Revenge of the Owls: FAU will get payback on WKU for last season's shutout

Western Kentucky shutout the Owls 20-0 last season in the first game at FAU Football Stadium. Photo courtesy of Melissa Landolfa.

By Rolando Rosa

It's one thing to lose Game One in your new stadium. It's a total other thing to get shut out in that game. 

When the Owls take the field this Saturday for their final road game of the season, the memory of Western Kentucky's 20-0 rout last season at the inaugural game at FAU Football Stadium should still be a painful memory.

The Hilltoppers (6-3 overall record, 3-2 conference record) pose a challenge to FAU because of their physicality. FAU head coach Carl Pelini had high praise for his opponent.

"Very well coached, very disciplined on both sides of the ball," Pelini said to the Sun-Sentinel of WKU. "They have a true identity on both sides of the ball...they enjoy being physical I think."

However, after six straight losing weeks, the Owls appear to be turning things around. The previously stagnant offense has responded by averaging 28.3 points per game in the last three weeks. FAU is now clicking to the point where they finally feel they have the ability to compete in any game. 

Despite bringing a 15-game road losing streak into Bowling Green, the Owls will carry their positive vibes from a close loss to Navy to end their road slate with a win. Pelini just wishes this momentum could have been sparked a little sooner.

"We're a play or two away from being a five-win team," Pelini said to the Palm Beach Post. "Really if you look at South Alabama, Navy or North Texas, we're one big play away in those games and being in a very different spot."

The spot they're in now is spoiler, something the Owls should cherish with games left against FIU and ULL. 

Oh, and by the way: the last time FAU won a road game? Nov. 6 2010 at Western Kentucky.

Johnathan Wallace earns spot as No.1 running back

Owls running back Johnathan Wallace ran for a career high 111 yards to go along with two touchdowns in FAU's 24-17 loss at Navy. Photo courtesy of Owl Pix.

By Rolando Rosa

Earlier in the season when the Owls were employing a "running back by committee approach", running backs coach Kerry Dixon had this to say of Johnathan Wallace:

"He's a strong runner. He just likes to run over people," Dixon said. "He's not really going to try to make a juke move in the open field. He's just going to try to bull you over."

 For the past three weeks, that's exactly what he's been doing to opposing defenses.

Wallace has racked up 299 rushing yards in his last three games. He began the season hampered by a hamstring injury, but now that he's healthy, Wallace is showing why he's emerged as the main man of the ground game.

"Johnathan isn't flashy, but he's a workhouse," Owls head coach Carl Pelini said to Owl Access. "He finds holes, he gains positive yards, he's strong and he doesn't fumble the ball. He blocks well, he protects well, and does everything we ask him to do."

Last week against Navy, Wallace rushed for a career-high 111 yards on 28 carries. Despite his downhill approach, in the last three games Wallace has had carries of 21, 24, and 28 yards.

Even though he's now a prominent player for the Owls offense, Wallace is remaining humble and deflecting the praise to his teammates and coaches.

"As a skill guy, I want the ball in my hands," Wallace said to Owl Access. "The coaches have been doing a great job of just scheming and play calling. It just seems like everything they call is the right play at the right time...The offensive line is blocking and the receivers are blocking downfield. I'm just one person and there are 10 other guys out there doing their job."

Hurricane Sandy misses Maryland, game at Navy still set to be played

FAU is 16-point underdogs against Navy this weekend despite quarterback Graham Wilbert passing for 825 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions in October games. Photo courtesy of Owl Pix.

By Rolando Rosa

Hurricane Sandy won't ruin the momentum of FAU's victory last weekend over Troy. The Owls match up at Navy is still scheduled to be played this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. 

"There attitude was just business as usual," FAU head coach Carl Pelini said to the Sun-Sentinel of the Naval Academy. 

The school cancelled classes on Monday and Tuesday as a precaution, but appear to have missed the brunt of the storm.

"They weren't concerned about it," Pelini said. "We communicate each day about it, but at least their feeling was that they were going to be far enough away from the eye that it wouldn't be much of an issue."

After weeks of struggling to score points, there appears to be no more issues with the Owls offense. Quarterback Graham Wilbert, statistically the worst quarterback in the country last season, has bounced back in recent weeks with career-high performances.

