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.