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.