Last weekend Wilbert passed for four touchdowns, including the game-winner with 17 seconds left to wide receiver William Dukes.

Pelini initially listed Wilbert No.3 on his depth chart in the summer but isn't surprised by the strides he's made.

"He's really, really improved his game," Pelini said to the Sun Sentinel. "His knowledge of the offense and the way he manages the offense is complete efficiency."

FAU's 2013 non-conference schedule released, to include games vs Miami, South Florida, and Auburn

The Shula Bowl will not be played in 2013 because FIU is moving to Conference USA. The Nov. 16 match up this season may be the last one in awhile. Photo courtesy of Owl Pix.

By Rolando Rosa

FAU's non-conference schedule has been released and there's some pretty interesting contests up coming. 

However, one team FAU won't face anytime soon is long-time conference rival FIU. The Golden Panthers are joining Conference USA after this season and there's no more scheduled games between the two.

According to Owl Access, next season FAU will have a home game with New Mexico State, along with road games against Miami, South Florida, and Auburn. In 2014, the Owls face Wyoming, Nebraska, and Alabama on the road.

The Nebraska game will be a reunion for Owls head coach Carl Pelini. Pelini arrived from FAU as the Cornhuskers defensive coordinator and his brother Bo is currently the head coach at Nebraska.

Here's some more non-conference games beyond 2014:

2015: vs Miami

2016: at Miami

2017: vs Navy

FAU travels to Annapolis, Md to play Navy on Saturday Nov. 3 at 3:30 p.m.

Homecoming game preview: Why the Trojans will send FAU alumni home disappointed

FAU lost 34-7 last season at Troy. The Owls are just 1-8 all-time against the Trojans. Photo courtesy of Zach Duarte.

By Rolando Rosa

In its last game, FAU offensive coordinator Brian Wright moved down from his regular position in the box to the sidelines to provide an emotional boost to his unit. For the most part it paid off, as the Owls (1-6 overall, 0-4 in conference play) racked up 34 points in the loss, their most all season.

Yet, unless Wright plans on taking the field for the Owls against Troy (4-3 overall, 3-2 in conference play), the losing streak is going to be extended to seven games. Troy's offense is extremely potent. The Trojans are No. 18 in the nation in passing yards per game (303.1) and No. 57 in rushing yards per game (167.7)

Trojans quarterback Corey Robinson was knocked out of their game last weekend against FIU but will be back in time to torment the Owls porous defense. Owls head coach Carl Pelini sees the challenges Troy provides with their versatility.

"They have a lot of speed, they can run, even their front guys can run," Pelini said to FAU Sports. "It's a great speed team and they're a physical football team."

The Owls and the Trojans were on opposite sides of comebacks last weekend. While FAU blew their 14-point lead to South Alabama, Troy stormed back from down 16 in the third quarter to upset FIU. 

Pelini knows his team needs to be extra prepared for the Trojans this week now that they have more confidence.

"I was reading about their game," Pelini said to FAU Sports. "They felt like that comeback against FIU kind of saved their season. It'll be a hard challenge for us. I think anytime you get an adrenaline boost like that, off a big comeback, it makes a team even more hungry the next week."

The Owls host Troy on Saturday Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. in its Homecoming game.

Pelini shocked by players positive attitude in practice after crushing loss to South Alabama

FAU head coach Carl Pelini is on a six-game losing streak but hasn't lost the respect of his players. Photo courtesy of Michelle Friswell.

By Rolando Rosa

When a team gifts a victory to an opponent in its Homecoming game, it wouldn't be unreasonable to feel dejected deep into the following week. However, after blowing a 14-point lead in last Saturday's 37-34 double overtime loss at South Alabama, FAU players returned to Boca with a positive attitude. 

This threw their head coach for a loop.

"I obsess over that all weekend and then we come out on Tuesday and have a great practice," Pelini said to Owl Access. "It's like they're bailing me out a little bit. I worry about how I'm going to get them back and keep their morale up and they come out and have a really good one."

