Frantz Joseph is the greatest defensive player in FAU history. It’s a statement that can now be made from a statistical standpoint without argument, as Joseph became FAU’s all-time leading tackler – passing Chris Laskowski.
That was just one record that fell, along with the first place Ragin’ Cajuns, in a dominating FAU win.
Charles Pierre’s touchdown run tied him with Doug Parker for the Owls’ career rushing touchdown record of 22.
Quarterback Rusty Smith broke a couple more records, too. He threw four touchdowns to reach 53 for his career, breaking original FAU quarterback Jared Allen’s career mark of 50. Smith also broke Allen’s career completion record of 570 by reaching 572 with 17 completions in the game.
“Right now it doesn’t mean nothing to me,” says Joseph of his new record. “Maybe when I’m old I can look back on that accomplishment.”
For now, Joseph and the Owls are just looking for their next win. After losing four in a row, they have turned this season around by winning four in a row to even their record at 5-5.
The score of this one was 40-29, but FAU led 40-7 early in the fourth quarter and coach Howard Schnellenberger removed the starters.
The game was the antithesis of FAU’s start to the season and a continuation of last week’s romp over North Texas and the stirring comeback over Louisiana-Monroe two games ago. The difference? The Owls played well for only half of the ULM game and North Texas is an awful team. The Ragin’ Cajuns are pretty good, and the Owls took it to them from the opening drive.
“This was the best team we’ve played in the conference,” Schnellenberger says.
The way FAU played, it sure didn’t look like it. Joseph had 14 tackles. The Owls’ defense forced four turnovers, something FAU hasn’t able to do this season.
“Isn’t it amazing how they turn up, even when the kids aren’t doing anything different?” Schnellenberger asks.
The offense was dominant from the start. Smith had his third great game in a row, and the dropped passes that plagued the wide receivers earlier in the season were a distant memory.
“Rusty was near perfect on those first four drives,” Schnellenberger says.
FAU will have to be perfect in their next two games, at Arkansas State and against FIU, to keep their bowl game hopes alive.
“We’re not finished,” says defensive back Corey Small, who collected his third interception of the season. “We still have work to do.”
Game Info:Where: Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale Attendance: 14, 338Weather: 82 degrees, humidRecords: FAU 5-5, 3-2 SBC, ULL 5-5, 4-1 SBC
