Welcome to the Imaginary Football Bowl Subdivision Playoffs. In reality, tonight's anti-climactic BCS National Championship game is almost upon us but here is what I think would be a much better way to decide a national champion: A 16-team playoff where all 11 FBS conference champions get an automatic bid and the remaining at-large spots are filled by the highest ranked teams in the polls.
The regular season would shorten back to 11 games. I wouldn't totally dispose of all the Bowls but some would have to be eliminated and some would have to be reformatted to fit this system. Teams that do not make the playoffs would still have the opportunity to play in a dead end bowl game, just as they do now if they finish the season above .500. An 11-game regular season would get those 6-6 teams (sorry Owls) out of bowl games.
Here is a mock tournament:
Round One (to be played the first week of December, throughout the week to get all the games on national television and avoid the NFL on Mon., Thurs., and Sun. ) Games played at higher seeds' home sites. Some of these matchups actually happened, which is kind of cool. Bold teams are winners:
#16 Buffalo (MAC) @ #1 Oklahoma (Big XII)
#15 Troy (Sun Belt) @ #2 Florida (SEC)
#14 East Carolina (C-USA)@ #3 USC (PAC 10)
#13 Cincinnati (Big East) @ #4 Alabama (at large)
#12 Virginia Tech (ACC) @ #5 Utah (MWC)
#11 TCU (at large) @ #6 Boise State (WAC)
#10 Ohio State (at large) @ #7 Texas (at large)
#9 Oklahoma State @ #8 Penn State (Big Ten)
Quarterfinals (Highest seeds play the lowest ones, just like the NFL. In other words there are no NCAA basketball style brackets that lock teams in.)
#13 Cincinnati @ #1 Oklahoma - Sooners overpower the Big East champs in frigid Norman.
#11 TCU @ #2 Florida - The Horned Frogs can't escape The Swamp with a win.
# 8 Penn State @ #3 USC - This game actually happened, and it wasn't good for JoePa's crew.
#7 Texas @ #5 Utah - The Utes stun the 'Horns and advance to the Semifinals.
Semifinals (played at neutral Bowl sites that rotate among the current BCS games. One would be left out each year.)
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix: Oklahoma and Utah
Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans: USC and Florida
National Championship Jan. 8 @ Miami
FedEx Orange Bowl: Utah and Florida.
A true national champion could be crowned. Bowl upsets would matter. People would be talking non stop about college football. High seeds would have big advantages with home games in the first two rounds and games against the lowest seeds. However, teams like Utah and Boise State and TCU would at least have a chance at a National Championship, unlike the current system.
Just imagine if Troy or FAU made it into this tournament and upset a top seed. It would be a lot bigger deal than a New Orleans Bowl win.
Bowls like the New Orleans Bowl and the Liberty Bowl and the Sun Bowl could still exist in this format. There could still be a Capital One Bowl Week. However, college football fans would actually get the excitement that they deserve, not the cockamamie current system that decides very little and leaves most fans wanting more.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Count the Motor City Bowl as First Win of '09 Season
I watched the Motor City Bowl on ESPN, just like most of you did (see the bottom of this post for an explanation) and what I saw was a preview of the 2009 Owls.
Yes, Frantz Joseph aka the heat seeking missile, as the ESPN tv analyst dubbed him, will be gone. But look at all that is back. The skill positions (QB, WR, FB, TE) on offense are all returning. The offensive line has already begun its transition, with seniors John Rizzo going out at midseason, Brandon Jackson being suspended for the bowl game, and Nick Paris missing half the season. The backups and younger players gained experience and performed pretty well in Detroit as well as down the stretch.
The defense will miss Joseph but the secondary will improve and the young linebackers are promising. The d-line was pretty awful last year, and bit better this year. Jervonte Jackson, a four-year contributor will be sorely missed.
The point is that the team you saw on Dec. 26 is very similar to the one you'll see when training camp comes around. The team you last saw dumping a Gatorade cooler on Howard Schnellenberger's face is one that won six of it's last seven games.
The strong finish guarantees nothing for next season between the lines. What it does show is that the talent to contend for a Sun Belt championship is there. It shows ESPN that the Motor City Bowl demonstrated what the Owls can do, and possibly made the Worldwide Leader in Sports forget about those ugly games they televised of Michigan State, MTSU and Troy defeating FAU. Most importantly, the coaches have something tangible to pitch to recruits: Come to FAU and there is a pretty good chance you will get to spend part of your winter break participating in a bowl game.
Basketball Struggles
Mike Jarvis' first season with the Owls hasn't been going as well as the the debuts of his predecessors, Matt Doherty and Rex Walters.
The Owls remain winless in the Sun Belt and have been shorthanded several times this season. Carlos Monroe overcame an initial suspension from the team before returning, then missing last night's Miami game, which the Hurricanes won 85-69 in Coral Gables. Xavier Perkins has missed time and Sanchez Hughley is out with a medical problem.
What it has all added up to is a 4-11 start to the season for FAU, including six losses in a row.
The good news is all you have to do in college basketball is get hot when tournament time rolls around in March. The Owls have plenty of time to find their stride.
Back to school, back to blogging
With no money for an extra chartered flight to Detroit, Owl TV, myself and about 40% of the football team weren't able to travel to Detroit for the bowl game. For the New Orleans Bowl, FAU and the Sun Belt shelled out some serious cash for two planes, every last player, and the campus media outlets. This year, minus the shine of the program's inaugural bowl, mixed with budget cuts, there was no space for us or money to get us there.
Yes, Frantz Joseph aka the heat seeking missile, as the ESPN tv analyst dubbed him, will be gone. But look at all that is back. The skill positions (QB, WR, FB, TE) on offense are all returning. The offensive line has already begun its transition, with seniors John Rizzo going out at midseason, Brandon Jackson being suspended for the bowl game, and Nick Paris missing half the season. The backups and younger players gained experience and performed pretty well in Detroit as well as down the stretch.
The defense will miss Joseph but the secondary will improve and the young linebackers are promising. The d-line was pretty awful last year, and bit better this year. Jervonte Jackson, a four-year contributor will be sorely missed.
The point is that the team you saw on Dec. 26 is very similar to the one you'll see when training camp comes around. The team you last saw dumping a Gatorade cooler on Howard Schnellenberger's face is one that won six of it's last seven games.
The strong finish guarantees nothing for next season between the lines. What it does show is that the talent to contend for a Sun Belt championship is there. It shows ESPN that the Motor City Bowl demonstrated what the Owls can do, and possibly made the Worldwide Leader in Sports forget about those ugly games they televised of Michigan State, MTSU and Troy defeating FAU. Most importantly, the coaches have something tangible to pitch to recruits: Come to FAU and there is a pretty good chance you will get to spend part of your winter break participating in a bowl game.
Basketball Struggles
Mike Jarvis' first season with the Owls hasn't been going as well as the the debuts of his predecessors, Matt Doherty and Rex Walters.
The Owls remain winless in the Sun Belt and have been shorthanded several times this season. Carlos Monroe overcame an initial suspension from the team before returning, then missing last night's Miami game, which the Hurricanes won 85-69 in Coral Gables. Xavier Perkins has missed time and Sanchez Hughley is out with a medical problem.
What it has all added up to is a 4-11 start to the season for FAU, including six losses in a row.