Before they could refocus, the Owls had to let go of their disappointment. FAU seemed to finally be on its way to win No.2 on the season before imploding down the stretch with inept offense and sloppy, penalty-filled defense.

"It's terrible, it hurt a lot. It hurt real bad," senior linebacker David Hinds said to the Sun-Sentinel. "We didn't finish. We been so much better, so much harder, in the fourth quarter. We're hungry for a win. I'm starving for a win. I want one real bad. It hurts."

Yet, once the players headed home the pain began to dissipate, a sign of a team which is maturing even while riding a massive losing streak.

Hinds and Co. play their Homecoming game this Saturday against Troy. If they're going to have any chance at the victory in front of the alumni, not only will their spirits need to be high, but their execution will need to be as well.

The Owls host Troy on Saturday Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. in its Homecoming game.

Big Will Style: William Dukes emerges as FAU's No.1 receiver

Owls sophomore receiver William Dukes had a team-high five catches for 96 yards in last week's 35-14 loss to ULM. Photo courtesy of Ralph Notaro.

By: Rolando Rosa

Owls offensive coordinator Brian Wright is blunt in his assessment of the key ingredient a potent offense needs: dynamic play makers. While the FAU offense is hardly striking fear into opposing defenses, a pleasant surprise has been the play of sophomore wide receiver William Dukes.

Dukes currently leads the team with 23 receptions for 320 yards. Last week at ULM, he recorded a team-high five catches for 96 yards. Dukes is becoming one of quarterback Graham Wilbert's favorite targets.

"Me and Graham got that connection," Dukes said. "We've been working all summer. So he's going to throw those passes so I can go up there and get them."

Dukes explains how the chemistry with Wilbert started last season. He says even though he was a freshman taking limited snaps, Wilbert could already see the potential he had.

Wright would gladly welcome more steady production from Dukes to alleviate the burden the offense is carrying each week to perform.

"We have to be perfect at times in order to execute," Wright says. "And that's a tough way to live on offense."

So far, Dukes has been the only big-play threat on the team. He already has multiple catches of over 40 yards and averages just under 14 yards per reception. Against Georgia, Dukes hauled in a 48-yard catch. He wants fans to know his fearless approach to big games comes from his preparation level throughout the week.

"I had to let people know that it's not just in this conference. I can do it in any conference," Dukes said. "I work hard with my fundamentals so I don't worry about who's in front of me. I worry about what I have to do."

For more Owls news, check out Owl Access and the Sun-Sentinel.

FAU plays at South Alabama on Saturday Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m.

The Loser Bowl: One win squads FAU and South Alabama square off this Saturday in Mobile

FAU has only scored 79 points through half of the season, which is last in the Sun Belt. Photo courtesy of Ralph Notaro. 

By: Rolando Rosa

If you're looking for a shootout, stay away from FAU-South Alabama this weekend.

Halfway through the season, FAU's offense is dreadfully awful. The Owls average 13.2 points per game, ranked No. 123 in the country. Luckily for FAU, their upcoming opponent is almost equally as terrible. 

South Alabama, a transitional BCS team in its their fourth year of existence, scores 16 points per game, No. 119 in the nation. The Jaguars are riding a four-game losing into Saturday's contest in Mobile, AL.

Despite South Alabama's recent struggles, the Owls, losers of five in a row, still respect their opponent. FAU offensive coordinator Brian Wright believes the Jaguars are going to be just as motivated as his team to get the victory.

"They're hungry," Wright said. "They only have one win as well and they're going to be just as hungry to get a win."

The Owls are coming off a sloppy 35-14 loss to ULM. FAU committed 11 penalties in the defeat, something which the coaching staff was displeased with. Wright knows the miscues need to be cut down, explaining his unit needs to focus and execute better. 

"We were making mistakes," Wright said. "We were stopping ourselves on a few of our drives."

The Jaguars allow 27.3 points per game but Wright isn't taking their defense lightly. South Alabama held No.23 Mississippi State scoreless in the first quarter of their game three weeks ago.

"Defensively they play hard," Wright said. "They're physical and I think they're a talented group."

However, Wright is treating this week's match-up the same way he has for the first six weeks of the season.

