November 2007 Archives

The Owls will be fighting the Golden Panthers in the Orange Bowl to keep the Shula Bowl Trophy home at the Oxley.

Last week "the Swamp" of Gainesville provided a nice threat for Owl fans and players, but this weeks stage should be an even better setting as we will be playing in a very nostalgic Orange Bowl, where Howard was the pioneer of building the mystic of a place that held a certain aromatic feel that had an effect on how opposing teams played.

It could be said that it is the "house that Howard build" and what a more fitting way then to have Howard bode a farewell to the "Grand Old Lady", then by roaming the sideline coaching a team trying to establish itself it the realms of a landscape full of traditional powers, much like the early years of the Miami Hurricane where the Canes had to earn their way to becoming a player within that scene in its quest of becoming a national power itself. 

The stage will be set on Saturday for an in-state rivalry game with some similarities as 2003, where the Owls had to beat the Golden Panthers to earn their first trip to the post season play, now the Owls find themselves in a position where they must beat the Golden panthers for a chance at a post season play.  A win on Saturday will not guarantee anything, but will put the Owls one step closer to fulfilling a dream of playing in their first Bowl game.

Anytime you face a winless team, you must be careful because the streak must end at one point especially one that has grown to 22 straight losses and the Owls will be facing a team that is starting to play better as of late, now becoming a dangerous team for a team that has played just good enough to win games during conference play.

What the Owls will need to do, to earn a victory in the Orange Bowl on Saturday night?

On Offense:  Get off to a good start.  You look at the group of players on offense in Gentz, Harmon, Rose, Pierre, Bonner and Rusty, with that line-up on the field you should be able to create enough mismatches for the opposing defenses to defend and be able to take advantage and generate a high powered offense, yet it just has not materialize this season on a consistent enough basis.  Establishing a running game is an important part of this offense and the Owls should have much better luck doing so this week and with the receivers doing a much better job, they should continue to be a productive unit for Rusty. 

On Defense:  Limit big plays.  The DL has been plagued with injuries all season, but should have an easier time creating some havoc in the back field this week.  They will be facing another good running QBYounger, but he does have a tendency to turn the ball over, so we will need to apply constant pressure on this young QB. 

Overall:  This is game the Owls should win and win easily; the Golden Panther turn the ball over and the Owls have been feasting on turnovers all season long: FIU have a turnover ration of -16 compared to the Owls +16.  The Owls have too much fire power for this struggling team and it will be important for the Owls to come out prepared and take care of business early and finally learn to finish an opponent when it has the chance and not let a team hang around to make big plays that will make a battle out of a scrimmage. 

Prediction:  FAU 41  FIU 17  The Owls take care of business and join their Coach at mid field for his final farewell  to the" Grand Old Lady".

This is day were self control goes out the window as many folks will undoubtedly be gorging on all the fixings being prepared with great care on a day reserved to give thanks.  And fans in Owl land have many things to be grateful for and we should take the time to not only count those blessing, but be appreciative on the many blessing we have received.  It starts with the wisest of Owl's and the pioneer of a great vision and mastermind that will help define Owl athletics for many future generations.  His will and determination has already transformed this program on a path of great achievement in a short period on time, which he has stated "is ahead of schedule" in its development.  By no means should this take away from what the other coaches have done in other sports, including softball, baseball and now basketball, still in it's infancy stage, because we are ultimately bless in these areas as well for having great coaches that are dedicated to Owls Athletics, but more importantly, their players, but there is a change that is occurring, an undercurrent taking place that can not be seen, but felt and this vibration started the moment Howard Schnellenberger roamed the halls of Florida Atlantic, he has provided a catalyst for a change that will help transform Owl athletics on every levels, with a type of mind altering belief that is lead by a clear vision one can literally see taking place, transforming what Owl athletics will become. 

I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been able to be part of regarding this program and realize what being part of this youthful movement that does represent Owl athletics as it continues to grow.  We have been able to witness many great achievements already across the board in all sports and will no doubt continue to expand these achievements because of the strong undercurrents that do exist that will help carry this program to higher levels.

We are so bless to have the many great coaches part of the Owl family that share a vision, part of the "pipe dream" of what it takes to becoming champions, so I give thanks to all the coaches part of the Owl family for their dedication in building what will become an elite program in the future and the care they give to their players as they help them develop as individuals, giving them the tools they will need to live fulfilled lives.