The good news is all you have to do in college basketball is get hot when tournament time rolls around in March. The Owls have plenty of time to find their stride.
Back to school, back to blogging
With no money for an extra chartered flight to Detroit, Owl TV, myself and about 40% of the football team weren't able to travel to Detroit for the bowl game. For the New Orleans Bowl, FAU and the Sun Belt shelled out some serious cash for two planes, every last player, and the campus media outlets. This year, minus the shine of the program's inaugural bowl, mixed with budget cuts, there was no space for us or money to get us there.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Owls Are Bound for Motor City Bowl
It turns out that the Shula Bowl will not be Florida Atlantic's only bowl game this year.
The 6-6 Owls are headed to Detroit and the Motor City Bowl on Dec. 26 to play the Central Michigan Chippewas.
The Motor City Bowl is the same game that Middle Tennessee State played in a couple years back, gaining admittance with an at-large birth. That is the same path FAU took to play in the postseason for the second year in a row.
CMU will draw a large crowd as an in state team. With the attendance problem out of the way, he MCB must have been looking for an attractive opponent that would provide a competitive game for the Chippewas. The Owls provide just that.
It is a strange way for things to shake out in the end. FAU, ULL and Arkansas State all went 6-6 this season, but neither the Ragin' Cajuns nor the Red Wolves got invited to bowls. Troy is the other Sun Belt team in a bowl. The Trojans won the outright league championship and will play in the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 21.
The 6-6 Owls are headed to Detroit and the Motor City Bowl on Dec. 26 to play the Central Michigan Chippewas.
The Motor City Bowl is the same game that Middle Tennessee State played in a couple years back, gaining admittance with an at-large birth. That is the same path FAU took to play in the postseason for the second year in a row.
CMU will draw a large crowd as an in state team. With the attendance problem out of the way, he MCB must have been looking for an attractive opponent that would provide a competitive game for the Chippewas. The Owls provide just that.
It is a strange way for things to shake out in the end. FAU, ULL and Arkansas State all went 6-6 this season, but neither the Ragin' Cajuns nor the Red Wolves got invited to bowls. Troy is the other Sun Belt team in a bowl. The Trojans won the outright league championship and will play in the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 21.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Shula Bowl VII Was One for the Ages
Bill Pullman as the President of the United States couldn't have put it any better as he rallied his ragged air force as they prepared to try to save the world from alien invasion in the movie Independence Day: (and I paraphrase)
"We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We are going to live on. We are going to survive ... today, we celebrate a Shula Bowl VICTORY!"
With a win as unlikely and dramatic and awesome as Russell Case (aka Randy Quaid) single handedly taking out an intergallactic space ship, FAU shocked FIU and exerted its dominance for one more year. Those on-the-fence recruits might pick the Owls, now. ESPN might be more likely to put FAU on TV next season, now. Hell, FAU might still get to a bowl game, now.
This game felt like a real rivalry.
The proximity of the campuses, similarities of names, conference of residence, recruiting conflicts and connection to former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula are all nice additions. But in order to thrive a rivalry needs close games and wild finishes. This one had both as an entertaining 22-22 game exploded in the fourth quarter.
''I don't know how it happened. It just erupted into a scoring fest,'' Owls’ quarterback Rusty Smith says.
FAU and FIU looked out of place inside a cavernous NFL stadium. But the emotion wasn’t lost among tens of thousands of empty seats, as the Owls came back from two separate 14-point deficits. FAU scored a touchdown, recovered an onside kick and scored again within the last four minutes to tie the Panthers. Then the Owls needed just three plays to score in overtime before stopping FIU to hang on for the 57-50 win.
“This one, by far, takes the cake on the wildest, craziest most awesome comeback that I've ever been a part of. To have it against FIU, it's just an added bonus and icing on the cake,'' Smith says.
It was one the greatest games in FAU’s eight year history, right up there with the New Orleans Bowl and victory over Troy last season. It was right there with the last-second victory over Hawaii in 2004 and the playoff wins in 2003 that lifted the Owls to the DI-AA national semifinals.
Shula Bowl Legends Were Born
"Heroes are remembered, kid," said Babe Ruth in Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez's dream sequence in the movie The Sandlot. "But legends never die."
For the first time in Shula Bowl history, legends were made.
Rusty Smith, Cortez Gent, Jamari Grant and Corey Small all found their places in Shula Bowl lore.
Smith overcame some really poor throws that should have been intercepted to lead three fourth quarter touchdown drives and another in overtime.
Gent had some amazing catches in the fourth quarter after some early drops. Then he caught the touchdown that put the Owls ahead for good in overtime.
Grant, one of the most inconsistent Owls all season, had the diving catch that tied the game at 50-50. Then in a momnent of pure exuberance that should always be remembered, he popped up and hugged the official because he was the closest one to him.
And Small, the senior and co-leader of the defense, making a play when he had to. He intercepted Paul McCall and returned it for a touchdown. Of course the Owls fell behind by 14 again, but Small's play was still instrumental.
"We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We are going to live on. We are going to survive ... today, we celebrate a Shula Bowl VICTORY!"
With a win as unlikely and dramatic and awesome as Russell Case (aka Randy Quaid) single handedly taking out an intergallactic space ship, FAU shocked FIU and exerted its dominance for one more year. Those on-the-fence recruits might pick the Owls, now. ESPN might be more likely to put FAU on TV next season, now. Hell, FAU might still get to a bowl game, now.
This game felt like a real rivalry.
The proximity of the campuses, similarities of names, conference of residence, recruiting conflicts and connection to former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula are all nice additions. But in order to thrive a rivalry needs close games and wild finishes. This one had both as an entertaining 22-22 game exploded in the fourth quarter.
''I don't know how it happened. It just erupted into a scoring fest,'' Owls’ quarterback Rusty Smith says.
FAU and FIU looked out of place inside a cavernous NFL stadium. But the emotion wasn’t lost among tens of thousands of empty seats, as the Owls came back from two separate 14-point deficits. FAU scored a touchdown, recovered an onside kick and scored again within the last four minutes to tie the Panthers. Then the Owls needed just three plays to score in overtime before stopping FIU to hang on for the 57-50 win.
“This one, by far, takes the cake on the wildest, craziest most awesome comeback that I've ever been a part of. To have it against FIU, it's just an added bonus and icing on the cake,'' Smith says.
It was one the greatest games in FAU’s eight year history, right up there with the New Orleans Bowl and victory over Troy last season. It was right there with the last-second victory over Hawaii in 2004 and the playoff wins in 2003 that lifted the Owls to the DI-AA national semifinals.
Shula Bowl Legends Were Born
"Heroes are remembered, kid," said Babe Ruth in Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez's dream sequence in the movie The Sandlot. "But legends never die."
For the first time in Shula Bowl history, legends were made.
Rusty Smith, Cortez Gent, Jamari Grant and Corey Small all found their places in Shula Bowl lore.
Smith overcame some really poor throws that should have been intercepted to lead three fourth quarter touchdown drives and another in overtime.
Gent had some amazing catches in the fourth quarter after some early drops. Then he caught the touchdown that put the Owls ahead for good in overtime.
Grant, one of the most inconsistent Owls all season, had the diving catch that tied the game at 50-50. Then in a momnent of pure exuberance that should always be remembered, he popped up and hugged the official because he was the closest one to him.
