The FAU Owls have had a disappointing start to their season. After a promising Week 1 performance that saw Florida Atlantic lose a close matchup against Michigan State, the Army Black Knights had their way with FAU utilizing their triple-option scheme. Entering Week 3, it’s FAU vs. FIU in the Shula Bowl, in what’s become a must-win matchup for the Owls.
FAU vs. FIU Matchup History and Excerpts
The Owls and Panthers have played each other 20 times in the Shula Bowl. Thus far, Florida Atlantic holds the edge, with 16 wins to only four losses. In their most recent matchup, the Owls dominated FIU, winning 52-7. FAU currently holds a six-game winning streak against FIU heading into this matchup.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Owls head coach Tom Herman had this to say about the matchup.
“I think I’m pretty up to speed on the rivalry. I think I was when I showed up, not just because of the on-field stuff. Rivalries occur for many different reasons, and proximity is usually one of them. And I’ve literally never had a rival that close. I imagine they’re probably staying in their team hotel and driving up on game day. That’s a luxury I haven’t had. I’m looking forward to it next year, for sure,” said Herman.
“But we see these guys in recruiting. We see them in everything that we do, and they’re right down the road. A lot of our players played against their players in high school. They recruited a lot of our players as well, and vice versa. So, it has all of the makings of a great rivalry. It doesn’t surprise me that it’s as intensive as it is.”
Herman continues, “[This] rivalry goes a lot deeper than athletics. Our entire university battles them for admissions. We want to get a better chemistry student than FIU… we want to get a better trombonist in our marching band than FIU.”
For FIU, head coach Mike MacIntyre understands that the Panthers need to win this game. At least, if FIU wants to consider this a true rivalry matchup.
“I know when we played them here two years ago, they had their way with us,” MacIntyre said. “They’ve pretty much dominated it and for a rivalry to be a rivalry, we need to play better and see what we can do. We’re working hard to do that, but they’re very athletic. Very tough football team and they’ve played two good teams so far.”
Key Players for FAU
Despite some of the team’s defensive struggles against Army last week, the key players for FAU all align along the offensive side of the ball. And there’s none more important than starting quarterback Cam Fancher.
There’s no beating around the bush here, Fancher has not played well through the first two weeks of the season. The FAU offense has sputtered, scoring 17 total points in two weeks. The former Marshall quarterback has less than a 60 percent completion percentage, and more interceptions (3) than touchdowns (2). If the Owls want any chance of winning, their quarterback has to put points on the board.
Despite Fancher’s struggles, the blame can’t solely be placed on him. And another key unit must perform in this matchup for the Owls to win.
The offensive line needs to give Fancher time to throw, and room for the team to run the ball. The highest run-blocking grade along the offensive line belongs to center Federico Maranges, with a 62.6 grade. The lack of push from the line has made it a struggle to gain yards for the offense.
Yet while the interior has played well, especially for pass-blocking, the two tackles have been a detriment to the unit. Daughtry Richardson and Malcolm Lamar have been liabilities on the line, forcing Fancher to evade pressure from either side. Lamar specifically has struggled, with a ghastly 45.5 pass-blocking grade.
If FAU wants to win this game vs. FIU, the offensive line needs to put up a dominant performance against the Panthers defense.
Key Players for FIU
A big factor for FIU will be their ability to put pressure on Fancher. That’s been a key component to FAU’s struggles through two games, and it must happen if FIU wants a chance to win.
Two players who will have to get through for the Panthers are defensive end Keegan Davis and strongside linebacker Giovanni Davis. Attacking the left side of the FAU offense will put pressure on Fancher. That will either force him to step up into the pocket, or to his right side – which would force him to throw across his body.
On offense, FIU must get their rushing attack going. The FAU has a great secondary, but have shown to be susceptible against the run – giving up big plays against MSU and Army. If FIU is able to establish the run, they can pick their shots through the air and likely come away with a victory.
FAU’s Blueprint for Victory
The key to this game is pretty simple for FAU. The team needs to be able to run the ball effectively, while stopping the rushing attack of FIU.
If the Owls can run the ball, it takes the pressure of Fancher, instead of forcing the offense to be one-dimensional. On the flip side, stopping the run allows FAU to clamp down defensively and makes things tough for the FIU offense.
On top of that, the FAU offensive line needs to keep Fancher clean. Fancher will need time in the pocket to go through his progressions, or utilize his legs to make plays with the ball. In essence, this struggling FAU offense must play without fault, or it’s going to be yet another long day for Owls fans.