Happy Thanksgiving to All.

Heading into Gainesville, I didn't know what to expect and what a great experience it was, the crowd is always involved in the game, can't wait till we can have that type of atmosphere for our home games. 

The Owls did not get off to a good start getting down rather quickly by 21 points and I remember looking at the score board and noticed the amount of time left and we where still in the first quarter, yikes!  First thoughts that went through my mind, this is going to be a long day in the swamp, but the boys fought back and showed that they want to belong and dance on the same stage with the Gators. 

Great plays where being made on both sides of the balls, still too many mistakes being made and a team like the Gators will make you pay for them and did.  From the block punt for another special teams blunder, the fumble by Rusty in an effort of trying to do too much instead of just throwing the ball away, the unnecessary unsportsmanlike penalty on the defense, just when the defense was stringing together a great defensive effort where we had the Gators offense disjointed and making mistakes and then there was the fumbled snap on 4^th and short to turn the ball over on downs, these are just a few highlighted ones that happen at critical moments in the game and are self inflicted. 

Playing in the Swamp can be a hard place to play and add National Champions on top of that, the Owls players just are not used to playing in these type of games or environment, but are taking their lessons with their heads held high and should not be ashamed of their effort.  In the first half, we where able to put pressure on Tebow getting some good licks on him, but the guy is such a great athlete that he still finds ways to make plays under duress and hurt us with his arm all day with his accuracy and athleticism.  Playing the Gators does add an extra boost of adrenaline and that is one thing our players will have to learn to control and how they can channel that energy on the field and playing these type of advance training games will help them to find that balance that you wouldn't normally get if you continued to play at the current level the Owls currently play.  The mistakes being made are all correctable and the players should be able to learn from these experiences and grow as players.  We will have to learn to convert our chances when we have them, and one thing is for sure we are not that far off as the score would indicate, many of the mistakes that where made effect the outcome in many ways and if we can limit them and keep them to a minimum, it will give ourselves a chance to not only stay competitive in these games, but steal a victory in the future.

With two very important games left, there is still plenty of work to be done and battles to be fought.  We still control our own destiny, and a statement to make, that the Owls are ready for the big time.

This season has felt like being on one of those wild roller coaster rides and heading into a non-conference game, I expect the ride to continue.  At the beginning of the season playing the National Champion Gators seemed like a cool ride, still is, just bad timing.  I have never been to the swamp, so I am looking forward to the experience.

Let look at what the Owls will need to do to win this one.

On Defense:  This one comes first this week because it will be a unit that will be tested once again and will have to rise to the occasion to keep this game manageable.  Stop Tebow and you stop the Gators offense, where Tebow's goes, the offense follows and that is usually in the end-zone, he provides the bulk of the offense and literally carries it on his shoulders and has done a pretty darn good job this season as his first year as a starter. 

The Owls defense will have their hands full, in trying to contain Tebow who possesses a pretty good arm besides the set of wheels we like to utilize and throws with accuracy, making it very important for the defense to play sound assignment football.  Sounds easy stop Tebow before he gets going, which means the d-line will have to play a strong and aggressive game and create some penetration or it will be a long day for our secondary.  How many time this season the opposing teams have gain excessive amount of yardage on broken plays that should have resulted in negative yardage, far too many.  This week, we need to eliminate big play and it starts with finishing on each play.  Can the defensive unit play with a high intensity for 60 minutes, they will no doubt exert energy in this one, keep a few extra cases of Red Bull on the side just in case.

On Offense:  Protect Rusty and so the play of the o-line will be key here, the Gator defense will not be shy and will come after Rusty and try to introduce him to the grassy helms of the swamp as offend as they possible can.  Rusty will have to have a better game in this one, because the gators will score points and the Owls will have to find a way to match them or fall behind and there might not be anything to come back from.  Rusty for the most part this season has managed the offense with good care and has been making solid decisions, I do expect him to bounce back and have another solid day, and this unit will have to play flawless football.  The receivers have been doing a much better job of hanging on to the pigskin and will have to continue doing so; we can't leave any thing on the field this week, finish drives. 

