Florida Atlantic faces pivotal test in road game Saturday at Ball State
Florida Atlantic losses to start the season at Ohio State (No. 6 AP) and at home against Central Florida (No. 17 AP) were expected.
That the Owls played better at Ohio State in a 45-21 loss than they did before a huge crowd on Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium in a 48-14 setback to UCF was somewhat of a surprise.
Now, FAU faces a Ball State (1-1) team on the road Saturday in a game that appears to be evenly matched – even if the Cardinals are a 2.5-point favorite.
And while it is another non-conference game for FAU, it is a pivotal contest for the Owls as they try to get into the win column and prepare for Conference USA play later in the season.
Ball State is coming off a 57-29 win at home against Fordham, in a game where Cardinals’ quarterback Drew Plitt tied a school record with six touchdown passes. Plitt, who completed passes to 11 different receivers, was named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
The Cardinals, who lost to Indiana (34-24) in their season opener at a neutral location (Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis), are averaging 40.5 point a game, while giving up 31.5. Ball State is averaging nearly 500 yards (497.0) on offense through the first two games, with 371 of those yards coming through the air.
The Cardinals have 17 returning position starters on their roster.
“Ball State has a high-tempo offense, have put up a lot of yards this year … so we have a lot of work to do,” FAU coach Lane Kiffin said earlier this week of Saturday’s opponent.
FAU has struggled defensively, as many expected, against the high-powered offenses of OSU and UCF, giving up an average of 521.5 yards through the first two games. Adding to Florida Atlantic’s woes last Saturday against UCF were three unsportsmanlike penalties called against three separate FAU defensive backs.
“It’s been addressed to (the three defensive backs) by multiple people, such as myself, the coordinator and position coach,” Kiffin said. “That’s very disappointing because it’s selfish … That’s the definition of lack of discipline.”
Offensively, FAU has shown consistency in passing the football, as quarterback Chris Robison has completed 40 of 74 passes (1 interception) for 555 yards – hitting nine different receivers.
However, Kiffin is still working to find a productive replacement for Devin Singletary – the school’s all-time rushing leader who made a significant contribution for a rookie (four carries for 70 yards, five receptions for 28 yards) in Buffalo’s come-from-behind win against the New York Jets on Sunday.
Through the first two games collectively, FAU runners have rushed 80 times for 159 yards – just under 2 yards per carry. Larry McCammon (29 rushes, 70 yards, 2 TDs), Malcolm Davidson (9 rushes, 63 yards) and James Charles (14 rushes, 42 yards) lead FAU rushers.
Kiffin sees the potential in his runners, saying, “You do see the talent with these running backs (this year) … they had some good runs throughout the game (vs. UCF).”
On an even playing field against Ball State, Florida Atlantic will need a better effort from its defense and an improved running game if the Owls are going to get into the win column.
If You Go
Who: Florida Atlantic (0-2) at Ball State (1-1).
What: Non-conference game, the second in the series between the two teams. Ball State won the prior contest (31-27) in 2016 at FAU.
Where: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, Indiana (Capacity 22,500),
When: 2:05 p.m. Saturday.
TV: ESPN+.
Line: Ball State is a 2.5-point favorite.
Did you Know: Florida Atlantic is the only team in the country to play two Top 20 teams in the first two weeks of the season … FAU tight ends Harrison Bryant and John Raine, both seniors, have caught a combined 21 passes in the first two games – best among all FBS tight end duos.
Photos contributed by: Bob Markey / Courtesy of www.FAUOwlsNest.com
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