After 11 games, it all comes down to this last one for the Owls. On Saturday FAU will take the field in Alabama against the defending and current Sun Belt Conference champions with a chance to split the title and earn a trip to the New Orleans Bowl.
“It’s a very big game for not only the players, but for everybody connected with the university,” said coach Howard Schnellenberger.
At 6-0, Troy has already won at least a share of the conference title, even if they lose to FAU. If the Owls win, each team will have a 6-1 record but FAU would own the head-to-head tie-breaker and receive the automatic New Orleans Bowl bid. Even if Troy loses, with an 8-4 record they still could be invited to a bowl game. Last year Middle Tennessee lost a tie-breaker to Troy but was still invited to the Motor City Bowl with a 7-5 mark.
So far this season, the Troy University Trojans have dominated their conference games and have picked up an impressive non-conference win against Oklahoma State, a team that defeated FAU 42-6.
Troy is led by senior quarterback Omar Haugabook, who has thrown 16 touchdowns and run for 11 more this season. Haugabook leads an offense that scores an average of 34.2 points per game.
“We know we are facing … a terrific offense,” Schnellenberger said.
The Owls and Trojans have faced several common opponents this season. While FAU has squeaked by in some Sun Belt games, winning one in overtime and coming from behind to win two others, Troy has run through its conference schedule with ease.
Troy beat Arkansas State 27-0, Middle Tennessee 45-7, Louisiana-Monroe 24-7 and North Texas 45-7. FAU played relatively close games against all of those teams this season.
However, coming off of their record-setting 55-23 Shula Bowl win over Florida International, the Owls are flying high.
After beating the Golden Panthers at the Orange Bowl, quarterback Rusty Smith now holds the FAU single-season records for passing TDs with 25 and passing yards with 3,061. Linebacker Frantz Joseph now holds single-season tackles record with 110 and fellow linebacker Cergile Sincere is right behind him with 103. Cornerback Corey Small continued the Owls 19-game interception streak with a fourth quarter pick. Small and Tavious Polo lead the nation with a combined 12 interceptions this season.
Smith and versatile running back DiIvory Edgecombe were named Sun Belt players of the week for their efforts against FIU.
“Needless to say, I’m quite proud of where they are at this juncture,” Schnellenberger said. “I’m pleased that we have qualified for this opportunity in the final game.”
If the Owls beat Troy, there will be one more game, in New Orleans on Dec. 21.
Saturday’s game in Alabama begins 2 p.m. The game can be seen on CSS, a Comcast Cable affiliate (Channel 32 in the Palm Beach market, Channel 63 in the Miami/Dade market, Channel 41 in Broward County). The game can also be heard on WMEN-AM 640 and on-line at FAU Sports.