And Small, the senior and co-leader of the defense, making a play when he had to. He intercepted Paul McCall and returned it for a touchdown. Of course the Owls fell behind by 14 again, but Small's play was still instrumental.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Say Hello to T.Y. "Goodbye"
It hasn't yet been determined which school has the superior football team in this year's Shula Bowl, which FIU leads 16-14 at halftime, but FIU definitely has the best player.
T.Y. Hilton, a true freshman from Miami, already has two touchdowns and shows the kind of explosive playmaking that the Owls could desperately use.
He lines up in the slot, at wide out, in the backfield, he fields punts and kickoffs. T.Y. does it all and has a cool nickname: They call him "Goodbye" as in once he gets the ball, you can kiss him goodbye.
After his touchdowns at FIU Stadium they play the famous AOL signoff. I've read reports that chants of "T.Y. for the Heisman" also go up regularly at the home of the Golden Panthers.
The closest thing the Owls have to Hilton is DiIvory Edgecomb, who FAU is losing to graduation.
T.Y. Hilton, a true freshman from Miami, already has two touchdowns and shows the kind of explosive playmaking that the Owls could desperately use.
He lines up in the slot, at wide out, in the backfield, he fields punts and kickoffs. T.Y. does it all and has a cool nickname: They call him "Goodbye" as in once he gets the ball, you can kiss him goodbye.
After his touchdowns at FIU Stadium they play the famous AOL signoff. I've read reports that chants of "T.Y. for the Heisman" also go up regularly at the home of the Golden Panthers.
The closest thing the Owls have to Hilton is DiIvory Edgecomb, who FAU is losing to graduation.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Arkansas State 28, FAU 14
Jonesboro, Ark. – Facing a two touchdown deficit as darkness fell over ASU Stadium and the temperature hovered above freezing, the Owls badly needed a spark.
They never were able to manufacture one and their four-game winning streak came to a startling halt.
Down 28-14, the Owls got the ball with 10:10 left and again with 6:50 left in the game. Both times they failed to pick up first downs and had to punt back to the Red Wolves.
“Oh, boy. What a terrible second half,” says FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger.
The Owls had just three first downs after halftime, while punting five times and fumbling once.
FAU put itself into a two touchdown hole by missing opportunities on offense and leaving receivers open on defense. A Rusty Smith interception and a Jamari Grant fumble both led to ASU touchdowns. Three ASU touchdowns were floated to wide open receivers waiting in the end zone.
FAU and ASU entered halftime tied as Rusty Smith led the Owls on a touchdown drive just before the half. Smith hit Rob Housler for a three-yard touchdown that evened the game at 14. But Smith couldn’t lead the Owls to another second half comeback.
“They controlled the game because they knew we had to throw the ball,” says FAU wide receiver Cortez Gent of the Owls’ second half offensive struggles.
Bowl hopes still alive
It ain't over yet. The Owls can still become bowl eligible and make it to a bowl by beating FIU on Saturday.
They never were able to manufacture one and their four-game winning streak came to a startling halt.
Down 28-14, the Owls got the ball with 10:10 left and again with 6:50 left in the game. Both times they failed to pick up first downs and had to punt back to the Red Wolves.
“Oh, boy. What a terrible second half,” says FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger.
The Owls had just three first downs after halftime, while punting five times and fumbling once.
FAU put itself into a two touchdown hole by missing opportunities on offense and leaving receivers open on defense. A Rusty Smith interception and a Jamari Grant fumble both led to ASU touchdowns. Three ASU touchdowns were floated to wide open receivers waiting in the end zone.
FAU and ASU entered halftime tied as Rusty Smith led the Owls on a touchdown drive just before the half. Smith hit Rob Housler for a three-yard touchdown that evened the game at 14. But Smith couldn’t lead the Owls to another second half comeback.
“They controlled the game because they knew we had to throw the ball,” says FAU wide receiver Cortez Gent of the Owls’ second half offensive struggles.
Bowl hopes still alive
It ain't over yet. The Owls can still become bowl eligible and make it to a bowl by beating FIU on Saturday.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Halftime: FAU 14, Arkansas State 14
Live from Jonesboro, its the Owls and the Red Wolves:
Halftime Stats:
Rusty Smith: 11/26 1 TD, 1 INT, 140 yards
Charles Pierre: 8 runs, 24 yards, 1 TD
DiIvory Edgecomb: 3 runs, 28 yards
Cortez Gent: 3 catches, 25 yards
Rob Housler: 2 catches, 11 yards, TD
The Josephs, Greg and Frantz, have six tackles each.
ASU- Corey Leonard: 13/17 212 yards, 2 TD
Reggie Arnold: 5 runs for 10 yards.
First Quarter: Owls 7, Red Wolves 7. On their first drive the Owls converted two thirds-and-long and swept down the field on a drive that covered 80 yards in 4:03. On the tenth play of the drive Charles Pierre ran it in from two yards out for his twenty-second career rushing touchdown, a new FAU record. Arkansas State came back, going three-of-three on third downs and moving into Owls’ territory. But kicker Josh Arauco missed a 33-yard field goal wide left. The Owls got the ball back and Rusty Smith threw his thirteenth interception of the season as he was flushed out of the pocket to the right and lofted a ball up for grabs. The Red Wolves came back, and scored on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Leonard to Brandon Thompkins.
Second Quarter: Owls 14, Red Wolves 14. ASU scored on their first play of the quarter: a 28-yard pass from Leonard to Trevor Gillott. Meanwhile, the Owls struggled on their first drive and were forced to punt. The Red Wolves came back and moved the ball with help from an FAU 15-yard facemask penalty and a third-and-15 conversion. But their drive ended on another missed field goal by Arauco, this one fell short into the wind from 40 yards away. Aided by a pass interference penalty and strong guidance by Smith, the Owls maneuvered 73 yards down the field on seven plays 73 in 1:25. Smith found Rob Housler for a 3-yard touchdown catch with 10 seconds left in the half to tie the score 7-7.
-Both ASU TDs were to wide open receivers that were at one time covered by Corey Small. They were left open when Small left and a safety never came over to help.
-Both teams have kind of abandoned the running game - a weird strategy in such cold weather.
Halftime Stats:
Rusty Smith: 11/26 1 TD, 1 INT, 140 yards
Charles Pierre: 8 runs, 24 yards, 1 TD
DiIvory Edgecomb: 3 runs, 28 yards
Cortez Gent: 3 catches, 25 yards
Rob Housler: 2 catches, 11 yards, TD
The Josephs, Greg and Frantz, have six tackles each.
ASU- Corey Leonard: 13/17 212 yards, 2 TD
Reggie Arnold: 5 runs for 10 yards.
First Quarter: Owls 7, Red Wolves 7. On their first drive the Owls converted two thirds-and-long and swept down the field on a drive that covered 80 yards in 4:03. On the tenth play of the drive Charles Pierre ran it in from two yards out for his twenty-second career rushing touchdown, a new FAU record. Arkansas State came back, going three-of-three on third downs and moving into Owls’ territory. But kicker Josh Arauco missed a 33-yard field goal wide left. The Owls got the ball back and Rusty Smith threw his thirteenth interception of the season as he was flushed out of the pocket to the right and lofted a ball up for grabs. The Red Wolves came back, and scored on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Leonard to Brandon Thompkins.
