Easiest Game – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
FAU will take advantage of the Hilltoppers’ transitional period and win this game with ease. WKU’s defense will have a hard time slowing down the Owls’ offense, which averaged 30.1 points per game last season while the Hilltoppers allowed 20.8. Western Kentucky, which is not bowl eligible and a year away from joining the Sun Belt, will clash with FAU for years to come.
Toughest Game – Minnesota Golden Gophers
Yes, the Owls beat Minnesota last season, but do you think the Gophers will let that happen again? Minnesota had a terrible season last year going 1-11, including losses to Bowling Green, Northwestern and, most embarrassing of all, North Dakota State. You’d have to believe that the 42-39 loss to FAU is fuel for their team’s collective fire when the Owls travel to Minnesota Nov. 20. The Golden Gophers will not sleep on the Owls this year, and will try to avenge last year’s loss.
Toughest Sun Belt Competition – Troy Trojans
Troy shared the Sun Belt Title last year with the Owls and brings back another competitive team this year. The Trojans were the best offensive team last year in the Sun Belt, and ranked 15th in the NCAA with 452.8 yards per game. They will lose a step with the losses of QB Omar Haugabook and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. The Trojans also lost top cornerback Leodis McKelvin, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. Troy actually finished with the same conference record as FAU but lost out on the New Orleans Bowl, because their loss to the Owls served as the tiebreaker.
Upset Watch – Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State is a good team in a good conference. All signs point to a typical game of this type of matchup: FAU competes for the first half, and in the end the team with the better athletes prevails. FAU is expected to leave East Lansing with a loss. But, with their offense and speed on defense, the Spartans could have their hands full. Michigan State allowed 26.8 points per game last season and lost top offensive threat WR Devin Thomas to the NFL. This could also become a ‘look-past game’ for Michigan State. The week following FAU, they host hated rival Notre Dame.
Best Opposing Player – Javon Ringer RB Michigan State
Despite being overshadowed in the Big Ten by P.J. Hill and Chris Wells, Ringer has the potential to be the best RB the Owls will face this year. Ringer ran for 1447 yards last year while splitting time with Jehuu Caulcrick, including 128 against rival Michigan. Caulcrick was the goal-line back last year, scoring 21 touchdowns to Ringer’s six. The Owls’ front seven will have a tough assignment trying to contain this small, but explosive back. Standing at 5-feet-9-inches and 204 pounds, Ringer is a tough runner, has a low center of gravity, and hits the hole hard.
Offensive MVP not named Rusty Smith – Cortez Gent WR
Rusty Smith’s favorite target shined last year catching 64 passes for 1,082 yards and nine touchdowns. With the loss of Jason Harmon, the duo of Smith to Gent will have to step up even more if the Owls are to reach their soaring goals this season. Gent started in 12 of 13 games in 2007 and had at least 100 receiving yards in games against Minnesota, UL-Monroe, Florida, Troy and FIU.
Defensive MVP – Corey Small CB
Franz Joseph is the obvious pick here, but Small’s playing last year could not go unnoticed. Small had 103 tackles, five interceptions, and a forced fumble a season ago, and is back to lead the Owls defensive backs. A lot of national attention went toward fellow cornerback Tavious Polo, and rightfully so, but Small was always in the mind of the opposing quarterback – which allowed others to make big plays. Look for Small to have continued success this year as the Owls most experienced corner.
Possible Slip Up – North Texas (Mean Green) Eagles
The Owls have beaten North Texas each of the past four seasons, but never by more than 10 points. In 2004 and 2005, FAU won by three points and one point, respectively. The Eagles always play hard with the Owls. Last year FAU allowed 301 passing yards and another 165 on the ground. North Texas, under second-year head coach Todd Dodge, will likely put up bigger numbers in their pass-happy offense that averaged 289.7 yards passing last season. Sophomore quarterback Giovanni Vizza was the conference’s freshman of the year last season, but he could be rivaled for playing time by top recruit, and coach’s son, Riley Dodge.
Toughest Road Game – Texas Longhorns
Associated Press # 10. 94,113 fans. Hook ’em Horns. Enough said. The Owls travel to Austin on opening week to face nationally-ranked and perennial juggernaut Texas. FAU is not a stranger to Big 12 teams – the Owls have played Oklahoma State, Kansas State, and Kansas in past seasons – but Texas is a different kind of beast. Texas is one of the most historic teams in college football history for a reason: they’re big, fast, and know how to play the game. Mack Brown will have his boys ready to go for their home opener against the Owls.
Biggest Strength – Passing Game via QB Rusty Smith
The Owls were able to move the ball through the air almost at will in 2007. They averaged 286.2 yards per game and had 33 touchdowns last season. Even more impressive was their production against quality competition. FAU’s passing game is solidly centered around one man: Rusty Smith. Smith put up huge numbers against Minnesota (463 yards, five TDs), South Florida (259 yards, three TDs), Florida (290 yards, one TD), Troy (291 yards, two TDs), and Memphis (336 yards, five TDs).
Biggest Weakness – Getting pressure on the QB
The Owls’ defensive line was banged up all of last season. Early in the season they lost starters Josh Pinnick and Josh Savidge which really hurt the pass rush. Each only played in four games. Other defensive linemen like Robert St. Clair and John Mertilus missed time, which led to many young and unproven players filling in. The Owls totaled only 16 sacks last year and allowed teams time to throw for an average of 240.92 yards per game. The Owls need to get to the QB a little more often this year in order to keep the defensive tempo high. Jarvis Givens suffered a broken arm before the opener at Texas and is out indefinitely. There are some nagging injuries along the front four, but with most of the defensive line back and healthy, look for the Owls to be putting a few more licks on the opposing QBs this season.