The FAU Owls have officially zero margin for error. After getting drubbed by the University of South Florida, the Owls picked up their sixth loss of the season. It was the same old story for the Owls; after starting strong, they fell apart and were run off the field in the second half.
As a result of another loss, FAU cannot lose another game if they want to become bowl-eligible in 2024. They have to find a way to string together a four-game winning streak and close out games in a manner they have not this season.
Who is the team that stands in their way first? None other than the East Carolina Pirates on a very short week. After firing their head coach, the Pirates knocked off the Temple Owls in an offensive bonanza, winning 56-34.
Can the FAU Owls find the win column and keep their season alive? Or will their bowl game hopes be dashed for yet another season? Follow along as we preview the Week 11 matchup for the Owls!
FAU Owls vs. ECU Pirates Football History & Excerpts
When it comes to facing their AAC opponent historically, FAU is still searching for a win.
In two historical matchups, the Owls are 0-2 against the Pirates. The first matchup was back in 2013, when the Pirates beat Florida Atlantic by a score of 31-13. Last year, the Owls lost to ECU at their home stadium, dropping the game by a score of 22-7. It was the first matchup between the teams as full members of the American Athletic Conference.
Regarding preparing for the game on a short week, head coach Tom Herman said they are putting a big emphasis on getting into the training room and keeping players fresh. He added that there has to be a balance between that and getting reps in.
The head coach also said the Owls created a “one-game season” due to the hole they dug themselves in. He is happy they did not have time to sit on last week’s loss and were able to “forcibly” turn the page.
Regarding the play of their freshman, Herman said that safety CJ Heard is playing “very well.” He then noted that cornerback Lawrence Johnson was “up and down,” highlighting that he had flashes/plays that showed great signs for the future and that he also made some mistakes.
Herman hopes Daedae Hill will give them quality reps this week for the ECU game. If Jayden Williams and Wendol Philord cannot go, the head coach expects to have a “patchwork” secondary.
In terms of the matchup, Herman said he does not feel “panic” entering this matchup. The coach added that the team knows what is at stake and is proud of the “1-0” mentality they’ve has shown. Herman said in meetings that they “put themselves” in this situation, but the fight is not over. He added that they will find out what the team has within them this week and the rest of the season.
Herman stressed playing better in the second half. He mentioned looking at every possible reason for why it was happening. He also said the Owls must figure out why the execution level wanes in the second half.
On the USF situation from last week, Herman said that USF kicked their butts. He said he jogged to the middle of the field and said “good game” to opposing coach Alex Golesh. He was going to give him a compliment, but the USF coach slapped his hand down. Herman said he wanted to figure out the situation and what the confusion was about. He added that he has moved on, but they will meet again on the field and figure it out. Herman also said that the situation is not changing how he will interact with other coaches moving forward.
Running back C.J. Campbell said that practice has helped him become a more versatile player. Added that the team’s coaches help him be a threat anywhere on the field. Campbell also said he takes pride in his pass protection. He added that it boosts his resume and prospects of being a pro player in the future.
Key Players: FAU
C.J. Campbell Jr., Running Back
For the first time this season, a player for FAU makes it into this section irrespective of the matchup. However, Campbell Jr. has just been that good for the Owls this season.
Against USF, the running back showed that he could do it all on offense. Whether it was outrunning the entire defense on a touchdown reception or beating tacklers to the edge with his speed, Campbell was essentially the main reason FAU had a sustainable offense.
That needs to continue against East Carolina. Campbell needs touches early and often for the Owls, specifically in space where he can make big plays happen. He needs to be able to get into a rhythm early in the game, as it would give the running back his best opportunity to make game-changing plays later on.
ECU will likely be selling out to stop Campbell, whether it is through the air or on the ground. But with similar production and a better gameplan, the running back should be in a good situation to produce at a high level.
Scarlee Jean or Malcolm Lamar Sr., Left Tackle
On Thursday night, the Owls will likely look to have a balanced offensive attack. In order for that strategy to be successful, the offensive line, and specifically the left tackle position, needs to produce.
