After a long and tumultuous season, the FAU Owls have reached the final game of 2024. It has been a season full of bright spots, but also full of disappointment and craziness. Florida Atlantic sits at 2-9, hoping to avoid a season with double digit losses and zero conference wins.
Across from the Owls will be the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, who sit at 3-8 on the season. Tulsa is looking to get their second AAC win of the season, especially in the wake of the firing of their head coach, Kevin Wilson.
How can the Owls play a solid game on Saturday? And can they finish the season on a high note? Follow along as we preview this weekend’s FAU season finale!
FAU Owls vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Football History & Excerpts
In a short game history, the Owls have the series lead.
Out of three games, FAU leads the series 2-1. They won the first matchup back in 2014, defeating the Golden Hurricane by a score of 50-21. They then lost the next matchup in 2015, falling in overtime by a score of 47-44.
Last season, the Owls got an act of revenge eight years in the making. They defeated Tulsa at home by a score of 20-17, retaking the series lead in the process.
Speaking to the media this week, interim head coach Chad Lunsford said he felt good about the players and staff entering their final game of the season. He emphasized communication and not having surprises. Lunsford added that everyone is trying to be on the same page and communicate well.
When asked about the transfer portal and players leaving, Lunsford said that the FAU policy is not to deny players their right to transfer. He said that players are free to enter the portal after a coaching change. Lunsford added that he just wants players to communicate with them. He wants to help and advise them to make the best decision and will support all players.
Additionally, Lunsford said that he does not know why rumors of players transferring leaked out. The mentioned players immediately called the staff after the reports. The head coach said that there are no surprises; he just wants communication from the players to the staff. –
Lunsford said quarterback Kasen Weisman is back at practice. He has not yet decided who will start as quarterback. Lunsford added that he thought Tyriq Starks played well and deserves a shot to play. He will continue to evaluate this week. Regarding other injuries, Lunsford said that the team is not dealing with too many injuries but mentioned that center Federico Maranges is unlikely to play this week.
Speaking to the media this week, quarterback Tyriq Starks said last week’s game was “extremely fun.” He is just focused on building off what he has done well and on ball security. Additionally, Starks said he is not worried about the off-field stuff. He added that he is just doing his best to keep everyone focused in practice and wants to, “keep the main thing the main thing.”
When asked about his future plans, Starks said he does not know about the portal at this point. He said it is “to be determined.” He added that if it works out, he would love to be in Florida at FAU.
Key Players: FAU Owls
Tyriq Starks, Quarterback
In this matchup, passing the ball will be extremely important for the Owls.
On the season, Tulsa has the worst passing defense in all of college football. They have allowed 318 passing yards per game and three passing touchdowns per game on average. They have allowed 13.1 passing first downs per game, which ranks third worst in the FBS. PFF has also crushed the unit, having the second-worst team coverage grade at 48.3
All in all, there is ample opportunity for Starks to have a great game. When given the opportunity to push the ball down the field, the quarterback has been effective and explosive. He has all the talent to lead a great offense for the Owls, but he has to be given a chance to do so.
There is a good shot that the outcome of this game could come down to how the FAU passing attack fares. If the coaching gives Starks chances to push the ball down the field, he could have the best game of his career.
CJ Heard, Safety
On the flip side of the ball, FAU will need to rely heavily on star freshman safety CJ Heard in what could be his last game for the Owls.
Tulsa, while not an overly explosive offense, has ran the ball effectively this season. They have averaged 159 rushing yards per game and 4.1 yards per carry. Running back Anthony Watkins has led Tulsa in this regard, gaining 386 yards on the ground and scoring four touchdowns.
The passing game has also had some spurts of success. Against East Carolina two weeks ago, the Golden Hurricane found some success by throwing for 293 yards and three touchdowns.
Heard has been great in the run game and has consistently improved as a pass defender. Defenses avoid him for a good reason, as the young safety makes plays whenever he can.
For the Owls to win on Saturday, Heard will have to be Superman once more. Based on his play this season, there is a great chance that he will do so once more.
Key Players: Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Gavin Potter, Linebacker
Regardless of the status of certain players for FAU, Gavin Potter will be vital for the Golden Hurricane on Saturday.
In recent weeks, FAU has given C.J. Campbell Jr. the lion’s share of the touches. He has responded accordingly, looking like one of the best running backs in all of college football. Add in Zuberi Mobley, Gemari Sands, and Xavier Terrell, and you have a fearsome rushing attack.
Yet, the room’s status is up in the air. Mobley and Campbell will enter the transfer portal after the season, leaving their status for Saturday up in the air. If they do not play, it remains to be seen how the running back room will shape up.
No matter who plays for FAU, though, Potter is vital for Tulsa. With his 26 defensive run stops, he will likely lead the charge against whatever form the FAU rushing attack takes this weekend.
Kamdyn Benjamin, Wide Receiver
On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Kamdyn Benjamin is the perfect player to attack a weak point of the Owls’ defense.
In recent weeks, FAU has struggled with slot receivers and vertical threats. Putting their safeties and slot corners on these players has not worked, just as the linebacker struggled with these assignments earlier in the season.
For Tulsa, Benjamin is their go-to slot player. Playing 107 snaps in the slot, the wideout has racked up 755 yards and five touchdowns. He has 253 yards after the catch, 4.1 yards per route run, and an ADOT of 12.2.
If Tulsa peppers their star wideout, they will have a great shot at taking advantage of the Owls and winning the game.
Key to Victory
At this point of the season, there is only one key and one key alone for the Owls. They must find a way to win.
No matter what FAU has done this season, the Owls have not been able to close out games. If the offense is successful, the defense struggles. If the defense is getting stops, the offense cannot get going. Complementary football has been out of reach and has been one of the main reasons why they have a poor record.
For one more time this season, the Owls must play a complete game. And above all else, they need to channel Al Davis on Saturday. In other words, win, baby. Just win.