Second Quarter: Owls 14, Red Wolves 14. ASU scored on their first play of the quarter: a 28-yard pass from Leonard to Trevor Gillott. Meanwhile, the Owls struggled on their first drive and were forced to punt. The Red Wolves came back and moved the ball with help from an FAU 15-yard facemask penalty and a third-and-15 conversion. But their drive ended on another missed field goal by Arauco, this one fell short into the wind from 40 yards away. Aided by a pass interference penalty and strong guidance by Smith, the Owls maneuvered 73 yards down the field on seven plays 73 in 1:25. Smith found Rob Housler for a 3-yard touchdown catch with 10 seconds left in the half to tie the score 7-7.
-Both ASU TDs were to wide open receivers that were at one time covered by Corey Small. They were left open when Small left and a safety never came over to help.
-Both teams have kind of abandoned the running game - a weird strategy in such cold weather.
It's Cold in Arkansas
40 degrees and overcast with the sun peaking through every once in a while and a bit of a windchill. I'm definitely glad to be up here in the press box.
What to watch for in today's game, which will be on CSS:
- In warm ups QB Rusty Smith, LB Ted Czepiga and OL Kevin Miller where the only Owls not wearing long sleeves.
- ASU Kicker Josh Arauco has made his first 15 field goals this season and all 29 of his extra points. FAU's Warley Leroy is 10/13 and 25/28 on EPs.
-ASU has the third scoring offense in the SBC, FAU is fourth.
-ASU has the SBC's best defense, allowing just 23.1 pts. per game. The Owls are fourth, giving up 27.4 yards per game.
-The game pits two of the conferences best running backs against each other in Charles Pierre and Reggie Arnold. Pierre needs 157 yards to reach a 1,000 yard season for the first time in his career. Pierre also has 21 career TDs, which is tied with Doug Parker for the Owls' all time record. Arnold averages 82.2 rushing yards per game, Pierre averages 84.3, good for 4th and 3rd in the SBC, respectively.
-QB Corey Leonard is third in the SBC with 230.6 yards per game. Smith is fourth with 227.5.
What to watch for in today's game, which will be on CSS:
- In warm ups QB Rusty Smith, LB Ted Czepiga and OL Kevin Miller where the only Owls not wearing long sleeves.
- ASU Kicker Josh Arauco has made his first 15 field goals this season and all 29 of his extra points. FAU's Warley Leroy is 10/13 and 25/28 on EPs.
-ASU has the third scoring offense in the SBC, FAU is fourth.
-ASU has the SBC's best defense, allowing just 23.1 pts. per game. The Owls are fourth, giving up 27.4 yards per game.
-The game pits two of the conferences best running backs against each other in Charles Pierre and Reggie Arnold. Pierre needs 157 yards to reach a 1,000 yard season for the first time in his career. Pierre also has 21 career TDs, which is tied with Doug Parker for the Owls' all time record. Arnold averages 82.2 rushing yards per game, Pierre averages 84.3, good for 4th and 3rd in the SBC, respectively.
-QB Corey Leonard is third in the SBC with 230.6 yards per game. Smith is fourth with 227.5.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Just Keep Runnin'
The Owls have had great success in the running game the last few weeks. Charles Pierre, DiIvory Edgecomb, Willie Rose and even Rusty Smith in small doses have helped propel the Owls to four consecutive wins.
A strong running game against ASU should make it five.
A key to the ground boost has been blocking down field by wide receivers. They are finishing their blocks and giving the backs more space to maneuver.
WR Lester Jean even received the Bone Award, for the hardest hit of the game, against ULL for a block he laid on a CP run.
It could be cold in Jonesboro and the Red Wolves traditionally play well at home. FAU is on a four game win streak, ASU is on a three game losing streak.
Prediction: FAU 24, ASU 21
A strong running game against ASU should make it five.
A key to the ground boost has been blocking down field by wide receivers. They are finishing their blocks and giving the backs more space to maneuver.
WR Lester Jean even received the Bone Award, for the hardest hit of the game, against ULL for a block he laid on a CP run.
It could be cold in Jonesboro and the Red Wolves traditionally play well at home. FAU is on a four game win streak, ASU is on a three game losing streak.
Prediction: FAU 24, ASU 21
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Bowl Eligibility is at Stake on Saturday
After a 1-5 start to the season, including two losses to open their conference slate, the Owls are suddenly looking at a situation very similar to last season.
FAU is 5-5, the same record they had after 10 games a year ago.
"If we win the next two games, the difference between this year and last year will be one Hail Mary," says head coach Howard Schnellenberger, referring to Middle Tennessee State's last-second victory over the Owls on Sept. 30.
Another difference is when the Owls collected their wins. In 2007, FAU never dropped below the .500 mark. This season, FAU lost five of its first six games before storming back to win four in a row.
The bottom line is FAU can win its last two games and finish with an identical 7-5 record as last season, albeit with one more conference loss.
FAU's defense, with a banged up line, will look to contain the Sun Belt's third best offense, averaging 28.2 points per game.
"It's been different losing [Jermaine] Council and [Robert] St. Clair," Savidge says. "When a man goes down, you've got to keep going and do your best."
The Owls' hopes for a bowl game will come closer to a reality with a win over the Red Wolves. NCAA rules stipulate that teams must have six wins to be bowl eligible. However, the Owls will probably have to win seven games in order to make it to a bowl.
"We've got a lot at stake here," says Owls senior running back Charles Pierre, who has four 100 yard games this season. "I think I can speak for the seniors by saying that we definitely have a sense of urgency. We don't want to leave on a bad note. You can't have a good year last year and not complement it with another bowl year this year. We're leaders of this team and everybody is looking up to us, and we just want to take everybody to the next level."
To accomplish that, the Owls will have to get through Arkansas State, a team that started the season strong with an upset of Texas A&M but has faltered of late. ASU will have a similar look to the Louisiana-Lafayette team the Owls beat 40-29 in their last game.
"I see a similarity between everybody we play in the league - they all use the same offense," Schnellenberger says. "There are similarities to these two because they both like to run the ball."
Just as ULL featured a dual threat quarterback in Michael Desormeaux and solid running back in Tyrell Fenroy, ASU offers the same with QB Corey Leonard and RB Reggie Arnold. Leonard is third in the Sun Belt with 230.6 yards per game of total offense, and Arnold is fourth in the Sun Belt, averaging 82.2 rushing yards per game.
"I think they are going to come to run the football … but I think if we come to play as a defense like we did last week, and we have been with intensity, we'll be just fine. I think they like to pass the ball a little more, so we'll have to get ready for that, get a pass rush going" says defensive tackle Josh Savidge. "I think last week helped us prepare for this week."
Sun Belt Saturday
Aside from ASU/FAU the game Owls fans should focus on is Louisiana-Lafayette at Troy. FAU needs ULL to win to keep its New Orleans Bowl hopes alive.
Also, FIU hosts ULM in a game the Golden Panthers need to keep their bowl hopes alive.
Owl fans also need MTSU to play well and stay healthy against North Texas because FAU need's the Blue Raiders to knock off ULL next week.
FAU is 5-5, the same record they had after 10 games a year ago.
"If we win the next two games, the difference between this year and last year will be one Hail Mary," says head coach Howard Schnellenberger, referring to Middle Tennessee State's last-second victory over the Owls on Sept. 30.