"Just like any defense any week," Wright said. "You have to schematically design the plays that you think are going to give you the best chance of succeeding."

For more Owls news, check out Owl Access and the Sun-Sentinel.

FAU plays at South Alabama on Saturday Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Pelini, players ready for prime time match with ULM

FAU is 0-2 in Sun Belt play this season. The Owls have lost 12 straight conference games. 

Photo courtesy of Char Pratt.

By Rolando Rosa

After not playing since Sept. 29, break time is over for the Owls.

FAU returns to action this Saturday on the road against ULM hoping to snap their four-game losing streak. Even though the War Hawks (3-2 overall, 1-0 in conference play) knocked off then-No.8 Arkansas in their season opener and are getting props from the national media (ESPNU in particular, which aired an All-Access episode on the team this week), the Owls head into Malone Stadium with confidence. 

"ULM is a great team," Owls running back Damian Fortner said. "They play great team football but we pretty much focus on what we have to do."

They'll have to do a lot to overcome the Sun Belt's top offense and No. 2 defense. In practice this week, coach Carl Pelini stressed to his squad the importance of increasing their effort level and paying attention to every detail. 

"He just wanted us to pick up the intensity and enthusiasm," Fortner said. "Just make sure that we focus on our fundamentals and the little things that we have to take care of."

The stagnant Owls offense may receive a boost, as wide receiver Deandre Richardson, out since the spring with an ankle injury, could see time this week according to the Sun-Sentinel. Richardson led the Owls last season with 32 catches. 

The biggest challenge for the Owls will be matching up defensively against Kolton Browning, a quarterback Pelini compares to Robert Griffin III. In last year's game against FAU, Browning's offense registered 424 total yards.

 "There is so much balance. Being able to run and being able to throw," Pelini said to Owl Access of Browning's dual threat ability. "You don't see him make many bad plays with the ball."

Unfortunately so far for the Owls and their fans this season, the same can't be said for their team.

FAU plays at ULM on Saturday Oct. 13 at 8 p.m.

ESPN: ULM ''One of the stories of the year"; meanwhile, FAU having nightmare season

FAU was shutout 26-0 by ULM in the season finale last year. It was the final game of coach Howard Schnellenberger's career. 

Photo courtesy of Christine Capozziello

By: Rolando Rosa

The last time FAU faced ULM, the War Hawks humiliated the Owls 26-0. To make matters worse, that Dec. 3 contest was the last game for former Owls head coach Howard Schnellenberger. 

I'm sure FAU would love to get revenge, but it won't be easy this Saturday at Malone Stadium. The Owls are 20-point underdogs according to Owl Access and that's with good reason.

The War Hawks are national media darlings after knocking off No.8 Arkansas in their opener, followed by close losses to Auburn and Baylor. Satellite channel ESPNU had an in-depth 30 minute feature on the team this Tuesday. The network swooped in once they realized the Sun Belt squad had America's attention.

"I think they become one of the stories of the year, knocking off Arkansas and taking Auburn to overtime then almost beating Baylor," Dan Margulis, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions said to The News Star. "I think they captured the hearts of a lot of people so we thought this would be cool to cover."

The War Hawks lead the Sun Belt in scoring (39.6) and total offense (514.6)

FAU meanwhile is not made-for-TV, struggling with a 1-4 record and averaging just 13 points per game. The Owls are on a four-game losing streak and its only victory was by four points at home against Division I-AA Wagner. Owls head coach Carl Pelini understands the various problems the potent War Hawks offense pose. 

"They're just very efficient, they know their offense," Pelini said to the Palm Beach Post. "They'll spread you out and create match up problems. Their offense is really built in a way that, if you take away one thing they always have a counter move. It's a very well devised scheme."

FAU plays at ULM on Saturday Oct. 13 at 8 p.m.

Bye week blues: FAU enters the break on a four-game losing streak

Owls quarterback Graham Wilbert is intercepted in the end zone during the first half of the 20-14 loss to North Texas.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Murphy.

