Defense continues to dominate

The Golden Panther defense has stomped the offense during each public scrimmage this semester. The latest effort came on Saturday, Oct. 27, in front of a crowd
of approximately 1,200 including 77 potential recruits and former Miami Dolphin Quarterback Dan Marino.

In a defensive 45-24 win, Head Football Coach Don Strock said the offense moved the ball much better than in
previous scrimmages, but mistakes were made as well. “We made some big plays, but we made some big errors, too, and one quarterback error is too much for my liking, so we’ll have to keep working on that.”

FIU Athletic Director Rick Mello and former Miami Dolphin Quarterback Dan Marino discuss the team’s performance during the third public scrimmage at FIU.

Defensive highlights during the University Park and the Biscayne Bay scrimmage, held on Wednesday, Oct. 17 during which the defense trounced the offense 45-18, included eight sacks led by Payton Williams and Jack Kilburn with three others. Another highlight occurred when Kevin Timothee stripped the ball from quarterback Joe Fleming and scampered 35 yards for
a defensive touchdown.
The offense did struggle during both scrimmages but managed to complete five pass attempts on a drive that culminated in a two-yard touchdown toss to Joseph Struyf during Saturday’s scrimmage.

The offense and defense will meet again during the final public scrimmage of the semester on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the FIU Community Stadium, University Park campus.

Calling the shots coach profile – James Taubert, FIU Assistant Coach

A 25-year veteran as an assistant football coach, James Taubert continues his
career on the sidelines as FIU’s defensive line coach.

Taubert has had experience on all levels of football. Most recently having served as the linebacker coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

Professionally, Taubert has coached for several teams in the Arena Football League including the New York City Hawks, Charlotte Rage and the Tampa Bay Storm, which he helped make into the 1991 AFL World Champions. He has also coached with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League.

On the collegiate level, he has coached at the University of Memphis, Bowling Green State University, University of Richmond, University of Tennessee at Marin, Kenyan College and Southern Illinois, where in 1983 he helped lead the team to win the I-AA NCAA championship.

Presented with the Biggie Munn Award in 1974, which is given to the team’s most inspirational player, Taubert lettered on the Michigan State University Varsity
football team for three years. He was named the 1974 Big Ten First Team All-Star at Defensive Tackle and was the co-captain for the Spartans.

Taubert has also taught physical education and has worked as an ECAC football official as well as served as a high school basketball and baseball official.

Taubert is a 1974 graduate of MSU where he earned Bachelor of Science in physical education and health.

Taubert lives in Pembroke Pines.