Lousiana Monroe’s quarterback Kolton Browning threw for two touchdowns and their running back Jyruss Edwards ran for another two to carry the Warhawks over FAU 26-0 in the season finale.After winning its first game of the season last week against the University of Alabama at Birmingham 38-35, the Owls failed to show up in Howard Schnellenberger’s last game as a head coach.
“It was very emotional,” said senior FAU defensive lineman Kevin Cyrille. “That’s kind of why we had a slow start.”
Schnellenberger still respected his team’s effort in the blowout, and throughout the entire season.
“They are not total losers, I wanted to let them know that,” said Schnellenberger of his speech to the players afterwards that lasted over an hour. “The blame goes around, starting with me… But each (player) has had a part of the wonderful story played out here.”
ULM dominated the game from the start. The Warhawks amassed 424 yards of total offense, compared to FAU’s 148.
The Owls had a chance to take the lead early when Treon Howard intercepted Koltan Browning and returned the ball to the Warhawks 13-yard line. However, a Graham Wilbert interception in the endzone on third down quickly silenced the FAU scoring threat, the best the Owls would have all game.
“We don’t have the key ingredient yet to demonstrate a powerful offense,” said Schnellenberger.
FAU was unable to stop ULM on third down, which ended up being the difference in the game.
The Warhawks converted a stunning 66 percent of their third down opportunities into first downs (12-18) and kept the FAU defense on the field. ULM held the ball for almost 37 minutes of gametime, sustaining long drives which ended in touchdowns.
The Warhawks used a 14-play 80-yard drive off of the Isiah Newsome interception of Graham Wilbert, to take the lead for good at 6-0 with just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Just before the half the Owls were poised to score again when they had the ball at the Warhawks 24-yard line. On consecutive plays from scrimmage Graham Wilbert was sacked for a 9-yard loss and threw an incomplete pass to set up the Owls at the 33-yard line.
FAU kicker Vinny Zaccario lined up for what was supposed to be a 50-yard field goal but the snap was botched and holder Mickey Groody, in a panicked attempt to fire off a Hail Mary, threw an interception to close the first half, as ULM led 19-0.
The second half featured the same display as the first.
The Owls offense simply couldn’t move the ball against the Warhawks defense, which often lined up eight or nine men on the line of scrimmage to either stuff the run, or pressure the quarterback.
Owls quarterback Graham Wilbert finished the game completing only 11 of his 27 pass attempts for 79 yards and an interception.
Last week against UAB, the Owls seemed to have finally gotten the message that Alfred Morris needs to carry the ball more, so they gave him 38 carries, which resulted in 198 yards and four touchdowns.
This week the offense reverted back to its old self. Morris only carried the ball 21 times for 78 yards in this last game of his college career.
“Definitely mixed emotions but I’m thankful,” said Morris of his final year. “I’m thankful for coach. He allowed my dream to come true, which is to play D-1 football … he’ll always have a spot in my heart.”
In the fourth quarter with a 19-0 lead, the Warhawks used 16 plays to go 76 yards for the game’s final score, which put ULM up 26-0.
The Owls got the ball back one more time in the fourth quarter but went three-and-out and punted the ball away.
Randell Johnson led the Owls attack on defense with 15 total tackles, but it wasn’t enough as Koltan Browning and Jyruss Edwards gashed the Owls 3-4 defense all night.
FAU finished their season with a 1-11 record, and were shutout for the second time this season. The first time was the team’s stadium opening against Western Kentucky 20-0.
Despite winning only one game on the season, Schnellenberger’s final words to his team were positive.
“He told us he’s proud of us,” said senior safety Marcus Bartels. “And that our play on the field does not dictate our character.”
Dan • Dec 4, 2011 at 4:02 pm
“They are not total losers, I wanted to let them know that,” said Schnellenberger of his speech to the players afterwards that lasted over an hour. “The blame goes around, starting with me… But each (player) has had a part of the wonderful story played out here.”
Howard should have never opened his mouth about his retirement plans like he did. He really hurt recruiting over the past two years. Ugh.
We couldn’t expect for Morris to carry our team. I am glad to see Schnellenberger gone. It didn’t look like he was really involved with the coaching anyway. It looked like his assistants were doing most of the coaching.
However, it isn’t all Schnelly’s fault. I am calling out #3 Keith Reaser. Are you reading this Keith. Take your goddamned hands off of your hips. If you are tired after one quarter of football then maybe you shouldn’t be playing. There was this one touchdown pass that was scored against the FAU defense because you didn’t cover your receiver. Why didn’t you cover him? You didn’t cover the receiver because you were too busy moping around with your hands on your hips. I hope that the coaching staff makes you run a lap every time you put your hands on your hips.
The offensive line was atrocious. I know that half the kids are underclassmen, but Jesus Christ. Some of y’all looked as if you thought you were playing flag football on Thanksgiving with your family. Our delicate QBs need time to find an open receiver. Morris needs a lane to run through. Nobody from our O-Line deserves a Summer vacay.
I have never been so ashamed of FAU football, and I have been going to games since 2002. Lord help us when retarded ass’d Pelini schleps down here and doesn’t have his brother to make him look good. One thing is for certain, there will be about 10k less season tickets sold next season then there was this season. I’d like my $250 back. If it weren’t for the OwlBalls and Dippin’Dots my Saturdays would have been a complete waste.