Left end/edge rusher J.D. Lampley has a wide gap on the rest of the East Carolina edge rushers in terms of pressures. According to PFF, Lampley has already registered 22 pressures, which is 10 more than any of his other teammates. This has not resulted in sacks for himself but has allowed the Pirates’ defensive line to cause some havoc in 2024.
Whether it is Scarlee Jean or Malcolm Lamar Sr., the left tackle will have a big responsibility on Thursday night. Jean, mainly serving as the backup, has only allowed one pressure in 66 pass-blocking snaps. Lamar Sr. has been a bit more up and down, giving up 11 pressures and two sacks on 253 pass-blocking opportunities.
Whoever the left tackle is, they will have their hands full. And ultimately, the difference between keeping quarterback Cam Fancher upright and him getting sacked may determine who wins the game.
Kahzir “Buggs” Brown, Cornerback
When it comes down to it, the remaining healthy starter in the cornerback room will have to lead it on Thursday night.
Against an East Carolina offense that will want to throw the football, Kahzir “Buggs” Brown will have to lock down his side of the field. The Maine transfer is more than capable of doing so, as he carries a respectable 74.6 PFF pass coverage grade and has only allowed 14 receptions on the season.
The Pirates will likely choose to test Cameron Goggins and Lawrence Johnson if they are on the field; while they are extremely talented players who have already produced, they are young and could make a mistake or two.
Brown will have to be the steadying hand alongside the baby Owls in the secondary. If he does so, the defense will be in a great position to execute like they have all season long on the boundaries.
Key Players: ECU
Just like FAU, East Carolina has a few key players that must contribute for them to win on Thursday.
Rahjai Harris, Running Back
To be quite frank, it is relatively easy to beat the FAU Owls by running the football.
If you consistently wear down the Boca-based team, the running lanes will open up. The middle of the field will be there, and thanks to usually poor tackling from the overall unit, so will the big plays.
This fits right into how East Carolina deploys Rahjai Harris. The longtime Pirates running back has 19 missed tackles forced and 432 of his 571 yards are after contact. He runs through defenders and relies on his larger frame to stay upright through contact.
Barring a huge change or adjustment for the Owls, this is how the Pirates should look to beat them. If history is any indicator, Harris is in line for a potentially big game on Thursday.
Winston Wright Jr., Wide Receiver
Based on statistics, Winston Wright Jr. is not the most talented wideout on ECU. However, he is one of the most important against FAU.
Lining up primarily in the slot this year, Wright Jr. does major work in the shorter areas of the field. He has 15 receptions and three touchdowns on passes less than 10 yards down the field, signifying an ability to make defenders miss consistently.
FAU is poised to be hampered at best and severely limited at worst when it comes to their secondary. Young players will be tasked with covering Wright Jr., and they may not know the best ways to cover a veteran player who understands how to be successful in that position.
ECU has a great opportunity to exploit those weaknesses on a grand scale on Thursday, and Wright Jr. needs to be a big part of that winning equation.
Omar Rogers, Safety
The FAU Owls wants to run the football. ECU has one of the best units in the country, according to PFF, when it comes to stopping the run. One of the main leaders of that unit is safety Omar Rogers.
In eight games played and 192 run defense snaps, Rogers has an elite 91.2 run defense grade. He has 19 defensive stops as well, slotting him in at second on the team.
The linebackers and defensive linemen will have a big impact on stopping Fancher, Campbell, and the rest of the Owls’ rushing attack. But Rogers is the last line of defense and will absolutely be needed by the Pirates. A few big tackles on Campbell by their safety could be a deciding factor in ECU’s favor.
Keys to Victory for FAU Owls
When it comes down to it, the Owls’ keys to victory are very simple again this week.
Feed Campbell Jr.
Campbell is the best and most versatile player on the entire offense. He makes plays whenever he gets the ball and is an absolute weapon in space. Florida Atlantic needs to give him, at a minimum, 15 touches and build the game plan around their star running back.
TACKLE.
The FAU Owls will not and can not win this game if they do not tackle. Figure out the run defense issues, wrap up, and play solid defense. That is the only way you will have a shot against the Pirates.
Finish strong
FAU cannot take its foot off the gas pedal. If they get a lead, they must stay aggressive and not get complacent. The coaching staff and roster must learn from their past mistakes and not let their opposition back into the game.
