has qualified for six bowl games, secured six Shula Bowl victories and produced countless NFL players, including Pro Bowlers T.Y Hilton and Jonnu Smith. The program has also seen many legendary coaches and outstanding players pass through the Panther facilities throughout its history, creating a litany of incredible moments experienced by Panther Nation.
Fans can be expected to be taken on a journey back to the inception of the program all the way up to the present day, recognizing the standard set by the first teams and acknowledging how many past Panthers have helped to build on that legacy. All of this will lead up and continue through the 25th official season in 2026, the second under head coach Willie Simmons, following one of the most historic seasons on record in his first year on the sidelines.
As the campaign begins with a variety of content in the coming weeks, visit our one-stop shop for the 25th Season Celebration. In conjunction with this, fans are encouraged to follow along with the many highly-engaging pieces of content recognizing the past that will be released on FIU Football’s social media channels, listed below.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIU.Football on Instagram and @FIUFootball on Twitter and Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
