After losing last week, Florida Atlantic football (4-6, 3-4 AC) is back at home in Flagler Credit Union Stadium, facing the streaking University of Connecticut Huskies (8-3).
FAU last week took the 35-24 loss to the chin against Tulane (8-2,5-1 AC), not leading the entire game. The Owls had opportunities, but they could not capitalize on them when needed. On the other hand, the Huskies are coming off their third straight win against the Air Force Falcons (3-7, 2-4 MW), with a score of 26-16.
Another tough opponent that the Owls must impose their will against to win this game. However, being 2-3 on the road, the Owls shouldn’t be counted out.
Here are the predictions:
Anthony Ortiz, Staff Writer
The theme of this season for the Owls has been simple: beat the bad teams, lose against better teams. Is it that easy to evaluate? Even though FAU has been able to stay in those games, it always seems to lose steam at the end. That may have to do with the fast-paced offense all season, but it is also the reason they have achieved their four wins on the season. It is a matter of execution and capitalizing on key opportunities. FAU needs to take that next step.
Listen, FAU went against a tough Tulane team last week and many people probably expected them to lose, but it felt like a game that ran away from them. The Owls need consistency on a week-to-week basis.
Looking at the offense for FAU heading into the season, the unit is impressive, ranking among the best in the American Conference. However, the number of penalties this team commits is what is holding them back as a whole. For example, last week the Owls had a 7-play, 68-yard drive, but after an illegal formation penalty that took away wide receiver Dominique Henry’s touchdown, the Owls settled for a field goal. This is a game that completely changed after that mistake.
Overall, FAU ranks 18th out of 136 teams in college football in penalties, committing 2.4 per game. Simply, FAU must limit the penalties to have a chance to win.
On the other hand, FAU is going against a middle-of-the-pack Huskies defense ranking 69th in college football. A better defense that FAU is facing this week, but it doesn’t matter; the amount of penalties and mistakes matters in this game. FAU hasn’t shown against a top opponent that they can limit themselves to those mistakes.
Prediction: 27-17, UConn
Morgan Larkins, Contributing Writer
Looking back at the start of FAU’s season, the Shula Bowl was a game-changer. The other losses were against high-quality teams that are currently fighting for the top of the American Athletic Conference, or against Maryland. A Big Ten team.
If FAU won the Shula Bowl, the Owls would only need one win in these final two games. Instead, they need to win out. Their first obstacle is a big one. UConn has been playing exceptionally well this season, boasting an 8-3 record.
Interestingly enough, those three losses have been against teams that haven’t impressed this season. In fact, one of their losses is against Rice, a team FAU has beaten this season.
UConn matches up against FAU nicely, though. The Owls struggle defensively against the rush and UConn’s running back, Cam Edwards, has been playing nicely this season. He has over 1000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Their quarterback, Joe Fagnano, has actually outperformed Caden Veltkamp statistically this season. He has more passing yards, touchdowns, and fewer interceptions. Then you have receiver Skyler Bell, someone who has also outperformed Easton Messer this year.
Ultimately, UConn doesn’t have the turnover problems that FAU has. They are more consistent and they have linebacker Byrun Parham, who should have a field day against this FAU offensive line. I’m predicting a close one, though, since UConn has some problems playing down to competition.
Score Prediction: 34-28 UConn
For more information regarding this and other stories, please contact the staff via email: Morgan at [email protected] and Anthony at [email protected].
