Sophomore cornerback Corey Small had three of the FAU defense’s five interceptions as the Owls upset conference leaders Arkansas State 29-0 during the Owls’ homecoming game at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
“The interception felt really good,” Small said. “I guess I was more patient today. I just tried to be in the right place at the right time.”
Small returned the last interception for a touchdown to seal the victory.
FAU drove deep Arkansas State’s territory on their first offensive series, setting up an early 21-yard Warley Leroy field goal to take the lead 3-0. The score was of significance after FAU failed to score in its last Sun Belt Conference game against Louisiana-Lafayette. On the second ASU offensive series, the FAU defense – who has only allowed 12 points in the last three games combined – stopped the Indians cold in their tracks. On the Owls’ next offensive series, junior running back B.J. Manley scored on a 35-yard touchdown run to make the score 10-0 in favor of FAU. The touchdown was Manley’s first of the year. FAU Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger credited the hometown spirit for the upset win.
“The Students, the Prowlers and the Band have joined forces to help with us helping to fill up the stands,” Schnellenberger said.
The defense would not let up and FAU capitalized again when cornerback Small intercepted an Arkansas pass. The play led to the third offensive score of the day when kicker Leroy booted a 41-yard field goal making the score 13-0.
Late in the first half when Arkansas State was building momentum, Small made his second interception – this one in the FAU end-zone – to preserve the Owls’ first-half shutout. Defensive end Josh Pinnick said the Owls defense is something to be reckoned with in the future.
“When we go out there it’s 11 hungry dogs going after a meal,” Pinnick said.
FAU didn’t take long add more to their lead in the second half when they scored on a safety to make the tally 15-0. With a defensive stalemate going on during the second half, linebacker Cergile Sincere intercepted an Arkansas State deep in FAU territory.
