For the first time in FIU history, the Golden Panthers will unveil black jerseys when they face Troy on Oct. 17.

In a “blackout game,” the team is encouraging fans to wear black to the game as well.

Linebacker Toronto Smith recalls the first time he saw a team break out black uniforms, in a Louisville victory over West Virginia University in 2006. Louisville, the home underdog, came out on top in dramatic fashion.

Smith is excited for the perceived advantage his team will have against defending conference champion Troy.

“I like the idea,” Smith said. “It gave [Louisville] the extra confidence with all the fans wearing black. The crowd showed they really support their football team. I think it’s going to be the same for us and Troy is going to be intimidated by all the black jerseys flying around making tackles.”

Coach Mario Cristobal said the jerseys will not affect the outcome of the game, but is intrigued as well.

“That’s an Adidas thing. They provided us with a blackout jersey,” Cristobal said. “We felt it would be a good thing for the home crowd, and I think there is a nice buzz about it out there. It will be good to see the crowd decked out in black and bringing their best enthusiasm to the ballpark.”

Kicker awarded

Kicker Dustin Rivest had one of the best games of his career in the win against WKU on Oct. 10. He is being rewarded for it.

The senior was named the Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week and was tabbed as an Honorable Mention Place Kicker by collegefootballperformance.com after he nailed all three of his field goal tries against the Hilltoppers. Rivest made all four of his point after attempts in the contest.

College football performance names its performers of the week with objective scientific rankings that are based upon meta-algorithms derived from differential equations, statistics and probability.

“I just heard about it and it’s based on stats and not based on popularity or what school you go to,” Rivest said. “I like it a lot.”

Rivest is hoping to remain consistent in the conference schedule for FIU after starting the season by converting just one of his first three field goal attempts.

“It’s been five years here, and I have been trying to be as consistent as I can,” Rivest said. “This year is no different. It’s time to come together for my last year and it feels good to finally put it all together in one game.

“It just gives me motivation for the next couple of games and for the rest of the season—and hopefully the postseason in a bowl game.”

Wide receiver Greg Ellingson was also publicized after the WKU win, as his 132-yard performance earned him an ESPN.com Honorable Mention Helmet Sticker.