Overall:  This is one of those games that comes at a strange time for the Owls, in the middle of conference play and could actually provide a nice break from the added pressure the Owls are now facing where each game being a play-off type of game, must win, add the chance for the players to play the National Champions in the swamp, something these kids will be looking forward to no doubt and so there should be some extra intensity from them without the pressure of losing this game and should be able to focus on the game itself.  I expect nothing less from this group of players then to play their hardest and leave it all out there.

Prediction:  FAU 24 Gators 45

Never a dull moment at Lockhart!!  And enough with the craziness already,   clearly not how you want to start a game if you are Rusty, first pass should have been a pick, the second one was, giving the Indians easy points early and doing so two other times resulting in 17 points with very little effort having to be exerted by Arkansas State and the defense should be credited to stopping the Indians on one of those drives holding them to three points which could have been the difference in the game. 

Even with the sub-par performance by Rusty he managed to finish the game on a very strong note again, giving the Owls another come from behind rally for a victory.  Now, we just need to find a way to get our rhythm earlier in a game and make the opposing teams earn their points, much like the Owls, having to work overtime for theirs.  One thing is for sure, Rusty does very well with the two minute offense and one reason we where able to climb back in this game, so why don't we use it more often? 

The defense had their own moments to shine, similar to the offense, still too many mistakes are being made on both side of the ball at this stage of the season, for a team that wants to challenge for a conference title.  This is a time where you want to be hitting on all cylinders, at this juncture of the conference schedule, not a team still looking for consistency. 

Still, I sometimes have to remind myself that the bulk of the players are still young and mistakes will be made, what stands out is their resiliency and persistence to continue to work hard and fight for everything they get and I do have to take my hats off to them for  leaving it all on the field.  Sure it creates many moments of frustrations and tensions as a spectator, my ball cap has logged in more frequent flier mile then I have this season, but somehow with all the craziness it has created a growing passions from the fans that are there supporting the players, I can honestly said that it is great being part of the growing fan support that is building with these tense moment on the field with the games on the line, having fans rallying behind the players to victory. 

Keep it up guys.

There is no question that this basketball program needed a facelift and when Craig Angelo's hired Matt Doherty not only did he instill the catalyst for the foundation that will become Owl Basketball, but will surely be transformed and be redefine by Rex Walters, lacking in experience as a head coach, he still possess the necessary skills that would help him through the many challenges he had to face in his first year, at the helms of a program in need of an identity.

While fans might have been angry with Matt Doherty quick exit, there is little doubt to what his short presence had on this program, he brought a certain level of excitement that did not exist before and most importantly, he brought in an assistant coach by the name of Rex Walters.  Doherty's biggest contribution, looking pass what transpired on the hard court, but the things he did behind the scenes that cannot be measured in the win and loss column, will somehow be reflected in what this program will ultimately become.  Under the tutelage of Matt Doherty, Rex Walters was able to see first hand the day to day operations and the different duties of what being a head coach meant, and having had the privilege, not always extended to an assistant coach whose duties are primarily to being a recruiter and a coach, became an invaluable and needed learning experience for Walter's.  Something can be said of the inside skinny that was gained by Rex Walters and how he handled himself during his first year.  It has become clear that the Owls Basketball program has the right man in charge, to bring the program to a higher level of competition.

Fans sometimes fall victim to a symptom know as, tunnel vision, and only define success of a program with the on-court performance and forget the work that is required in building a program.  That first year did set the foundation to start the building process and nothing could have prepared Rex Walters for what was to come in his first year tenure, with the stage set, Rex Walters was up to the challenge, and there where many challenges facing him during the beginning stages, enough to make one head spin out of control, with the academic issues and injuries that occurred, creating a shortage of players to work with,  he was able to maintain control and elevate above the unrest long enough to stay in control.  The many distractions did very little to stop what would become a defining moment and have a lasting impression on this young program.  To me, this marked a new era in Owl's basketball, one where last year success goes beyond the final stats and standings, but the ability of Rex Walters keeping his band of soldiers focused to battle through the difficulties that stretch their will and determinations to their limits, physically and mentally, persevering with a magical finish to a season that brought both fans and players, capsulated with such high energy and electricity that emanated from the Burrow and as never before, the Burrow rocked in a symphonious synchronicity. 

I have felt a bit detached this week, a bye week will do that, and now it's time to get back to business and look at this week's game against the Indians.  Many thought they would be in the hunt for a conference title at the beginning of the season yet have struggled, mostly on the road keeping them form staying in the hunt long.  And to be able to stay in contention, you must be able to win on the road.  The Owls have had some interesting series with Arkansas State including the record book 0-0 tie at the end of regulation, only to lose the game by a field goal. 

