FIU quarterback Paul McCall wanted to make an adjustment.

So before the Golden Panthers’ (1-5, 1-2 Sun Belt) fourth game in conference play at Arkansas State (1-4, 0-2) on Oct. 24, McCall changed his appearance. The senior let go of most of his hair, and cut it in favor of a mohawk style.

“We needed a little change around here. I thought it was adequate for the game at hand, it’s a little more serious,” McCall said. “You don’t want to use a cliché, but this is definitely a make-or-break game for us.”

McCall is among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in efficiency (122.0), passing yards (1,461), and touchdowns (11). While wide receiver T.Y. Hilton improved upon his record setting freshman campaign and is on pace to rewrite his own records, Ty Frierson and Greg Ellingson are both in line to have their best seasons as well. But McCall has done most of his damage while facing constant pressure, and the Golden Panthers are near the bottom of the conference in sacks allowed.

Protecting McCall, who was sacked six times in the loss to Troy on Oct. 17, will be especially important when Preseason Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year Alex Carrington takes aim at FIU’s signal caller.

The Red Wolves’ defense is first in the SBC in scoring and total defense, led by an imposing defensive front. The Golden Panthers defeated the Red Wolves by one point last season on a late touchdown pass from Hilton to Junior Mertile, a memorable play that kept FIU in SBC contention late last season.

More mack

Last week, Golden Panthers coach Mario Cristobal had to take McCall out for a series in favor of backup Wayne Younger after a Troy defender pummeled him.

“We have to make sure that when guys are going to come free, we put our quarterback in a good situation where we could get rid of the ball,” Cristobal said. “Or we have to have someone in there to block someone that’s coming.”

On an offensive line that has already seen significant shuffling since the season started, Cristobal said that junior guard Cedric Mack will see more playing time. Mack, who was part of the Golden Panthers 2008 signing class but was not cleared to play by the NCAA last season, is a former three-star prospect, according to rivals.com.

“He’s come on strong these last few games,” McCall said. “I saw him in the Western Kentucky game and this last game vs. Troy, and he was bouncing around and screaming at people. When other guys aren’t performing we need to have that depth to be able to have guys step up.”

While Mack and the Golden Panthers offensive line look to keep McCall on his feet, FIU’s defensive front will have to account for one of the best rushers in SBC history as they try to halt Reggie Arnold.

Arnold, who could become the eighth player in NCAA history to run for 1,000 yards in all four seasons, is averaging over five yards per carry.

The Golden Panthers have surrendered over 160 yards on the ground to every opponent this season.

Avenging

McCall is sure that ASU is eying revenge after the Golden Panthers’ dramatic home victory over them last season.

“I remember two years ago, when they beat us when we were at their home in the last few minutes we had it circled on our calendar,” he said. “You never want to lose games like that.”

In a game in which the weather is expected to dip below 50 degrees, McCall hopes he will have time to deliver the football to his bevy of targets.

“Those guys are my lifeline up front and I have full faith that they will get the job done,” McCall said. “They will getter better and fix the holes they had last week.”

Cornerback Anthony Gaitor is probable to play after an injury he sustained against Troy, according to Cristobal.