Another difference is when the Owls collected their wins. In 2007, FAU never dropped below the .500 mark. This season, FAU lost five of its first six games before storming back to win four in a row.
The bottom line is FAU can win its last two games and finish with an identical 7-5 record as last season, albeit with one more conference loss.
FAU's defense, with a banged up line, will look to contain the Sun Belt's third best offense, averaging 28.2 points per game.
"It's been different losing [Jermaine] Council and [Robert] St. Clair," Savidge says. "When a man goes down, you've got to keep going and do your best."
The Owls' hopes for a bowl game will come closer to a reality with a win over the Red Wolves. NCAA rules stipulate that teams must have six wins to be bowl eligible. However, the Owls will probably have to win seven games in order to make it to a bowl.
"We've got a lot at stake here," says Owls senior running back Charles Pierre, who has four 100 yard games this season. "I think I can speak for the seniors by saying that we definitely have a sense of urgency. We don't want to leave on a bad note. You can't have a good year last year and not complement it with another bowl year this year. We're leaders of this team and everybody is looking up to us, and we just want to take everybody to the next level."
To accomplish that, the Owls will have to get through Arkansas State, a team that started the season strong with an upset of Texas A&M but has faltered of late. ASU will have a similar look to the Louisiana-Lafayette team the Owls beat 40-29 in their last game.
"I see a similarity between everybody we play in the league - they all use the same offense," Schnellenberger says. "There are similarities to these two because they both like to run the ball."
Just as ULL featured a dual threat quarterback in Michael Desormeaux and solid running back in Tyrell Fenroy, ASU offers the same with QB Corey Leonard and RB Reggie Arnold. Leonard is third in the Sun Belt with 230.6 yards per game of total offense, and Arnold is fourth in the Sun Belt, averaging 82.2 rushing yards per game.
"I think they are going to come to run the football … but I think if we come to play as a defense like we did last week, and we have been with intensity, we'll be just fine. I think they like to pass the ball a little more, so we'll have to get ready for that, get a pass rush going" says defensive tackle Josh Savidge. "I think last week helped us prepare for this week."
Sun Belt Saturday
Aside from ASU/FAU the game Owls fans should focus on is Louisiana-Lafayette at Troy. FAU needs ULL to win to keep its New Orleans Bowl hopes alive.
Also, FIU hosts ULM in a game the Golden Panthers need to keep their bowl hopes alive.
Owl fans also need MTSU to play well and stay healthy against North Texas because FAU need's the Blue Raiders to knock off ULL next week.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Los Buhos Derrotan Santa Clara
Translation (I think): The Owls defeat Santa Clara.
After a close loss to Arizona last night, the Owls played a close game and beat Santa Clara, the Broncos of the West Coast Conference. Remember the WCC from March Madness? That little conference, based in California, Oregon and Washington produced three NCAA tourney bids: San Diego, Saint Mary's (which lost to UM) and Gonzaga. It is also the home of the San Francisco Dons and YOU KNOW WHO...
Well, the Owls won 65-61 and Shavar Richardson (I called it, I called it!) scored a team-high 17 points. The freshman from Brooklyn looks like a star.
The Owls are 2-1 without Carlos Monroe.
There are two more games to be played in the consolation round of the Tip Off NIT on Monday and Tuesday of next week.
Before that the Owls will play UMKC at home on Saturday, the same day the footballin' Owls play at Arkansas State ...
After a close loss to Arizona last night, the Owls played a close game and beat Santa Clara, the Broncos of the West Coast Conference. Remember the WCC from March Madness? That little conference, based in California, Oregon and Washington produced three NCAA tourney bids: San Diego, Saint Mary's (which lost to UM) and Gonzaga. It is also the home of the San Francisco Dons and YOU KNOW WHO...
Well, the Owls won 65-61 and Shavar Richardson (I called it, I called it!) scored a team-high 17 points. The freshman from Brooklyn looks like a star.
The Owls are 2-1 without Carlos Monroe.
There are two more games to be played in the consolation round of the Tip Off NIT on Monday and Tuesday of next week.
Before that the Owls will play UMKC at home on Saturday, the same day the footballin' Owls play at Arkansas State ...
Monday, November 17, 2008
You Need to Watch Breana Turner Play Basketball
Remember the name.
I just watched Breana Turner play her second career college game, and she is really, really good.
The FAU women's hoops team (Do we call them the Lady Owls? It might be silly, but I feel uncomfortable with that. We don't call Jarvis' team the Gentlemen Owls. ) was dominated by Georgia Southern, 83-67. Turner was fun to watch, though.
She didn't start, but scored 17 points and showed her ability as a dynamic guard that can create her own shots and knock down open jumpers. She missed a couple easy ones, too. She could have easily had more than 20 points.
As a team, FAU looked good for a two minute stretch when they went on a 10-0 run in the first half and in the last couple minutes when they went to a full-court press. Otherwise, the Owls looked slow and confused defensively and trailed by as many as 23 points. Aside from Turner, only center Jaime Givens showed the ability to create her own shots.
More on Turner: she is from New Orleans and was named N.O. Times-Picayune high school player of the year in her senior season. She is the all-time leading scorer at her high school. I have no idea how FAU landed a recruit like that, but I intend to find out. Why isn't she at LSU? And if she wanted to come to the beach, why isn't she at Miami? Good for coach Chancellor Dugan and the program , because they need a boost after consecutive 6-22 seasons.
Another Note: At tipoff I counted the fans - 32 on the student side. 60 on the other side with a handful more trickling in (Including several football players and Carlos Monroe who didn't make the trip to Arizona for the men's game because he is ineligible.) 30ish in the band. Cheerleaders and dance team. Not a Sexy Dirty Jarvis Bird or whatever they call themselves now, in sight.
A home opener, even for a bad team, should draw more than that. Breana Turner is a reason to show up.
I just watched Breana Turner play her second career college game, and she is really, really good.
The FAU women's hoops team (Do we call them the Lady Owls? It might be silly, but I feel uncomfortable with that. We don't call Jarvis' team the Gentlemen Owls. ) was dominated by Georgia Southern, 83-67. Turner was fun to watch, though.
She didn't start, but scored 17 points and showed her ability as a dynamic guard that can create her own shots and knock down open jumpers. She missed a couple easy ones, too. She could have easily had more than 20 points.
As a team, FAU looked good for a two minute stretch when they went on a 10-0 run in the first half and in the last couple minutes when they went to a full-court press. Otherwise, the Owls looked slow and confused defensively and trailed by as many as 23 points. Aside from Turner, only center Jaime Givens showed the ability to create her own shots.
More on Turner: she is from New Orleans and was named N.O. Times-Picayune high school player of the year in her senior season. She is the all-time leading scorer at her high school. I have no idea how FAU landed a recruit like that, but I intend to find out. Why isn't she at LSU? And if she wanted to come to the beach, why isn't she at Miami? Good for coach Chancellor Dugan and the program , because they need a boost after consecutive 6-22 seasons.
Another Note: At tipoff I counted the fans - 32 on the student side. 60 on the other side with a handful more trickling in (Including several football players and Carlos Monroe who didn't make the trip to Arizona for the men's game because he is ineligible.) 30ish in the band. Cheerleaders and dance team. Not a Sexy Dirty Jarvis Bird or whatever they call themselves now, in sight.