By: Rolando Rosa

Headed into the bye week, FAU already has as many wins (1) as it did all of last season. That's the optimist's view. A pessimist could still point out a number of flaws the Owls are exhibiting almost halfway through the season. Five games in, here's five positives and negatives about FAU football: 

Positives:

• There's already a win on the board through five games. Last season, FAU didn't pick up a victory until the second-to-last game of the season.
• FAU scored three touchdowns on top ten competition. Last season FAU scored six points total against Florida and Michigan State.
• Freshman walk-on punter Sean Kelly has dazzled, booting kicks at a 42.2 average, with a high of 55. Kelly has athleticism too, as multiple times this season he's adjusted to handle botched snaps.
• Graham Wilbert already has five touchdowns this season after only seven all of last year. Wilbert is completing 64.8 percent of his passes, after 52.4 last year
• Sophomore wide receiver William Dukes leads the team with 18 catches for 224 yards. Dukes has big play ability, hauling in multiple catches of over 30 yards.

Negatives:

• The lone win was by four points at home against Division 1-AA Wagner. FAU failed to capture winnable conference games against Middle Tennessee and North Texas.
• FAU has fumbled 11 times, losing eight of them. Running backs coach Kerry Dixon says he emphasizes ball protection in practice but it's not translating to game days. 
• The Owls punt and kickoff returns are horrible. On punt returns, FAU is averaging an incomprehensible -0.6 yards. Kickoff returns aren't that much better at 21.2 yards.
•  The secondary is constantly getting burned, allowing 17.8 yards per catch to opponents. In last week's loss, North Texas scored on a 68-yard passing touchdown.
• Slow starts are the biggest reason for the 1-4 record. The Owls offense has more points in the fourth quarter (41) than the other three quarters combined (24). 

For more Owls news, check out The Daily Hoot and Owl Access. 

FAU returns to action on Saturday Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. against ULM

More of the same: Why FAU lost its fourth straight game of the season

FAU quarterback Graham Wilbert threw two interceptions and was sacked five times in the 20-14 loss to North Texas. Photo courtesy of Ryan Murphy.

By: Rolando Rosa

Observations from the Owls 20-14 loss to the Mean Green at FAU Football Stadium:

• While other Sun Belt Conference teams (ULM defeating Arkansas and MTSU beating Georgia Tech) are gaining attention across the nation, FAU football is going backwards.
• The only positive thing related to the color red for FAU was their new jerseys. Quarterback Graham Wilbert committed two red zone turnovers( INT, fumble) in the first half.
• "I wasn't rattled," Wilbert said. "It was just frustrating knowing that we left points on the field. We just didn't execute everything we needed to. We shot ourselves in the foot. I don't know it was really anything North Texas did. They didn't confuse us. It was just us not getting the job done."
• Wilbert surprisingly used his legs to rack up yards and even a touchdown. He ran for a 23-yard first down and 11-yard score.
• Running back Damian Fortner scored an 11-yard touchdown late in the third quarter for FAU's first points of the game.
• FAU held North Texas, No.44 in the nation in rushing yards per game, to just 56.
• The Owls forced the Mean Green into 3 for 14 on third down attempts.
• Owls head coach Carl Pelini wanted to see more from his defense, though.
• "There were still a lot of mental errors that gave up plays that were inexcusable. The screen plays, the trick plays, we're in man coverage and they run a tight end delay, guy comes off his man. That's inexcusable," Pelini said. "Those are just details on defensive football that can never happen. It embarrasses me at times."
• FAU got off to another slow start, this time trailing 17-0 deep into the third quarter before responding with a pair of touchdowns to cut the lead to three early in the final period.
• Pelini appears to be growing frustrated with his team's lack of urgency to start games.
• "We don't know how to win. We have to learn how to win as a football team, as a football program. When the game is on the line, we couldn't get over the hump," Pelini said. "When the score's nothing-nothing, we make mistakes. Over and over and over again."

For post game commentary, check out my University Press column.

FAU (1-4 overall, 0-2 in conference play) returns to action on October 13, 8:00 p.m. at ULM.

FAU Athletics wants fans to show "Owl Pride" at Saturday's game versus North Texas

FAU lost 31-17 last season on the road against North Texas.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Notaro.

By: Rolando Rosa

After three straight losing weekends on the road, Owls head coach Carl Pelini admits he's "glad to be home." But how many people will be there to greet him?

