Coming off a Shula Bowl victory, the FAU Owls will look to keep the good times rolling in Week 4.
FAU soundly defeated FIU in Week 3, keeping the Shula Bowl trophy in Boca Raton for at least another season. Now, the Owls will have to flock up to Storrs, Connecticut, to face the UConn Huskies.
The Huskies are no rollover opponent this season, as they took the Duke Blue Devils down to the wire last week and have looked very good to start 2024.
How can the Owls overcome this tough opponent? And what will the game look like on Saturday? I am back in the saddle, so follow along as I prepare you for this week’s title between UConn and FAU.
FAU vs. UConn Matchup History
In the history of these two programs, there has only been one matchup between them.
UConn decisively defeated FAU by a score of 61-14 on November 2, 2002. FAU was in the dawn of its program, while UConn was at the top of its power. However, it was a long time ago; to put it in perspective, many of the freshmen on both rosters were not even born the last time the game was played.
The two teams will now establish a new chapter in their history on Saturday night.
Weekly Media Availability Quotes
During his Tuesday media availability, head coach Tom 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.”
Cornerback Wendol Philord said that the Owls must quickly move from last week’s game to be 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.”
Regarding the offensive game plan against UConn, lineman Andre 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.”
Key Players: FAU Owls
Against the Huskies, FAU must be prepared to shut down a versatile running game between running back Cam Edwards and quarterback Nick Evers.
Linebackers Desmond Tisdol and Jackson Ambush must step up in this area after poor run defense performances against FIU. Jayden Williams, Eddie Williams, and C.J. Heard must keep their strong play going.
In the passing game, the younger players in the secondary will have to step up and fill the potential void of Daedae Hill. With Kahzir Brown holding down one side of the field and Philord manning the slot, players like Cameron Goggins, Lawrence Johnson, and Michael Antoine must step up.
On offense, the Huskies have given up almost 270 passing yards per game. As usual, FAU quarterback Cameron Fancher must play well to win this game. The Owls need to use Fancher’s running ability, in conjunction with Zuberi Mobley and C.J. Campbell Jr., to open up the passing game. As a result, Fancher will need to capitalize on the opportunities that the running game opens up for him.
Key Players: UConn
UConn, to win the game on Saturday, must play to their strengths as a team.
On offense, the Huskies must find a way to overcome a very talented Florida Atlantic secondary. Whether that is scheming top receiver Skyler Bell open or using a versatile rushing attack to open up the passing game, the Huskies need to get to their strengths quickly.
On defense, UConn must force Fancher to beat them through the air. Their rushing defense could allow them to do this, as their 4.1 allowed yards per carry is not a significant number in the grand scheme of college football. If defensive lineman Dal’mont Gourdine and linebacker Jayden McDonald can help stymie the Owls, the secondary that gave Duke trouble last week could do the same to FAU.
The Blueprint: How the FAU Owls Comes Out on Top
FAU needs to win against UConn to challenge truly for a bowl game in 2024. Here is how they accomplish that task.
- RUN. THE. BAWL.: FAU will not win this game by going complete air-raid on the Huskies. They need to find a way to implement their game plan from FIU against UConn. Herman and OC Charlie Frye must utilize motion more frequently to confuse the opposition’s defense. They need to deploy Fancher as a main portion of their rushing attack, not the appetizer. If they use the run game to this extent, the passing game will be opened up, and the Owls will have full access to their playbook.
- Turn defense into offense: A big part of the FIU victory was the defense creating opportunities for the offense. This needs to continue for the FAU Owls in Storrs. The secondary needs to be smart but aggressive. They need to attack the ball, as is the team motto. If they get even a takeaway to two, the Owls will be in a great position to knock off the Huskies.
- Replicate the response to adversity: In all likelihood, the Owls will face adversity on Saturday. There will be a point in the game where they are either trailing or not having something go correctly. They responded in an excellent manner to the adversity against FIU. More of the same must occur for the Owls this week to beat UConn.