A home opener, even for a bad team, should draw more than that. Breana Turner is a reason to show up.
FAU Finally Captures Player of the Week Awards
We got spoiled last year when it seemed like at least one Owl was in on the offensive, defensive and/or special teams player of the week awards in the Sun Belt each week.
This year has been very different.
But as FAU has turned its season around, people have started to notice. Now the Owls are being applauded all over again.
Rusty Smith and Corey Small were named PotW's this week by the SBC. I give you their encapsulated performances, dutifully copied from sunbeltsports.org and pasted here for your pleasure:
Rusty Smith (Florida Atlantic, Jr., QB)
With the team needing a win to keep bowl game hopes alive and playing the top-team in the Sun Belt Conference, Rusty Smith led the Owls on six scoring drives. The balanced attack saw FAU average just 4.8 plays per drive and travel an average of 61.4 yards per scoring drive. On the day, Smith was 17-for 26 for 290 yards and four touchdowns. The junior threw no interceptions and led the Owls into scoring position seven of the 10 the times he started the drive under center. With Smith’s performance, the Owls remain in charge of their destiny. Smith set the tone of the day completing eight of his first nine passes. Individually, Smith also took charge of FAU’s all-time record book for quarterbacks. He now holds the record for touchdowns passes, completions and yards.
Corey Small (Florida Atlantic, Sr., DB)
Corey Small and the FAU defense knew they needed to stop one of the country’s best offenses and the ULL running game. With the task at hand the defensive backs were instrumental in the 40-29 victory over league leading ULL. Small was second on the squad with 10 tackles (5 solo and 5 assists). He also recorded two tackles for a loss of six yards and recorded his third interception of the season at a key moment of the game. Just prior to the half, FAU was leading 19-7 and saw ULL put together a strong drive that started on their 23. 11 plays later, Small, who admitted he was baiting the quarterback, grabbed an interception and returned it four yards, ending ULL’s bid for a score just before the intermission. Four plays later, FAU scored to take a 26-7 halftime lead and hold the strength of momentum. He also had a tackle for a loss of four yards and on 2-14 he recorded a tackle that would once again end ULL’s scoring drive in FAU territory. Small and the defensive effort helped to hold down ULL’s rushing attack and to keep the league’s top rusher to under 100 yards.
Done copying. MTSU punter David Defatta won the special teams award.
Even though Rusty had that poor stretch starting in game three and ending for good in the second half of game eight against ULM, his stats are right there at the top of the SBC QBs. I was kind of surprised. With eight TDs in his last two games, he doubled his total to 16. His 12 INTs are an ugly number, but if he only throws a couple more this year and is able to rack up another half dozen TDs, he will be the All SBC first team QB. ULL's Mike Desormeaux's numbers aren't as strong. You can make the comparison for yourself here, about halfway down where individual stats start. Also, if ULL's Fenroy wins Player of the Year, Charles Pierre could be first team RB.
This year has been very different.
But as FAU has turned its season around, people have started to notice. Now the Owls are being applauded all over again.
Rusty Smith and Corey Small were named PotW's this week by the SBC. I give you their encapsulated performances, dutifully copied from sunbeltsports.org and pasted here for your pleasure:
Rusty Smith (Florida Atlantic, Jr., QB)
With the team needing a win to keep bowl game hopes alive and playing the top-team in the Sun Belt Conference, Rusty Smith led the Owls on six scoring drives. The balanced attack saw FAU average just 4.8 plays per drive and travel an average of 61.4 yards per scoring drive. On the day, Smith was 17-for 26 for 290 yards and four touchdowns. The junior threw no interceptions and led the Owls into scoring position seven of the 10 the times he started the drive under center. With Smith’s performance, the Owls remain in charge of their destiny. Smith set the tone of the day completing eight of his first nine passes. Individually, Smith also took charge of FAU’s all-time record book for quarterbacks. He now holds the record for touchdowns passes, completions and yards.
Corey Small (Florida Atlantic, Sr., DB)
Corey Small and the FAU defense knew they needed to stop one of the country’s best offenses and the ULL running game. With the task at hand the defensive backs were instrumental in the 40-29 victory over league leading ULL. Small was second on the squad with 10 tackles (5 solo and 5 assists). He also recorded two tackles for a loss of six yards and recorded his third interception of the season at a key moment of the game. Just prior to the half, FAU was leading 19-7 and saw ULL put together a strong drive that started on their 23. 11 plays later, Small, who admitted he was baiting the quarterback, grabbed an interception and returned it four yards, ending ULL’s bid for a score just before the intermission. Four plays later, FAU scored to take a 26-7 halftime lead and hold the strength of momentum. He also had a tackle for a loss of four yards and on 2-14 he recorded a tackle that would once again end ULL’s scoring drive in FAU territory. Small and the defensive effort helped to hold down ULL’s rushing attack and to keep the league’s top rusher to under 100 yards.
Done copying. MTSU punter David Defatta won the special teams award.
Even though Rusty had that poor stretch starting in game three and ending for good in the second half of game eight against ULM, his stats are right there at the top of the SBC QBs. I was kind of surprised. With eight TDs in his last two games, he doubled his total to 16. His 12 INTs are an ugly number, but if he only throws a couple more this year and is able to rack up another half dozen TDs, he will be the All SBC first team QB. ULL's Mike Desormeaux's numbers aren't as strong. You can make the comparison for yourself here, about halfway down where individual stats start. Also, if ULL's Fenroy wins Player of the Year, Charles Pierre could be first team RB.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
"Playoff Games" to Continue with ASU
Lockhart Stadium only provides enough locker room space for one team and FAU graciously allows the privilege of usage to the visiting team each week. The Owls generally dress across the street in the Baltimore Orioles' locker room at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.
With a fantasy camp being held at the stadium, the Owls used a big tent behind the west end zone as a makeshift dressing space for last night's win over Louisiana-Lafayette. After the victory, the players rushed into the center of the tent for their post game celebration.
"Bowl game on three," a single voice belted out, "One, two, three ...,"
"BOWL GAME!" the team shouted in unison.
The resounding volume and intensity of that simple two word goal, bellowed by every Owl in that crappy white tent behind a ramshackle high school football stadium, were as impressive as these last two home wins. The Owls look good, not only on the field, but in their chances of playing in a postseason game for the second year in a row.
ESPN's Mark Shlabach has listed the Owls as one his projected papajohns.com Bowl participants for the second week in a row.
With the struggles of the teams at the bottom of the SEC and Big XII, the Sun Belt looks like it will have at least two teams in bowls, maybe three. The Owls are desperate for one of those spots.
Two more must-win "playoff games", as the players have been calling them, remain. This week at Arkansas State and in two weeks against FIU.
WILDCATS vs OWLS is at 10 p.m. Monday
Arizona welcomes the Carlos Monroe-less Owls in a first round game of the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Tip-Off tourney. A respectable showing from the Owls without their best player is really all FAU fans can ask for.
OR
Freshman Shavar Richardson can become the next Stephen Curry and score 40 points in an Owls victory.
The game will be televised on ESPNU. Anybody get that channel?
With a fantasy camp being held at the stadium, the Owls used a big tent behind the west end zone as a makeshift dressing space for last night's win over Louisiana-Lafayette. After the victory, the players rushed into the center of the tent for their post game celebration.
