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.