The Florida Atlantic Owls finished last year on a 4-0 run to make bowl eligibility for the first time since 2008. They were not selected for a bowl game last year, but this is a team on the rise and will most likely take that next step this year, which will be a bowl invite. Schedule & Prediction below.
The Owls averaged a solid 26.4 ppg last year and even with just 5 starters back this year they could eclipse that number. Dual threat QB Jaquez Johnson is back after leading the team in rushing (772 yards & 10 TDs) while throwing for 1876 yards and 12 TDs. Tp WR Daniel McKinney is gone from last year, but this is still a talent WR Corp that will be led by William Dukes (533 yards, 15.8 ypc and 6 TDs Last year). The running game has a decent stable of backs, led by Jay Warren (340 yards and 2 TDs last year), but there are questions on the OL, which could hinder the ground attack some. Last year the Owls allowed 22.3 ppg overall, but during their 4 game win stretch to end the year they allowed just 10 ppg. The secondary is the strength of this defense, led by D’Joun Smith and Christian Milstead, who combined for 11 INTs and 17 PBUs last year. The DL line looks solid as well, while the LB corps led by Andrea Kirk, who led the team in tackles last year, will be an average group at best. The Special teams unit gets a boost with highly touted K Landon Scheer, but overall this is a below average unit.
The Owls went through their turmoil last year when Carl Pelini resigned amidst allegations of illegal drug use, but that turned out to be a blessing as the team won their last 4 games without him and have momentum heading into this year. This year the offense will be a stronger group, especially if the OL comes together. The Defense has a few issues in the middle, but the DL is solid and the secondary is one of the best in Conference USA. The Schedule is tough to start the year, with road dates vs Nebraska and Alabama, but much of the rest of the schedule is manageable and should have this team sitting with 7 wins and a Bowl invite at the end of the year. KEY TREND: 1-6 ATS as home favorites off BB Road games.
2014 FAU Owls Football Schedule
Aug. 30 at Nebraska
Sep. 6 at Alabama
Sep. 13 Tulsa
Sep. 20 at Wyoming
Sep. 27 UTSA
Oct. 2 at FIU
Oct. 11 OPEN DATE
Oct. 18 WKU
Oct. 25 at Marshall
Nov. 1 UAB
Nov. 8 at North Texas
Nov. 15 OPEN DATE
Nov. 22 at Middle Tenn
Nov. 29 Old Dominion
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
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