updated 11:33 p.m. ET Oct. 14, 2006

MIAMI - South Florida’s newest rivalry has already overheated.

Miami beat Florida International 35-0 Saturday night in a game marred by a wild brawl in the third quarter that had fists flying, helmets swinging and even crutches being used as weapons.

In all, 13 players were ejected — eight from FIU, five from Miami, and each will likely face a minimum of one-game suspensions. Officials from both conferences, the Atlantic Coast and Sun Belt, are expected to review the game tape to determine if additional sanctions are necessary.

“It was something that neither of us wanted,” Miami coach Larry Coker said.

Kyle Wright had three touchdown passes for the Hurricanes (4-2), while Lance Leggett had two TD catches — one from Wright, the other from Kirby Freeman.

It was the first meeting between the programs, whose campuses are 9 miles apart and have rosters almost entirely filled with players from Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the two largest in South Florida. Tensions were high throughout the night, with several occurrences of heated words being exchanged after plays ended.

But those verbal jousts were nothing compared with what happened with 9:00 remaining in the third.

“It was a great game,” FIU quarterback Josh Padrick said, “until 9 minutes left in the third quarter.”

James Bryant caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Wright, then drew a 15-yard flag for unsportsmanlike conduct. After making the catch, he appeared to point at the FIU (0-7) bench, then took a theatrical bow toward the stands.

“It’s not our fault,” said Miami’s Kenny Phillips, who had an interception. “Whatever it was, it wasn’t us.”

Moments later, Jon Peattie kicked the extra point for a 14-0 lead and the melee began; replays showed an FIU player crashing into Miami holder Matt Perrelli as the first of many blows. Pushing quickly turned into punches, both sidelines emptied and several fights broke out.

College football Two-man race with Tebow, McFadden

“I have no idea how it happened,” FIU coach Don Strock said.

The brawl lasted about five minutes, and it took officials several more minutes to sort out the penalties. More than two dozen uniformed police officers came onto the field, trying to end the fights, and at least one incident of fan fighting broke out in the Orange Bowl stands.

“Shocked, anger, both, all the emotions,” Coker said when asked about watching the melee. “College football doesn’t need it, FIU doesn’t need it and certainly we don’t need it.”

Police officers, including some wearing helmets, surrounded the field for the remainder of the game.

College football All-America team Top players this season The best on offense and defense from across the nation

Florida International’s ejected players were wide receiver Chandler Williams, defensive backs Lionell Singleton, Chris Smith and Marshall McDuffie Jr., fullback John Ellis, linebacker Mannie Wellington, tight end Samuel Smith and defensive end Jarvis Penerton.

“Whatever penalty is handed down, especially from us, we’re going to make it the most severe,” Strock said. “We don’t condone that. It’s embarrassing.”

The ejected Miami players were offensive linemen Derrick Morse and Chris Barney, running back Charlie Jones, and cornerbacks Carlos Armour and Bruce Johnson.

“It’s something they started,” Wright said. “And our guys finished it. ... They’re going home with a 35-0 loss and they’re 0-7.”

Police did not immediately announce if any fans were arrested. A holding area was set up at the Orange Bowl to detain anyone ejected and Miami police had between 80 and 100 officers at the game, officials said.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

Shortly after the game, new FIU athletic director Pete Garcia — who left his associate AD post at Miami this past week to join the Golden Panthers — issued an apology on behalf of the university and its president, Mitch Madique.

Garcia said he’ll evaluate what happened before deciding whether to continue the rivalry.

“They were gracious enough to grant us these games,” Garcia said. “They didn’t have to and this is how we repay them. I don’t care whose fault it is. At FIU we don’t condone this kind of behavior.”

Wright was 14-of-22 for 117 yards for Miami. Leggett (seven catches) and Sam Shields (five) each had 77 receiving yards for the Hurricanes.

Chris Zellner also had a touchdown catch for Miami, and Derron Thomas’ 11-yard TD run late in the fourth quarter capped the scoring. Miami’s defense held FIU to 114 yards in recording its first shutout since Sept. 18, 2004.

Julian Reams had 21 carries for 45 yards to lead FIU. Padrick completed 12 of 25 passes for 86 yards for the Golden Panthers, who are scheduled to play Miami again next Oct. 6.

MORE FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL

College football Section Front

Big Ten blows BCS spot Opinion: 10 bowl matchups that would be a treat CFT: ‘By the numbers’ — McCoy goes for record CFT: Iowa’s Stanzi could return for bowl game CFT: Meyer says Florida ‘lacking the big hits’   Tribe stops school from dropping nickname Trash Talk: Sorry, but SEC not all it’s cracked up to be   Vote: Which is the best conference? CFT: Mystery over for No. 5 Cincinnati — Pike will sit Iowa-Ohio St. in-depth video preview, analysis College football Section Front   Add College football headlines to your news reader: