FAU travels to Florida International for Shula Bowl game

  The margin for error if Florida Atlantic’s football team is to become bowl eligible is fast becoming razor thin.

  Saturday night, FAU travels to Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami to face Conference USA East Division leader Florida International in Shula Bowl XVII.

  The Owls, at 3-5, need to win at least three of their remaining four games to get to the magic number of six victories – the minimum to qualify for a bowl bid.

  That means Florida Atlantic is going to have to win one of two remaining road games – Saturday against FIU or Nov. 15 at North Texas. The Owls would also need to win both remaining home games, against Western Kentucky (Nov. 10) and Charlotte (Nov. 24).

  But if FAU continues to play as it has on its current skid of four losses in its last five games, winning either of these last two road games will be tough.

  Florida Atlantic jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead at home last Friday against Louisiana Tech, then made crucial mental mistakes in the fourth quarter in a tough 21-13 loss.

  The Owls continue to be led offensively by junior running back Devin Singletary, who has rushed for 837 yards on 166 carries (5.0 average) and has scored 15 touchdowns. Singletary rushed for a season-high 171 yards in the loss to Louisiana Tech. However, Singletary – who led the nation in scoring for much of the season and is currently third overall – has scored only one touchdown in the last two games, both losses.

  Freshman quarterback Chris Robison is listed as probable for Saturday’s game at FIU, after playing only sparingly (2 of 3 passing for 6 yards and two rushes for 1 yard) in the loss to Louisiana Tech because of an injured ankle. Robison threw a season-high four interceptions in the 31-7 Oct. 20 loss at Marshall, the game in which he was injured.

  Against Louisiana Tech, backup Florida Atlantic quarterback Rafe Peavey was 15 of 26 passing for 115 yards with one interception.

  Jovon Durante (47 catches, 638 yards and 2 touchdowns), Willie Wright (35 catches, 347 yard, 2 TDs) and Harrison Bryant (30 catches, 374 yards, 3 TDs) are FAU’s leading receivers.

  Linebacker Rashad Smith is FAU’s top defender (68 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions). The Owls are sorely missing Azeez Al-Shaair, the preseason all-conference linebacker who suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice prior to the Marshall game.

Who: Florida Atlantic (3-5, 2-3) at Florida International (6-2, 4-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where/Radio: Riccardo Silva Stadium – Miami; ESPN 106.3 FM

Line: Florida International is a 2.5-point favorite

Did you Know: The game will be Shula Bowl XVII – the annual battle between the two south Florida schools. FAU has an 11-4 edge in the series and won last year’s game on Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU, 52-24.

Photos contributed by: Bob Markey / www.MarkeySportsPhoto.com Courtesy of www.FAUOwlsNest.com