BOCA RATON, FL – The FAU Owls football team is entering the danger zone (and there won’t be an appearance from Kenny Loggains). What seemed like a great season for a competitive team has quickly turned sideways. After a hard-fought loss to Michigan State, the Owls have lost two of their last three games. While the victory over Florida International was impressive, the losses have been even more eye-popping.
Against both Army and UConn, the Owls were exposed. The run defense utterly collapsed, giving up over 400 yards of rushing in both games. The tackling has been non-existent in the run game, looking especially poor against the Huskies. The eye discipline was also poor in defending the read option of both teams
Big drive led by Robinson capped off with his second touchdown of the night! 😤 pic.twitter.com/txVjt4aQ2v
— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) September 22, 2024
On offense, the overall unit has struggled to find any sort of footing. The rushing attack has been non-existent, outside of a few good performances from Zuberi Mobley and C.J. Campbell Jr. Cameron Fancher has been extremely ineffective in throwing the ball with no consistency down the field.
At 1-3, the Owls need to rebound quickly in order to have a shot at a bowl game this season. Luckily for them, FCS opponent in Wagner is coming to town. The Seahawks offer a great bounce-back opportunity for the Owls, but only if they can capitalize on it.
How can the Owls do that? Follow along as we preview FAU’s homecoming matchup against the Wagner Seahawks.
FAU Owls vs. Wagner Seahawks Football History
In their short matchup history, the Owls are the better bird.
Florida Atlantic has a 2-0 record all-time against the Wagner Seahawks. Their most recent matchup occurred in 2019, where the Owls won by a score of 42-7.
In the first matchup between the schools, the Owls squeaked out a 7-3 victory in 2012. Both games were played at home for the Owls in Boca Raton, Florida.
Quotes from Herman
Head coach Tom Herman announced that quarterback Casen Weisman would be seeing an increased number of reps this week against Wagner. The head coach said that the Colorado transfer would play at a “scripted time” during the game and alluded to needing changes as a factor for the decision.
“I think you’ll see him play a scripted, not scripted plays, but at a scripted time in the game. Coach Frye has communicated that to both Cam and him. We haven’t settled on the mechanics of when and how. But I can’t look at this team and ask them to change and get rid of bad habits. I’ve got to make some changes too, and I’ve got to do things as the head coach to create some kind of meaningful change,” said Herman.
“And if that is Kasen’s play when he gets in, great. If that is him being there and Cam knowing and playing better because of it, even better. But like I said, this is about uncovering every stone to find the right buttons to push on this team. And you know, we’ve got two weeks to figure that out.”
Tom Herman announces #Colorado transfer Kasen Weisman to see an increased workload for #FAU this week against #Wagner
The R-freshman has appeared in 2 games this season, 1 snap against FIU and the final series against UConn.
Was a 3 star recruit and 27th dual threat QB in 2023
— Robbie Lastella (@RLastellaReport) September 24, 2024
Regarding their matchup against the Wagner Seahawks, Herman said they are an opponent that should not be overlooked.
“This is a good team,” started Herman. “I’ve been impressed with their defense, especially number 45, their nickel linebacker. He’s very active. They blitz him, and they drop him in coverage. They do a lot with him. And they’ve got a really talented receiver as well who has a decided advantage in targets compared to the next guy on their team. So we’ve got to know where he is.”
The head coach continued to discuss what the team needs to do in order to have a decisive victory this weekend.
“They’re a zone run team, so we’ve got to stop inside and outside zone. If you’re watching the UConn film, that’s probably all you will run. And then, you know, offensively, we’ve got to make sure we understand where 45 is and what that means in their different blitzes and coverages. So there’s a lot to prepare for.”
Key players for FAU Owls
In their matchup against Wagner, the Owls’ own level of play matters more than the specific matchups. Yes, Wagner has allowed some big performances on the ground this season. Yes, Wagner’s offense has been a predominantly run-heavy unit and has found success in that regard.
Yet, the Owls’ advantages have not meant much for the majority of this season. Even when utilizing them, FAU has made crippling mistakes that have caused the Owls to lose or fall behind early in football games. As a result, the key players for the Owls in this matchup are the ones that can get the struggling units rolling once again.
On offense, the running game must be relied on heavily. The blocking up front must be better, and they must exert their will on the Wagner defensive line. In terms of carrying the ball, the key contributors will have to be Mobley and Campbell Jr.
Mobley should be utilized in space more, such as on jet sweeps and outside zone. Campbell Jr., especially after last week’s performance, should get more touches in a variety of ways. Whether in between the tackles or in the passing game, the former Florida State Seminole proved he is a perfect fit for the scheme.
C.J. again 👀
Campbell rushes it in from 38 yards out! pic.twitter.com/nYyCDOdKgl
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) September 22, 2024
In the passing game, Fancher or Weisman need to be consistent. Whether on short, intermediate, or deep passes, the quarterback position has to get on track and build a foundation for the rest of the season.
On defense, the team needs to be gap-sound and play smart. The coverage, specifically by corners Kahzir Brown and Daedae Hill, have been up to the task. However, the run defense has not.
Jackson Ambush and CJ Heard, two of the main contributors in the run defense, must lead the unit and get them back on track against Wagner.
Key players for Wagner Seahawks
For Wagner, there are a few players who could help lead the team to victory.
On offense, running backs Rickey Spruill and Sekou Kamau have been extremely productive running the football. Both players have averaged at least 5.8 yards per carry through four games this season. Against a struggling FAU run defense, success is possible on Saturday.
In the passing game, the Seahawks should look to design touches for Jaylen Bonelli. If the Owls sell out to stop the run, Wagner should have some opportunities to take advantage of.
On defense, cornerback Justin Reilly and linebacker Jordan Johnson have the potential to be productive. if they can help stop the Owls’ rushing attack, they will have opportunities to get after the passer and cause havoc.
FAU Owls Blueprint for Victory
For the FAU Owls to beat Wagner, the game plan in this football matchup is quite simple.
- Exert your will on Wagner: Against an FCS opponent, the Owls should have an advantage in every possible category. Speed, strength, athleticism, and skill should all be in FAU’s favor. The Owls have to prove it on the field. They need to play power football on offense and dominate on defense. Anything short of that will be a major disappointment.
- Play smart: The Owls were snakebitten by penalties against UConn, which cost them a major way. FAU needs to play a clean game on Saturday evening and limit mental mistakes to a minimum. Penalties will allow Wagner to hang around and potentially come away with a major upset.
- Bring the BOOM: With AJ and Big Justice in attendance on Saturday, the Owls – and their fans – need to bring the energy into this matchup.