It's hard to get excited about a 1-3 football team, let alone one with a 27.6 margin of defeat. However, that isn't stopping AD Pat Chun and FAU Athletics from asking fans to show "Owl Pride" when the team returns home to face North Texas on Saturday September 29 at 5 p.m.

The turnout at the home opener against Wagner was listed as 14,510 but honestly better resembled half of that at the most. It's gotten to the point where Chun is playing the role of cheerleader to motivate the stagnant Owls fan base, even offering an incentive to students who show up to this week's game early.

"You did great turning out for the first game, but we know you can do better!" Chun said to FAU Sports. "Show your Owl Pride by getting to the game before kickoff!"

According to the official athletics website, the game is being played on FAU Pride Day (We have a pride day? Any FAU alums want to explain the origin of this occasion to me?) and the first 4,000 students in their seats will get rally rags after the first quarter. 

Let's hope those rags aren't white so they won't get waived as a surrender flag if the game gets out of hand.

By the Numbers: A statistical look at FAU-Alabama

Owls running back Damian Fortner struggled against No.1 ranked Alabama, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. Photo courtesy of Ralph Notaro/Owl Pix

By: Rolando Rosa

FAU came to Tuscaloosa with a target on their backs after Cory Henry's controversial comments about the No.1 ranked Crimson Tide made national headlines on ESPN. While they ended up losing 40-7, the Owls return to Boca with some positives heading into Sun Belt play. 

A look into the numbers, both good and bad, for FAU this weekend:

• FAU quarterback Graham Wilbert's 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Alex DeLeon snapped Alabama's 12 quarter shutout streak 
• At halftime, Wilbert had -1 yards passing(Wilbert finished with 34 yards on 7 of 13 passing)
• FAU forced Alabama into field goals on four straight drives after giving up two passing touchdowns to start the game
• Alabama held FAU to one first down in the first half
• FAU running back Damian Fortner had fewer rushing yards in the entire game(39 on 14 carries) than he had on his touchdown run(42) against Georgia
• FAU was 1-12 on third down attempts after going 9-19 at Georgia; FAU however was 2-2 on 4th down
• Through three quarters, the longest play from scrimmage by FAU was a 6-yard run by Fortner
• FAU freshman punter Sean Kelly's eight punts averaged 49.4 yards. His high was 57 yards.
• Alabama did not punt until 1:47 left in the third quarter
• Alabama gained 503 total yards(247 yards passing, 256 yards rushing)
• FAU had 110 total yards(34 passing yards, 76 rushing)
• Alabama committed the only turnover of the game on a fumble recovery in the first quarter by FAU snapper Tim Raber

Overall, head coach Carl Pelini was proud of his team's late game effort but understands the Owls have a lot of improving to do.

"I don't know how important the touchdown was, but it is important that our guys never quit playing and that's the one thing I'll take away from this game," Pelini said to the Sun-Sentinel. "I promise you that doesn't excuse the way we started. We've got to be able to be a team that comes out with higher expectations and I don't think we did today. I think we let Alabama's reputation affect the way we started the game. If we are going to become the program I want us to be, we can't do that no matter who we are playing."

For post game analysis, check out my commentary from the University Press.

FAU returns home to face North Texas on Saturday September 29 at 5 p.m. 

Owls transfer Duron Carter declared ineligible for this season

Owls wide receiver Duron Carter during training camp. 

Courtesy of Owl Access.

By: Rolando Rosa

FAU wide receiver Duron Carter will be in his old stomping grounds Saturday afternoon when the Owls take on the No.1 ranked Crimson Tide, but it'll only be as a spectator. Carter, a transfer from Alabama, was declared ineligible to play this season, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Carter(6-foot-5, 215 pounds), the son of former NFL star wideout Cris Carter, petitioned for a hardship waiver in the hopes for immediate eligibility this season at FAU. NCAA rules dictate that a transfer player sit out a season unless a dire reason is given. Carter's point focused on the premise that he wanted to spend more time with his family, which currently resides in Boca Raton.

FAU is Carter's fourth school in as many years.

