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.
No comments:
Post a Comment