"Bowl game on three," a single voice belted out, "One, two, three ...,"
"BOWL GAME!" the team shouted in unison.
The resounding volume and intensity of that simple two word goal, bellowed by every Owl in that crappy white tent behind a ramshackle high school football stadium, were as impressive as these last two home wins. The Owls look good, not only on the field, but in their chances of playing in a postseason game for the second year in a row.
ESPN's Mark Shlabach has listed the Owls as one his projected papajohns.com Bowl participants for the second week in a row.
With the struggles of the teams at the bottom of the SEC and Big XII, the Sun Belt looks like it will have at least two teams in bowls, maybe three. The Owls are desperate for one of those spots.
Two more must-win "playoff games", as the players have been calling them, remain. This week at Arkansas State and in two weeks against FIU.
WILDCATS vs OWLS is at 10 p.m. Monday
Arizona welcomes the Carlos Monroe-less Owls in a first round game of the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Tip-Off tourney. A respectable showing from the Owls without their best player is really all FAU fans can ask for.
OR
Freshman Shavar Richardson can become the next Stephen Curry and score 40 points in an Owls victory.
The game will be televised on ESPNU. Anybody get that channel?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
FAU is 3-2!
From 0-2 to in the hunt for a conference championship and a bowl game. Not too shabby.
This game was a blowout through three quarters. Then coach Howard Schnellenberger took out the first team, and Louisiana was able to come back.
"We won the game 40-7 and that's what's going to be in the memories and the history of our football team," said Schnellenberger, taking responsibility for allowing ULL to make the score look closer than it actually was with 22 unanswered fourth quarter points.
This sets up another must win game, next Saturday at Arkansas State. FAU is still alive for a split SBC Championship, a N.O. berth and/or an invite to another bowl.
Notable Stats:
-Rusty Smith had his third great game in a row: 17/26, 290 yards, 4 TD, O INT. He established FAU records for career TDs (53) and career completions (572) in this game, passing Jared Allen (50 and 570) for both marks.
-Charles Pierre had his fourth 100-yard game of the season and tied Doug Parker for career TDs with 22: 10/109 yards, TD, long run: 50 yards
-TE Rob Housler established a career high with two TDs in the game.
-Frantz Joseph had 14 tackles and is now the FAU all-time career leader with 306, passing Chris Laskowski's old mark of 295.
-The defense forced four turnovers, including interceptions by Ed Alexander, Corey Small and Andre Clark.
This game was a blowout through three quarters. Then coach Howard Schnellenberger took out the first team, and Louisiana was able to come back.
"We won the game 40-7 and that's what's going to be in the memories and the history of our football team," said Schnellenberger, taking responsibility for allowing ULL to make the score look closer than it actually was with 22 unanswered fourth quarter points.
This sets up another must win game, next Saturday at Arkansas State. FAU is still alive for a split SBC Championship, a N.O. berth and/or an invite to another bowl.
Notable Stats:
-Rusty Smith had his third great game in a row: 17/26, 290 yards, 4 TD, O INT. He established FAU records for career TDs (53) and career completions (572) in this game, passing Jared Allen (50 and 570) for both marks.
-Charles Pierre had his fourth 100-yard game of the season and tied Doug Parker for career TDs with 22: 10/109 yards, TD, long run: 50 yards
-TE Rob Housler established a career high with two TDs in the game.
-Frantz Joseph had 14 tackles and is now the FAU all-time career leader with 306, passing Chris Laskowski's old mark of 295.
-The defense forced four turnovers, including interceptions by Ed Alexander, Corey Small and Andre Clark.
(Photos by Kelsey Hamilton)
Owls Lead Cajuns With Time Running Out
1:28 left in the fourth quarter and its FAU 40, ULL 29. Jeff Van Camp is in at QB.
The Owls were up 40-7 but ULL came back when FAU took out the first team in the fourth quarter.
The only drama at Lockhart Stadium today is how many records FAU players will break.
So far in this game LB Frantz Joseph broke Chris Laskowski's all-time tackle total in the second quarter. The record was 295, Frantz now stands at 299. list (295).
RB Charles Pierre only needed two TDs to break Doug Parker's rushing TD mark (22). He scored one and tied it while collecting was his fourth 100-yard game of the season.
QB Rusty Smith needed 1 TD pass to move ahead of Jared Allen's 50 career TD mark. Smith threw four TDs. He also broke Allen's completion mark of 570 with 16 completions, putting him at 571.
Tavious Polo and Vinnie Henderson were helped off the field with injuries.
The Owls were up 40-7 but ULL came back when FAU took out the first team in the fourth quarter.
The only drama at Lockhart Stadium today is how many records FAU players will break.
So far in this game LB Frantz Joseph broke Chris Laskowski's all-time tackle total in the second quarter. The record was 295, Frantz now stands at 299. list (295).
RB Charles Pierre only needed two TDs to break Doug Parker's rushing TD mark (22). He scored one and tied it while collecting was his fourth 100-yard game of the season.
QB Rusty Smith needed 1 TD pass to move ahead of Jared Allen's 50 career TD mark. Smith threw four TDs. He also broke Allen's completion mark of 570 with 16 completions, putting him at 571.
Tavious Polo and Vinnie Henderson were helped off the field with injuries.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Get Ready for Some Drama at Lockhart
I have a feeling that tomorrow's game between ULL and FAU will be an epic one. The Owls are desperate to keep meaning to their season. The Ragin' Cajuns can sniff an New Orleans Bowl berth by now.
What FAU must do: Contain the run! RB Tyrell Fenroy and QB Michael Desormeaux have wheels. It's rumored that Des is gimpy, but I'm not buying it. Frantz Joseph and the rest of the defense will have their hands full.
ULL can pass, too. They are a balanced team and can score a lot of points.
Their weakness? Defense. FAU will have to match the Cajun offense. Look for a shootout, similar to last year's FAU OT win in the bayou.
I think that these teams are pretty evenly matched. When healthy the Owls may be better, but with the injuries up front to John Rizzo on offense and Robert St. Clair and Jervonte Jackson on defense, it may give ULL the edge. But FAU is at home, so it evens out again. The key to victory? Which team is more desperate is probably the one that will win. I've seen FAU up close for two years, and the Owls play best when they are desperate. This FAU team has heart, but players sometimes forget to use it when they get satisfied with themselves. Desperation brings out the best in this group and I think their best will be displayed on Saturday.
Prediction: FAU 31, ULL 30
What FAU must do: Contain the run! RB Tyrell Fenroy and QB Michael Desormeaux have wheels. It's rumored that Des is gimpy, but I'm not buying it. Frantz Joseph and the rest of the defense will have their hands full.
ULL can pass, too. They are a balanced team and can score a lot of points.
Their weakness? Defense. FAU will have to match the Cajun offense. Look for a shootout, similar to last year's FAU OT win in the bayou.
I think that these teams are pretty evenly matched. When healthy the Owls may be better, but with the injuries up front to John Rizzo on offense and Robert St. Clair and Jervonte Jackson on defense, it may give ULL the edge. But FAU is at home, so it evens out again. The key to victory? Which team is more desperate is probably the one that will win. I've seen FAU up close for two years, and the Owls play best when they are desperate. This FAU team has heart, but players sometimes forget to use it when they get satisfied with themselves. Desperation brings out the best in this group and I think their best will be displayed on Saturday.
