At Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

FAU starts the 2003 season on the road against a Division I-A team for the second straight year. The Blue Raiders are coming off a 4-8 record and will be looking to take it to the Owls before going on the road to face Georgia, Clemson and Missouri in three consecutive weeks. This also marks the second year a fellow Atlantic Sun school has put FAU on their schedule, as Troy St. did last year. FAU will have to be perfect to win this game and that usually does not happen in week one.

Vs. Valdosta State Blazers

The Owls’ first home game would appear to be an easy win as they face the Division II Blazers, but that may be deceiving. The Blazers are coming off a 14-1 season in which their only loss came in the Division II championship game. Valdosta State has been picked to finish first or second in numerous preseason magazines, so the Owls need to be careful or their first-ever game at Lockhart Stadium will not be memorable.

At University of Central Florida Golden Knights

This is easily FAU’s toughest game of the year. UCF will be coming off an opening game against Virginia Tech and they will be ready to put fellow A-Sun FAU in their place. The Golden Knights have one of the best quarterbacks in the state of Florida in Ryan Schneider and wants only to improve on last year’s 7-5 record. Be happy if FAU puts up a fight in this one because that is all you can ask for.

At. Youngstown State Penguins

Last year these two teams put on a tremendous show. First Youngstown ran all over the field to take a commanding 24-3 lead, but in the second half, FAU’s stellar defensive effort did not allow the Penguins to cross mid-field. Youngstown hung on for a 24-17 win, but the Owls could taste victory and will definitely bring their A-game to Ohio. The Penguins are as high as 26 in preseason polls.

At Illinois State Redbirds

The Redbirds are coming off a 6-5 2002 campaign and are ranked as high as 32 nationally. Illinois has a lot of holes to file on offense this year, so the Owls could take advantage. The redbirds lost their leading rusher and top three receivers from last year, leaving quarterback Michael Souza, their leading returning rusher, with 363 yards. Illinois State will rely heavily on defense this year but since it’s the sixth game of the season, FAU’s offense should be up to the test.

Vs. Southwest Texas State Bobcats

FAU opens a five-game home stand against the new Texas State Bobcats (the Cats have dropped the Southwest from their name.) The Bobcats are coming off a 4-7 record and will be the weakest team FAU faces on this home stand. The Texas State offense, nicknamed the Triple Shoot, will be manned by University of Houston transfer Barrick Nealy, since Cody McCauley will not return due to a back injury. The Owls should begin this home stand on a high note unless they are looking forward to their next game.

Vs. Nicholls State Colonels

Last year Nicholls State pulled a fast on FAU. While running for 33 touchdowns, the Colonels passed for only three, two of which came against the Owls. A costly fumble on the 1-yard line also contributed to FAU losing last time 33-22. FAU’s defense will have a chip on their shoulders for this one, so do not expect out-of-the-ordinary scores like last year. Nicholls State enters the season ranked as high as 22 in the nation.

Vs. Northern Colorado Bears

The Bears are making the jump to Division I-AA this year from Division II, but don’t let that make you think this one will not be tough. NCU finished their final D-II campaign with a 12-2 record after losing in the semifinals to eventual champion Grand Valley State. What will help the Bears compete in D-IAA is that they have seven returning starters on defense. With a victory here the Owls will set the tone for the season’s final games.

Vs. Gardner-Webb University Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are ranked as high as 18 in preseason polls and they will be the second of three A-Sun conference teams FAU will face. The Bulldogs are looking for a repeat performance of their 9-1 record last year and again some respect. These two teams faced in FAU’s inaugural season with Gardner-Webb taking that contest with a score of 35-19.

Vs. Sienna Saints

Sienna is coming off of a 3-7 season where they only found wins against Canisius, Fairfield, and St. Johns College. Being the last home game of the year, FAU will certainly finish on a high note because there is no reason the Owls should lose this one.

At Florida International University Golden Panthers

The Shula Bowl moves to Miami this year as these two teams face off for the second time. FIU will not be happy with the Owls after losing last year 31-21 at Pro Player Stadium. A packed house at FIU should be home to many Owls fans as FAU looks to secure the Shula Trophy for another year.

Staff season prediction

Corey–

Jared Allen and gang have teams on this schedule that they cannot wait to play, so the season will definitely be exciting. They also will take their lumps from the DI-A teams. Look for FAU to come up big in their third season finishing 7-4. Certain swing games could change this record either way.

Todd–

Last year FAU went 2-9 in its second season. The main element in the season’s turmoil was, debatably, the hardest schedule in Division I-AA. This year the Owls will be better, the only question is can they win half of their games. The team and fans are optimistic and there have been genuine debates concerning whether FAU can make it to the postseason. Although postseason talk is extremely premature, it does indicate just how much of a difference a year makes.

The offensive line will be the most improved unit over last year’s injury substituted line, which didn’t get a lot of time to gel. With the improvement up front, the running game will be that much better. A more balanced offense will lead to more competitive games against tougher opponents and more wins. It should be a fun ride, look for the Owls to go 6-5 as they attempt to have their first winning season.

Kay–

I think the FAU Owls will be 7-4 for the 2003 season. FAU’s schedule is tough, but I think the Owls can pull through with a victorious season. They want to make up for the previous two seasons. FAU will put their heart and soul into every game that they play. FAU is playing Northern Colorado, who is in their first season in Division I-AA football. This should be a definite win for the Owls.

$mitty–

It’s hard to predict a season like ours. We are playing Division 1-A schools such as Middle-Tennessee State and University of Central Florida, games which are probably going to be losses. Such schools as Northern Colorado and Valdosta State are also not going to be easy opponents. Both schools were in the Division 1-AA playoffs last year. In addition, Youngstown State is consistently in the Division 1-AA polls. Our Fighting Owls should finish the season with 7 wins and 4 losses.