FAU put up a spirited effort against the defending national champions, the  Auburn Tigers, for one half. They even took a 3-0 lead to start the game. The Owls also scored their first touchdown of the season late in fourth quarter. It was not enough though, as they fell 30 – 14 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Outside linebacker Cory Henry intercepted Auburn quarterback Barrett Trotter at the Auburn 35-yard line on the first play from scrimmage. Despite the short field, the Owls were only able to score a 39-yard field goal from kicker Vinny Zaccario.

“It felt good to stick around with an SEC team in the first half,” said FAU quarterback Graham Wilbert.

FAU’s first lead of the season was short lived.

Auburn responded immediately with an 11-play, 60 yard drive, capped off by a touchdown pass to the left sideline from Auburn’s quarterback Barrett Trotter to wide receiver Emory Blake for 10 yards.

Owls running back Alfred Morris scored a touchdown on a 12-yard reception in the fourth quarter, marking the first time FAU reached the end zone this season. Morris ended the game with a total of 122 yards for the game, with 79 coming on the ground.

“I refused to go down on the play,” said Morris about his touchdown. “I knew we needed a spark.”

The touchdown closed the gap to 30-12 (later 30-14 after a successful two-point conversion). Still, Morris and teammates couldn’t help but celebrate after scoring their first touchdown of the season.

“It was bittersweet, but it was a party when we scored,” said Morris.

A 10-6 halftime deficit would eventually be stretched out to 30-6 by the end of the third quarter due to a string of costly FAU errors. Wilbert was intercepted twice in the 3rd quarter. On the first possession of the second half, Wilbert shifted the momentum back to Auburn, as he was intercepted by Tigers defender Jermaine Whitehead, who returned the INT for a 22 yard touchdown.

“We took some gambles,” said Wilbert. “I gave them 10 points with my 3 interceptions, but we were finally able to build on our drives.”
The Owls had 3 first downs in the first quarter alone, more than they had in their entire last game at Michigan State. Down 10-6 and looking to retake the lead, FAU registered 3 straight first down conversions on a drive midway through the second quarter, with two coming from running back Alfred Morris. It would come in vain though as the series ended in a punt.

After a punt by Auburn, the Owls had another chance for redemption, but Wilbert was intercepted by Tigers middle linebacker Jake Holland at mid field. On a key 4th and 2 for the Tigers at the Owl’s 41 yard line with just under a minute before the half, Blake dropped a pass across the middle.

Tigers running back Michael Dyer, coming off back to back rushing yard totals of over 100 yards in the last two games, was held to 37 yards rushing in the first half and 68 yards total.

The loss leaves FAU winless at 0-3, but left both head coach Howard Schnellenberger and his players with a positive outlook.

“There’s a great deal of happiness in the locker room,” said Schnellenberger. “They feel that this game, following the first two blowout games, gives us a reason to have self-confidence.”