The Florida Atlantic Owls need two wins to get back to a bowl for the first time since 2020. It is a tall task for a team that has been so inconsistent in 2025, especially against good opponents on their schedule.
Their upcoming task is the UConn Huskies. At 8-3 on the season, UConn has secured an impressive win over Duke and narrowly lost to Syracuse (when the Orange still looked promising). They have also dropped games to Delaware and Rice, the latter of which FAU already beat this season.
It is a very important game for the Owls, especially with an opportunity to continue the bowl game quest on the line. It is time to dive into another FAU Owls 2025 game preview!
FAU vs. UConn Huskies: 2025 College Football Preview
Game History
In their two matchups against each other, the Owls have not had much luck against the Huskies.
Only playing twice, FAU is 0-2 against UConn. Last season was the second matchup between the schools, and it did not go well for the Owls. UConn dismantled FAU by a score of 48-14. Former FAU running back CJ Campbell Jr. had two rushing touchdowns in the game, the only score for the Owls. For UConn, they had 430 total rushing yards as a team. Running back Mel Brown had 156 yards, while fellow backfield mate Durell Robinson had 156 yards and two touchdowns.
Key Players to Watch for FAU
Against a formidable UConn team, it is all hands on deck for the Owls.
On offense, the key players are all of those involved in the run game for FAU. For as good as its pass defense has been this year, UConn has gotten gashed by the run game. Allowing 0.12 EPA/rush, there should be plenty of room for the Owls to operate in an area of the game that has been an issue all year for them. However, this success is predicated on the running backs and offensive line doing their job against the Huskies.
Kaden Shields-Dutton needs to continue to run with power and decisiveness. Gemari Sands, needs to run with burst and explosiveness (if healthy). Most importantly, the offensive line needs to play at a high level. The Owls need to be better up front to give their offense a good chance to succeed on Saturday.
Defensively, the key players are the entire unit.
UConn has a lethal rushing attack led by standout running back Cam Edwards, who has eclipsed 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year. The Huskies have one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Joe Fagnano and a future productive NFL player in wide receiver Skyler Bell. UConn also has a very productive offensive line that has succeeded against all types of opponents.
To compete in this game, FAU will need the defensive line to stuff the run and get after the passer. Tyler Stolsky and Leon Hart Jr. must fill gaps in the run and cover players when necessary. In the secondary, the Owls need everyone to tackle well and limit explosive plays.
It will be a massive challenge for the Owls on Saturday. However, if they can limit explosive plays and touchdowns, they may have a chance in this game.
Key Players to Watch for UConn
Against FAU, running back Cam Edwards and linebacker Bryun Parham are key.
While lots of attention will be paid to Skyler Bell, Edwards could be the one who powers the UConn offense in this game. Averaging 5.6 yards per carry this year, the running back has punished tacklers. He has 636 yards after contact and 40 missed tackles forced, which is impressive when paired with his 15 designed runs of 15 yards or more. Against an FAU team that is bad against the run, Edwards could be in store for a big day.
Defensively, Parham has not only been great this season for the Huskies, but also plays a position that is critical against the Owls. The linebacker has 20 pressures, 11 sacks, 86 tackles, 55 run stops, an interception, and a pass breakup. Additionally, he has only missed five tackles on 654 total defensive snaps.
Parham has the capability to shut down the running game through his efforts alone. He also frequently wrecks shop as a pass rusher to disrupt opponents. He has not only thrived against G5 competition, but has stepped up to the plate against the likes of Duke and other P4 opponents. To put it lightly, Parham is a key figure in the UConn defense who helps them find success. If FAU wants to win on Saturday, they will have to do something about the standout linebacker on a very frequent basis.
Keys to Victory: FAU Owls
Throw Curveballs
The Owls have gotten torched in many games this season for a variety of reasons. One is that FAU simply runs out of punches late in games. Whether it is the offense or defense, the dam always breaks for FAU. To stave off that fate once again, they need to throw UConn some curveballs to try to create some momentum or a lead. It can be a new trick play on offense, personnel, or concepts that build off of ones shown on film already. FAU is up against it this weekend and need every inch to make it to a bowl game in 2o25. No stone should be left unturned in this game.
Out-effort UConn
FAU can control its effort in this game, and it needs to be at its highest level. The Owls cannot let their opposition outmuscle, outpace, or outmaneuver them. Anything less than an A+ effort will result in a loss in this game. This is the one margin they cannot afford to lose.
No Stupid Penalties
A common theme for the 2025 iteration of the team, FAU needs to avoid the stupid penalties. Like the effort portion above, this is a non-negotiable. If the Owls make mistakes all game, they will not have a chance against UConn.
Keys to Victory: UConn Huskies
Exert your Will on Offense
UConn is the better team in this game. The Huskies need to take advantage of FAU’s defense, specifically on the ground. UConn’s goal should be to make the Owls’ defense quit on Saturday.
Make FAU Fall into Mistakes
FAU’s offense is extremely dynamic, but also prone to mistakes. UConn needs to ensure that they do not get into a rhythm and force the unit into catch-up mode. This will start with the run defense.
The Huskies have to make sure that FAU stays behind the sticks in their fast-paced scheme. From there, UConn needs to apply pressure on the quarterback. If those two things happen, they should be in a great position to for the Owls into mistakes.
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Brandyn Pokrass
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2023 with a Communications Degree, a concentration in Multimedia Journalism, and a minor in Broadcasting. Received an M.A. in Communication from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2024. Wrote for Jets Insider for two years, was previously a beat writer for Jets X-Factor, previously hosted a Knicks podcast for Let's Talk Knicks, and contributed to Inside the Iggles. Currently writes for Metsmerized Online, contributes to Badlands, and contributes video content to Couch Potato Sports Coverage. Avid movie watcher, gym goer, music listener, and overall sports fan.