FOOTBALL
Prior to this season, FAU Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger labeled his defense inexperienced, but he considered it to be the most talented defensive unit he had ever seen, one loaded with potential. After the latest defensive debacle, Schnellenberger may want to reconsider that statement.
All season long, FAU’s defense has looked bleak, demonstrating poor tackling and displaying a troubling penchant to give up big plays. On Saturday, Nov. 7, that same unit single-handedly cost the Owls, losing in historic fashion to the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers.
Not only did the Owls defense give up a school-record 622 yards (the previous record was 608 vs. Louisville in 2005), they also allowed the Blazers to score on their first eight possessions, a stretch that lasted until the 51st minute of the game.
It was a simple strategy for the Blazers, too. The home team typically ran the ball, the majority of the time with quarterback Joe Webb, who entered the game as the 10th leading rusher in the nation. And despite their predictable offense, UAB acted as a monster truck in a demolition derby, successfully running over and crushing FAU’s defense.
“This is the worst beating that we have ever had,” said Schnellenberger of the 56-29 loss at Legion Field, which dropped the Owls to 2-6.
Whether it is starting new players or trying new schemes, Schnellenberger stated that a solution must be found.
“We have got to find out what to do to correct it,” said Schnellenberger. “Right now, I don’t have an exact answer for that.
“It is obviously too late to use patches and glue to try and shore up the defense. Major, major surgery is needed.”
Even a cordotomy is unlikely to improve this defense, though. Not that this group of players is incapable of performing well; it is simply that this defense has neither playmakers nor true leaders, and a unit can only go so far with those two glaring omissions.
Sure, cornerback Tavious Polo, linebacker Michael Lockley and safety Marcus Bartels have talent. But those players are complementary players; none of them are truly stars who instill fear in opposing teams with their playmaking abilities, and Schnellenberger noted the lack of big defensive plays.
“When we have position on the receiver, we don’t break up [passes] hardly at all,” said Schnellenberger. “Obviously we have not had enough interceptions the way people are throwing the ball against us. We haven’t knocked the ball loose hardly at all.”
Just as the players are feeling the heat, so too should the defensive coaches, especially Defensive Coordinator Kirk Hoza, who could be under the biggest microscope following the defeat.
To make matters worse, the record-breaking loss likely killed off any slim chance FAU had of reaching a third consecutive bowl game. With a 6-6 finish the best-case scenario, the Owls now have only one thing left to play for: pride.
“We are just playing for us now, and next year if it comes down to that,” said Lockley. “But first and foremost, it is your pride that you are playing for right now when you step out on that field for 60 minutes.”
For some fifth-year seniors, however, an at-best .500 season is a demoralizing reality.
“It hurts. It hurts,” said senior tight end Jamari Grant, who made five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown versus UAB. “Before the season started, I had my goals, the team had its goals, and [we knew] that being able to go to a third straight bowl game [would be] marvelous for our program.
“Now, knowing we don’t have a chance of getting to a bowl game, it really hurts. It cuts deep.”
Overshadowed by the loss was the first chapter in the Jeff Van Camp era. Taking over for injured quarterback Rusty Smith, Van Camp went 24-36 for 254 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, and he showed a poise not regularly seen in a player starting his first collegiate game
“There was a little bit of anxiety,” said Van Camp. “But I love football, and I would not have it any other way. I miss starting, and it was a bittersweet way to get your first start. The outcome wasn’t what we wanted, but hopefully next week we can get a win.”
The Owls next play at Lockhart Stadium against Arkansas State, a Sun Belt Conference foe that will enter the game with an identical record to FAU’s. A much-improved defensive display and a win at home are musts, because losing again courtesy of disastrous defense might cost some players their starting spots, and some assistant coaches their jobs.
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