The college football season keeps on chugging along! Ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the UConn Huskies,FAU head coach Tom Herman, and a few Owls players addressed the media. They spoke about their victory over FIU in the Shula Bowl and how they are preparing for their latest matchup of the 2024 season.
Follow along as we detail the most significant quotes from September 17th’s media availability for the FAU Owls.
Tom Herman Quotes
The head coach spoke about the fan turnout for the Shula Bowl, thanking them for “braving” the elements that delayed the game for over an hour.
“It was really fun to see. I want to thank the fans that weathered the storm, pun intended. And I’m really, really happy to come away with a win.”
Herman added that, out of all the aspects of last Saturday’s victory, he was proudest of his team’s response to adversity.
“We did everything you could think of early in that game to try to lose it. We had three straight three-and-outs; we gave up a cheap touchdown on defense, and we had a punt blocked. But we found a way to settle ourselves down. It had all the feelings of the last two games, from a frustration level. But something clicked in our guys, and they found the confidence necessary to go back to their training,” said Herman.
“The second and third quarters were about as good of football collectively as we have played since I’ve been here. We have to learn that when you are up 34-7, you have to be able to finish people out. But overall, we are really pleased.”
Herman said that the Huskies are a more formidable opponent than FIU. He also said they are arguably “the most physical” opponent they have played all season.
“Coach Moore has done a heck of a job. They have a big-time quarterback and receiver. They have a big tailback, and their offensive line is as good as we have seen on film at this level. They are pretty multiple in their formations on defense, to say the least. It’s from the Rocky Long school of 3-3-5, bringing people from everywhere, blitzing safeties, and playing three safeties. It’s a tough defense to counteract. We have a tough challenge ahead of us.”
Injury-wise, Herman said cornerback Daedae Hill suffered a high-ankle sprain and will be a “game-time decision.” He said they would try their best to get him ready and have him jogging by Thursday. Herman noted that freshman linebacker Jarvis Johnson tore his LCL and will be out for the season.
Asked about replacing Hill, Herman said that there would be a drop-off due to the player that the star cornerback is.
“That is no knock on Mike Antoine, that is no knock on Cameron Goggins, that is no knock on whoever else might fill in. Daedae has been having a heck of a year since the offseason, so to be very blunt, there will be a drop-off.”
Additionally, Herman said that Scarlee Jean is “working his way back into practice” this week, Daughtry Richardson is dealing with a broken hand, and Cameron Fancher is managing the same finger injury from Michigan State.
Regarding Zuberi Mobley’s breakout performance against FIU, Herman said that it was “important for the offense and its growth.” He complimented the offensive line’s play and Mobley’s “speed and vision” on his long, 70+ yard touchdown run.
“I thought both backs, but Mobley especially, it was good to see him play well. Considering the year he had and the expectations we had for him last year before the injury, he’s really responded and had a good first few games.”
Asked about Cameron Fancher‘s increased rushing workload, Herman said it would be reasonable to expect more going forward.
“When he made the right decisions and got out in the open field, he looked like the guy we saw on video, for sure.”
Herman then mentioned some young players who stood out in the FIU game.
“Eric Brantley and Gavench Marcellin, for sure, those guys play hard, really, really hard. Gemari Sands is a fun guy to be around, and I love his intensity, and he’s got a lot of speed and twitch; he’s a tough dude. We must get him going in the right direction, not jumping offsides on a punt block. Lawrence Johnson got some quality reps and played well. But, you know, some of those guys stand out to me and will continue to,” said Herman.
Wendol Philord Quotes
Asked about the level of competition compared to Kaiser, Philord said that the skill level “isn’t that much different.”
“A big difference is the offensive and defensive line, with how much bigger and more physical they are. The technique that the receivers use is a little bit different, but not in terms of speed. The game-planning is also different; we have more plays and are going against teams with more plays in their scheme. The biggest difference is the speed of the game. It’s much faster; teams go tempo, and some teams don’t. Every week is different, and you must always bring your A-game.”
Philord discussed how the FAU Owls need to move on from their victory against FIU in order to be fully prepared for UConn.
“We did a good job last week, but we can’t let last week affect this week. We can’t get lazy, we still have to produce and do what we have been doing …We have to come to practice and act like we are a winless team, so we can be hungry. 1-0 every week, that’s what we say around here.”
The FAU Owls defensive back discussed the interception for Phillip Dunham, joking about how he tripped up his teammate on a surefire pick-six.
“I was running ahead of him, and he was pointing behind me so I could block somebody. So I was looking behind and not in front of me. And I guess I got in his way a little bit and tripped him up. But I told him I owed him one, so I’ll get him a touchdown before the season is over with.”
Regarding freshman safety CJ Heard, Philord said he is “proud” of the freshman and encourages him to be vocal with the rest of the secondary on the field.
Andre Lamas Quotes
The FAU Owls offensive lineman spoke about how much beating FIU last Saturday meant to him.
“It actually meant a lot because I knew plenty of the players on the team. For instance, their defensive lineman was a former teammate from my high school, Jeramy Passmore. Great player and a great guy all around. One of their kickers went to my high school as well. It just meant a lot because being from Miami and being able to stay undefeated against a team from Miami, there is nothing more I could really ask for.”
Regarding their game plan against UConn, Lamas said it is to “execute and have another great game” by following their rules and staying consistent. He also spoke about their running game breaking through against FIU.
“We always knew we were capable of this, but it is just about mastering the art of consistency.”
FAU will look to get to .500 with a victory against UConn on Saturday. If they can execute a game plan similar to their trouncing of FIU, there will be an excellent chance for the Owls to be 2-2 heading into Week 5.
