San Antonio, TX — The FAU Owls went to San Antonio to take on the UTSA Roadrunners in AAC action on Saturday. And while the first half looked like Florida Atlantic was set to turn over a new leaf, the same mistakes continued to to thwart any progress made by the Owls.
Florida Atlantic quarterback Cam Fancher had to play magician for his team; and even with standout performances from multiple members of the defense, the Owls suffered a fate they’ve seen multiple times this season – a second half collapse.
New city, same FAU Owls
The theme for the Owls’ offense this year has been slow starts. Saturday was no different, as FAU continued to sputter at the beginning of both halves. The offensive line created little running room for their backs, while the passing lanes were inconsistent with little separation from the receivers. With slot receiver Omari Hayes a late inactive due to injury, it added constraints to an offense that couldn’t afford to have them.
The Owls went three and out on their first possession of the game – something the team has become accustomed to this season. The second possession for the Owls would suffer a similar fate. A deep shot to Dominique Henry was missed, with Fancher being sacked on a drive-ending third down.
In the end, the Owls rushing attack could only muster 60 yards on 17 carries from their running backs, while only one pass-catcher totaled more than 20 receiving yards.
Meanwhile on defense, after stumbling to begin the first drive by UTSA, Florida Atlantic dug in and forced the Roadrunners to settle for a field goal. It’s the bend but don’t break style the Owls have played for much of the season; and at the beginning of the game, little changed.
Yet like a reoccurring nightmare, the defense could only create so many opportunities before the lack of production from the offense completely stalled any momentum the team would carry.
A magician and his tricks
One of the lone positives for Florida Atlantic in this game came from the legs of their quarterback. In the Owls’ third possession, Fancher took off for a 76-yard touchdown near the end of the first quarter to give FAU the lead heading into the second quarter.
Cam Fancher takes it himself 76 yards for a touchdown to give Florida Atlantic the lead! #FAU pic.twitter.com/WXVr2xvJlj
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) October 19, 2024
Despite entering the game with a turf toe injury, Fancher made multiple plays with his legs throughout the first half. At times in the first half, he was simply a magician in the pocket. A 6-yard scramble for a touchdown showed how, at times, the Marshall transfer can masterfully navigate pressure to find open running lanes.
Cam Fancher is playing like a magician right now. He avoids the sack and runs it in himself from 6 yards out and gives #FAU the lead once again. pic.twitter.com/8oPeAfZz83
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) October 19, 2024
Unfortunately for FAU, UTSA was able to adjust to the tricks from the Owls quarterback. Fancher would end the game being sacked six times, while also losing a fumble in the redzone. And as a passer, little went his way. Fancher only accrued 96 passing yards with a 47 completion percentage on 19 attempts.
A spasmodic performance from the defense
In the first quarter, the defense played well. After that, it was a spasmodic performance that saw two standout performances, and plenty of miscommunications.
To start the second quarter, UTSA quarterback Owen McCown would hit tight end Patrick Overmyer for a 40-yard touchdown on a broken coverage by Florida Atlantic. The Owls have been susceptible to getting beat on the backend through their safeties, and McCown took advantage here.
Owen McCown hits Patrick Overmyer for a 42-yard touchdown. #BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/zKBpFexOUe
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) October 19, 2024
While a drive like that may hurt the confidence of some teams, the FAU Owls have proven to be resilient defensively. After Florida Atlantic failed to convert on a fourth and goal, Owls safety Jayden Williams intercepted McCown, returning the ball to the UTSA 3-yard line. It would be the first of two interceptions from Williams, who continued to make excellent coverage plays throughout the contest.
On third down, #FAU runs a disguise blitz in Cover-2. A great play by Eddie Williams and Jayden Williams break up the pass and lead to a UTSA punt. Great play by the defense.
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) October 19, 2024
Despite the excellent coverage performance from Williams, the Owls did little to contain the UTSA passing attack. McCown would finish the game with 340 passing yards with two touchdowns and a 127 passer rating. He was also sacked four times, with two coming from defensive end Marlon Bradley. Defensive tackle Jacob Merrifield also had 1.5 sacks in what looked to be a breakout performance, but would leave the contest early due to injury.
Ultimately, the stagnant nature of the FAU Owls offense was the death blow to the defense. In fact, the only points scored by Florida Atlantic in the second half was a 49-yard fumble recovery by Wendol Philord. With that lack of offensive production, most teams will be doomed to playing behind – and with mounted pressure.
Tom Herman claims “hard decisions” will be made going forward
Frustration was visible on the face of FAU Owls head coach Tom Herman as he entered his media availability. With back-to-back collapses leading to losses, Herman echoed disappointment in the result based on the team’s weekly preparation.
“It’s easier to stomach losses when you play [a team like] Clemson and you get outmatched,” began Herman. “It’s hard, hard – because I know how we practiced … We’ve got to make, I think, harder decisions at the end of these last five weeks. We’ve got to play the guys that consistently at least just do what they’re taught to do … It’s one thing to get beat, it’s another to feel like the opponent executed better than you … I just have to evaluate how to get the right guys on the field that can execute at a very, very consistent rate.”
When asked to name a specific change going forward, Herman was emphatic in his response.
“Assignment. When our defensive coordinator calls man-to-man coverage, at least don’t let the guy go and play a different coverage. Throw hot when you’re supposed to throw hot … Every week feels like a new week and we can’t continue this way. Something’s got to give.”
When asked what challenges the lack of execution on offense can present to a play-caller, Herman cautioned patience – while taking the burden for their follies.
“You have to be careful that you don’t start grab-bagging when a run goes for one yard or a pass gets pressured and you panic and say ‘you got to do this now or we got to do that’. We got to do the plan better. And you’re right, it’s our job as coaches to make sure that our players can athletically, execute that plan.”
After the loss to UTSA, Florida Atlantic head coach Tom Herman spoke for his media availability. It was another tough loss for #FAU in a game they needed to win.@FAUFootball | #WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/FLUFfoOd4e
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) October 20, 2024
Following Herman for postgame media availability was quarterback Cam Fancher. When asked what adjustment needs to be made in the offense going forward, the quarterback echoed consistency as the primary factor for success.
“Just being consistent in our details. All 11 guys doing their job play in and play out … I feel like the biggest thing isn’t changing who we are, it’s being more detailed in what we’re doing.”
The last member of the FAU Owls to take the podium was Jayden Williams. Williams described the loss to UTSA as “frustrating” to lose games in this fashion. Like coach Herman before him, Williams also echoed “consistency” as a key word the team needs to adhere to going forward.
The last player for Florida Atlantic to have postgame media availability was Jayden Williams. Williams played an incredible game for the Owls, securing two interceptions – with multiple great plays in coverage.@FAUFootball | #WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/nodbKNGZA7
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) October 20, 2024
