FAU Owls hosts Bethune-Cookman Saturday night
Bethune-Cookman could be the perfect opponent for Florida Atlantic – given the Owls have an ESPN nationally-televised date at No. 18 UCF next Friday. Saturday’s 6 p.m. home game vs. Bethune-Cookman should give FAU coach Lane Kiffin the latitude to further fine-tune his offense in preparation for next week’s non-conference road game in Orlando.
Kiffin, however, will also be looking to shore up a defense that has allowed 90 points so far and a punt-block team that has given up blocks returned for touchdowns in the first two games.
FAU did even its record with the 33-27 victory over Air Force on Saturday, but it didn’t come easy.
Owls’ quarterback Chris Robison has played consistently over his first two collegiate starts, and was named Conference USA Player of the Week for his efforts against Air Force.
Robison hasn’t thrown an interception in his first 66 passes.
It took a late-game interception by linebacker Rashad Smith (Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week) to finally give FAU its first win over a service academy.
It’s another chance to see the Owls at home and the 6 p.m. start time should provide some relief from the heat.
GAME CAPSULE
Who: Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (1-1) vs. Florida Atlantic Owls (1-10
Where: Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, FL
When/Radio: 6 p.m. Saturday/ESPN 106.3 FM
Line: Florida Atlantic is favored by 38.5 points
About FAU: Big win for the host Owls against Air Force, even if they did almost give it away at the end. Strong performances by freshman quarterback Chris Robison (33-40, 471 yards, 3 TDs) and junior linebacker Rashad Smith (career-high 16 tackles) led FAU to a narrow win. Robison continues his strong start from what had been a preseason battle with junior De’Andre Johnson for the starting QB spot. Robison’s top receiver has been senior Jovon Durante, who caught 5 passes for 52 yards in th 63-14 loss at Oklahoma, and has 12 receptions for 174 yards a touchdown vs. Air Force.
About Bethune-Cookman: The Wildcats were roughed up (34-3) in their season opener at Tennessee State, then rebounded at home against NCAA Division II foe VA Lynchburg (79-16) last week. It would appear Bethune-Cookman will be more of a threat to pass on Saturday, based on stats from its first two games. Junior quarterback Akevious Williams was 13 of 23 for 156 yards (1 interception) against Tennessee St., and was 12 of 13 for 297 yards (4 touchdowns) in an abbreviated appearance vs. Lynchburg. Junior Malique Jackson has been Williams’ favorite target in the first two games with 5 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns. BC has rushed for 197 yards in two games on 53 attempts ( 3.7 yards avg.).
Photos by: Bob Markey / www.MarkeySportsPhoto.com Courtesy of www.FAUOwlsNest.com
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