COLUMBIA, S. C.- Jason Harmon caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sean Clayton as FAU scored in the first quarter for the first time this season. The Owls showed tremendous improvement in this game compared to the first three games of the 2006 season combined.
“As we went through these four, you’ll be able to see a major improvement,” Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger said.
FAU punted eight times in its 45-6 loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks in front of 70,860 people at William Brice Stadium.
“Crowds definitely have a presence out on the field,” said punter Mike O’Neill at the post game press conference.
With the score 7-6 in favor of the Gamecocks, Owls special teams kicking unit attempted a point after attempt. On the PAT, holder Mike O’Neill picked the ball up before kicker Warley Leroy could kick it, and O’Neill threw a pass into the end-zone that was broken up by a South Carolina defender.
Schnellenberger felt his team played well early.
“My football team believes, my staff does and all of us at Florida Atlantic,” said Schnellenberger.
Even though the score was out of reach early, the defense played well at times during the game. Defensive Linemen Jervonte Jackson says the defensive line does everything in their power to put some pressure up front.
“We tried our hardest out there,” Jackson said at the post-game news conference.
On the Gamecocks first offensive possession, Owls cornerback Ricky Bethel intercepted quarterback Syvelle Newton, but Bethel fumbled and South Carolina recovered. The Gamecocks took just two plays to score after the FAU mistake to make it 7-0. The Owls offense struck back quickly after a 47-yard run by quarterback Sean Clayton that set up the Harmon score. At the end of the first quarter FAU trailed by one, 7-6.
While the defense played well, it was tough to contain Gamecock wide receiver Sydney Rice. He had one touchdown catch in the first quarter, and two in the second quarter. The three touchdowns tied the South Carolina Gamecock record. With 3:23 left in the second quarter, Rice broke the record with his fourth touchdown in the game. His catch made the score 28-6 in favor of the Gamecocks.
“Steve Spurrier certainly got this team excited about playing us,” Schnellenberger said.
FAU offense moved the ball well with 121 first-half yards. More importantly, 72 of those first-half yards were rushing yards. However the offense couldn’t score in the third quarter, and after three quarters FAU fell behind 42-6.
“They played a very good football game.” Schnellenberger said.
Running back B.J. Manley did not play because of a separated shoulder. Schnellenberger said before the game that two other running backs that have seen significant playing time this season would replace Manley.
“Willie Rose or Aaron Sanchez will play at the tailback position,” he said.
Coaches at FAU knew the non-conference schedule would be tough. Schnellenberger labeled the first four games of this season, “advance training for future FAU Sun-Belt Conference games.”
“It’s been a hard time, we know that,” he said. “We hoped to get better and learn to fight the battle.”
“Sometimes you have to play these teams first if you want to beat them,” Schnellenberger added.
