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.