Prediction: FAU 31, ULL 30
FAU Sports Weekend!
Are you ready? Men's basketball against Monmouth tonight at 7 p.m. and football tomorrow at 4.
The bball team will be trying to get its season started off right by playing one of the worst teams in the NEC over the last few years. It will be interesting to see if they feed Carlos Monroe the ball more after his five point game against Rollins.
And of course the football team plays Louisiana-Lafayette, the first place team in the Sun Belt. The Owls must win to keep open the possibility of a Sun Belt championship.
Crowds, especially students, have been better so far this year. Let's see if they come out in droves for both events.
The bball team will be trying to get its season started off right by playing one of the worst teams in the NEC over the last few years. It will be interesting to see if they feed Carlos Monroe the ball more after his five point game against Rollins.
And of course the football team plays Louisiana-Lafayette, the first place team in the Sun Belt. The Owls must win to keep open the possibility of a Sun Belt championship.
Crowds, especially students, have been better so far this year. Let's see if they come out in droves for both events.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Unexpected Turnaround Gives Owls a Lot to Play For
The 2008 football season has suddenly and unexpectedly offered so much promise after looking terribly bleak for so long.
At the start of this season hopes were high, then they were slowly eroded away by Texas, Michigan State and Minnesota before the collapse at Middle Tennessee. The loss to Troy deepened the Sun Belt record to 0-2 and compounded Owl Country's depression. Season over, right?
Not so fast.
A squeaker win over Western Kentucky was at least a "W", something to be proud of, even if it was against one of the worst teams in the FBS. Then a horrible start and a 21-0 hole to ULM before a vintage Rusty Smith to Cortez Gent comeback (with a lot of Rob Housler mixed in) and a 29-28 victory. Next came the demolition of North Texas, one of the worst college football teams I've ever seen.
That makes three in a row, not exactly against stellar competition, but whatever. The Owls are 4-5, 2-2 in conference. They are in the mix for a bowl game and even more incredibly, have still not been eliminated for a share of the SBC championship.
A major test looms in Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns, who come to town this Saturday with a perfect 4-0 conference record.
But you have to be happy that the Owls are still playing meaningful games at this point. After the start they had, the injuries they've suffered and the mistakes they've made, a win would be an amazing feat and would continue this unexpected turnaround.
At the start of this season hopes were high, then they were slowly eroded away by Texas, Michigan State and Minnesota before the collapse at Middle Tennessee. The loss to Troy deepened the Sun Belt record to 0-2 and compounded Owl Country's depression. Season over, right?
Not so fast.
A squeaker win over Western Kentucky was at least a "W", something to be proud of, even if it was against one of the worst teams in the FBS. Then a horrible start and a 21-0 hole to ULM before a vintage Rusty Smith to Cortez Gent comeback (with a lot of Rob Housler mixed in) and a 29-28 victory. Next came the demolition of North Texas, one of the worst college football teams I've ever seen.
That makes three in a row, not exactly against stellar competition, but whatever. The Owls are 4-5, 2-2 in conference. They are in the mix for a bowl game and even more incredibly, have still not been eliminated for a share of the SBC championship.
A major test looms in Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns, who come to town this Saturday with a perfect 4-0 conference record.
But you have to be happy that the Owls are still playing meaningful games at this point. After the start they had, the injuries they've suffered and the mistakes they've made, a win would be an amazing feat and would continue this unexpected turnaround.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Owls Struggle to Roll Over Rollins
It wasn't easy, but the Owls left The Burrow with another narrow win over a Florida D-II opponent. This time it was Rollins College that was buoyed by strong three-point shooting early and aided by some sloppy play by FAU. Owls 61, Rollins 56.
FAU needed a 15-2 second half run to turn a deficit into a lead. But hey, a win is a win. Right?
Xavier Perkins impressed again, claiming the FAU Sports Beat Owls Preseason MVP Award. His tenacity going for rebounds, especially on the offensive glass is something to behold. He had 12 points, six boards and five assists in 22 minutes.
Carlos Monroe had 16 rebounds but finished with just five points, and didn't score until after halftime. Carderro Nwoji (17 points) and Paul Graham (16 points) had their moments.
The Owls had too many turnovers (18) and really would have lost this game if Rollins had been able to make a three-pointer late in the game. Rollins shot 7/18 from three in the first half and just 2/15 in the second half.
A couple more notes:
-For a big guy, Sammy Hernandez can be quite inconspicuous on the court. His line: 15 mins, 2 pts., 1 ast., 0 rbds.
-Freshmen Nick Gagel (nine minutes, zero points) and Chris Watson (15 minutes, four points) saw significant playing time.
Rollins' teams are called the Tars. What is a tar? According to rollinssports.com: Quite simply, a "Tar" is a sailor. Centuries ago, during the age of tall sailing ships, British sailors were known as "Tars." Rollins connection with the Tars began in World War I when a small Navy vessel was stationed on Lake Virginia, which borders half the Rollins campus.
Back to tonight: It was a bit disturbing to see another D-II team come into the Owls' house and make a close game of it. We'll see if the Owls can play as well as they did during that 15-2 run for a little bit longer in the first game that counts, Friday at home against Monmouth.
Who's Monmouth?
They are the Hawks of the Northeastern Conference. The university is in West Long Branch, New Jersey. It is private and small with 4,300 full-time students. They have played in the BIG DANCE four times (1996, 2001, 2004, and 2006) and beat Hampton in the play-in game in 2006. The NEC is not a powerhouse, the Owls should beat this team.
FAU needed a 15-2 second half run to turn a deficit into a lead. But hey, a win is a win. Right?
Xavier Perkins impressed again, claiming the FAU Sports Beat Owls Preseason MVP Award. His tenacity going for rebounds, especially on the offensive glass is something to behold. He had 12 points, six boards and five assists in 22 minutes.
Carlos Monroe had 16 rebounds but finished with just five points, and didn't score until after halftime. Carderro Nwoji (17 points) and Paul Graham (16 points) had their moments.
The Owls had too many turnovers (18) and really would have lost this game if Rollins had been able to make a three-pointer late in the game. Rollins shot 7/18 from three in the first half and just 2/15 in the second half.
A couple more notes:
-For a big guy, Sammy Hernandez can be quite inconspicuous on the court. His line: 15 mins, 2 pts., 1 ast., 0 rbds.
-Freshmen Nick Gagel (nine minutes, zero points) and Chris Watson (15 minutes, four points) saw significant playing time.
Rollins' teams are called the Tars. What is a tar? According to rollinssports.com: Quite simply, a "Tar" is a sailor. Centuries ago, during the age of tall sailing ships, British sailors were known as "Tars." Rollins connection with the Tars began in World War I when a small Navy vessel was stationed on Lake Virginia, which borders half the Rollins campus.
Back to tonight: It was a bit disturbing to see another D-II team come into the Owls' house and make a close game of it. We'll see if the Owls can play as well as they did during that 15-2 run for a little bit longer in the first game that counts, Friday at home against Monmouth.
Who's Monmouth?
They are the Hawks of the Northeastern Conference. The university is in West Long Branch, New Jersey. It is private and small with 4,300 full-time students. They have played in the BIG DANCE four times (1996, 2001, 2004, and 2006) and beat Hampton in the play-in game in 2006. The NEC is not a powerhouse, the Owls should beat this team.
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