On Saturday, Sept. 11, the Florida Atlantic University Fighting Owls Football team proved to the nation that they are not only worthy of being in Division 1-A, but could be the Sun Belt’s best team. North Texas, who has won the Sun Belt Conference Title for the past three seasons, couldn’t stop the heroics of the Owls, who will be joining the Sun Belt Conference next season. The Owls snapped the Mean Green win streak of 18 straight conference game victories, which dates back three years. The Owls started the game off with a 14-play, 55-yard drive that ended in a Mark Myers field goal from 45 yards out. FAU would hold their three-point lead until late in the first quarter when the Mean Green tied it up with a field goal. Later, Doug Parker ran the ball in from the one-yard line to give FAU the 10-3 lead just before half-time. However, FAU would get another chance after North Texas went three-and-out to score before the half. FAU tried to take advantage, but without any time-outs they couldn’t stop the clock and had to walk away, leaving the ball inside the red zone, with no points scored. In the middle of the third quarter, FAU would increase their lead to 13-3 when Myers connected once again, this time from only 19 yards out. At this point, FAU seemed to be in the driver’s seat, but the Mean Green weren’t giving up. With just over ten minutes to go, North Texas found themselves with a first and goal from the FAU three-yard line. FAU stopped the Mean Green rushing attack on first, second, and third down, bringing up a fourth and goal from the one. Kevin Moore, however, pounded the ball in and scored the touchdown for North Texas, making it a three-point game. North Texas scored again on their very next drive. With less than four minutes to go in the game, the Mean Green were able to drive down the field and set up Nick Bazaldua for a 31-yard field goal, tying the score at 13. The Owls found themselves in an all too familiar situation. Just last week, the Owls were able to pull out a victory against Hawaii on their last drive of the game. This week was no different. Anthony Jackson returned the kick to the 50-yard line, setting up great field position for the offense. Jared Allen led his team down the field and Doug Parker scored his second touchdown of the game with only 29 seconds to go. FAU has won 12 of their last 13 games. With this win, the Owls have two straight wins over teams that went to Division 1-A Bowl games last year. (Memphis d. UNT 27-17 in the New Orleans Bowl and Hawaii d. Houston in 3 OTs 54-48 in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl). FAU rushed for 177 yards, which proved to be the difference in the game. They also passed for 280 yards with no interceptions. The Owls managed only six penalties for 34 yards to the Mean Green’s nine penalties, which cost them 70 yards. Jared Allen completed 18 of 25 passes to nine different receivers. Anthony Chrissinger-Hill, for the second week in a row, was atop the receiving charts with four receptions and 71 yards. Larry Taylor also had four receptions, resulting in 38 yards. The Owls travel to Middle Tennessee State this Saturday to play their toughest opponent left on the schedule this year. Last year, FAU pulled out a victory with a hailmary to win the game 20-19. MTSU is looking for revenge, but the Owls are looking to continue their undefeated season. After that, the Owls come home to play Illinois State University on September 25th. THE FAU FANS WERE OUT IN FULL FORCE Sigma Alpha Mu, a fraternity at FAU, began the long drive to Texas Friday night to get to the game in time for kickoff. After the game, they turned around and went home. In addition, some former FAU students who have transferred to the University of Texas were in Denton supporting their old alma mater. Keith McGlaughlin, his wife, and his daughter all went to Denton for the game. His daughter graduated from FAU in 1994 and Keith has been a season ticket holder since the beginning. “The Owls have made it. They were poised, professional, and potent. They took care of business,” said Keith. He also said that about 50 season ticket holders made the trip. The FAU Football team hopes that more fans will not only follow the team on television and on the radio during their away games, but also be part of the 15,000 fan average requirement to successfully make the jump to Division 1-A during their home games as well. For information regarding radio and television coverage, travel arrangements, and home games, visit www.fausports.com.