He started his college career at Ohio State(13 receptions, 176 yards, and a touchdown in 2009) before transferring to Coffeyville Community College (44 receptions, 690 yards, 10 touchdowns). Carter was kicked off the Crimson Tide before playing a single game because of his academic standing.

Now that Carter is ineligible for this season, his last year of college football will be 2013.

FAU defender Cory Henry's Alabama quote goes viral

FAU defensive lineman Cory Henry has nine tackles and one sack this season. Courtesy of FAU Sports

By: Rolando Rosa

Poor Cory Henry.

It may not have been his intention, but the FAU defensive lineman's comments to the local media after practice about the Owls upcoming opponent this Saturday, No.1 ranked Alabama, made national headlines soon after.

"They ain't what people think," Henry said of the defending national champions. "They're good and everything but they can [be] beat, too. They just execute well. They just execute and beat you."

The quote immediately surfaced onto national sites such as Yahoo Sports and Big Lead Sports, which relentlessly mocked Henry. When asked a simple question by the Sun Sentinel about his team's biggest advantage over Alabama, here was Henry's response:

"We got speed against them," Henry said. "If you've got speed you can win."

It's unrealistic to expect an upset victory(let alone any points) against an Alabama squad which has won the national title two of the last three seasons, but that wasn't what Henry was asserting. He was asked a direct question by the beat reporter(who didn't even bother to use the quote himself anyway) and gave his best reply.

FAU(1-2 record) is coming off a 56-20 defeat to Georgia; Alabama(3-0 record) defeated Sun Belt Conference team Western Kentucky 35-0 last week. The Owls are 50 point underdogs against the Crimson Tide.

FAU plays at No.1 ranked Alabama next Saturday, Sept. 22, at 5 p.m.

FAU players dig their new threads

Owls wide receiver Byron Hankerson sporting the new jersey during the season opener against Wagner. 

Photo courtesy of Max Jackson.

By: Rolando Rosa

To pull off an upset, FAU football knows much improvement is needed between now and Saturday's game at seventh ranked Georgia. At least they'll arrive in Athens in style.

Just implemented this season, the Owls have new jerseys from their sponsor Adidas. A big change to the three new jerseys (blue, red, and white), are wings on the shoulders. Two of the Owls best defenders approve of the move to new uniforms for multiple reasons.

"They're tight. They fit good," linebacker Randell Johnson said. "It feels like we ain't got no clothes on. It feels like you've just got on a girdle."

"We love them man," linebacker David Hinds said. "It's tight fit, can't really get held by the offense that much because there ain't that much to grab on. It's pretty comfortable."

According to Online Athens, Sanford Stadium is officially sold out this weekend. It might be too bad those jerseys don't include metal armor and ear plugs to combat the rowdy SEC crowd.

Fredskins---Alfred Morris' big first week as an NFL starter

Former FAU running back Alfred Morris is now a starter for the Washington Redskins.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Friswell. 

By: Rolando Rosa 

Over the weekend, three FAU running backs(Damian Fortner, Travis Jones and Johnathan Wallace) combined for 75 yards in a 31-14 road loss to Middle Tennessee.

Alfred Morris had more yards by himself in his NFL debut with the Redskins. 

Former Owls running back Morris(drafted with the 173rd pick in the sixth round) and fellow rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III led Washington to a stunning 40-32 week one victory over New Orleans in the Superdome. 

"Who dat? We that! Hail to the Redskins!" Morris said in delight on his Twitter page.

Morris was a starter, rushing for 96 yards on 28 carries to go along with two touchdowns. The two scores were the first-ever for an Owl in the NFL. 

After his second touchdown, which came in the fourth quarter to seal the win, Morris showed his school spirit by making Owl Fingers in the end zone. In four seasons at FAU he racked up a school record 27 touchdowns and 3,529 yards rushing. 

"I do it for a reason," Morris told Owl Access about why he did the Owl Fingers. "I'm proud of where I came from. I'm proud to have played at FAU."

Week 1 vs Wagner

http://upressonline.com/2012/09/commentary-the-win-that-felt-like-a-loss-why-the-owls-are-in-trouble-for-the-rest-of-the-season/

FAU football plays its next game on Saturday Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. on the road at Middle Tennessee.