Arkansas State does posses a potent offense behind their QB Leonard, are two solid players in WR Dejohnette and RB Arnold and will provide a balance attack lad by QB Leonard.  They feature the top rush and total defense in the Belt and should provide a very good test for our offense.  Sure, the Owls have done well against better defenses this year, the question becomes, can the Owls rise above the competition and lay to their capabilities.

What the Owls will need to do to win.

On offense:  Control the line on scrimmage; this will be important if we are to establish any type of running game, to allow Rusty to work his magic with his arm.  I felt that we where a bit too predictable against the Warhawks and must find a way to keep the Indian defenders guessing this week. 

On Defense:  This is a unit that misses it's leader on the field and must find a way to pull it together and establish a stronger presence on the field, I expected great things from this unit this year and they have given us plenty of flashes of what they are capable, but now is the time to dig deeper and find a way to get the job done.  We need to limit the BIG plays.  I still have faith in this unit and think that they have shown enough of what they are capable of doing to make a statement game on Saturday.

Overall:  Even thought the Indians have not played well on the road this year, I expect them to try a their hardest to  crash the Owls Title hopes, leaving the Owls having to earn it by playing a solid game.  If the offense can find a way to get into a rhythm early and execute their game plan well, then the offense will score enough points to win convincingly.  We cannot allow this team to hang around and give them chance to steal this game.

Prediction:  FAU 27 ASU 17

All year this team has found success not playing their best, leaving points on the field has become a norm and not in a good way, as we found out against the Warhawks.  The team has played hard and with great energy,  but still need to learn to execute  for sixty minutes, not just when then game is on the line.

The players have shown the resiliency to coninue to fight when things aren't goin well and sometime that hard work leave you with an empty feeling and with nothing to show for and reminds you that you have to continue to work even harder, because work still has to be done, if you are to acheive the goal of reaching the summit and yes, the peak is still in sight and the Owls still control their own destiny which after a gut wrenching loss is about all you can ask for, to still have a chance for the conference title.  No one said it was going to be easy. 

The road is not going to get any easier, because there is always someone in the way that is looking to trip you along the way and the Owls still needs to take care of business against Arkansas State andthink of nothing esle because it is a one game season from here on out, the way each game should be played anyway.

It's safe to say that this year Men's Basketball team will much better prepared heading into the season opener, there are no distractions heading into the season like last year, and the difference should be seen on the court.  With one scrimmage game against St. Thomas already under their belt, they get a chance to play the University of Miami today, in a close scrimmage session, should help give Rex Walters a better feel for the team. 

Rex Walters likes what he sees from his players, they have been playing hard and much like his players are ready to get the season underway.  There are some young guys on the roster, but with a good core of players returning and solid play from players like Brett Royster & Carderro Nwoji, Rex Walters is excite to see how much this team has develop and will get a good gauge today as the owls will faces the Hurricanes on the hard court.

As we get closer to the start of the basketball season, I figured I would do something special for you Die-Hard basketball fans out there, a first for the Owls Nest , I will be sitting down with Rex Walters today and will provide the details with a blog segment this coming Sunday.

Since this is an off-week, I figured it might be a good time to look at other action in the Sun-Belt.  One game to keep yours eyes on is the Middle Tennessee, Louisiana-Monroe; can the Warhawks translate a huge overtime upset win of the Owls last week or are they going to do a flop and allow the Blue raiders to keep a hold on to their hopes of a League Title.  Did last week win in triple overtime take too much fight out of the Warhawks sails?

The Blue Raiders looks as if they may have found their QB of the future in Dwight Dasher who leads the league in passing efficiency 140.5 to Rusty's 130.4, and passing for 139.9 yards/game.   The Warhawk still features the league top rusher in Calvin Dawson dropping a couple points to 122.1 yards/games after last week

Overall: I think the Warhawks will fall after their very emotional win against the Owls last week and will not be able to string back-to-back victories, even if this is a home game for them, I see the Blue Raiders taking care of business on the road and remain in the hunt for a conference title. 

The only other game with-in conference play is the Florida International, Arkansas State game, a meaningless game for both teams other then fighting for pride and the Golden Panthers looking to end the longest losing streak in the nation.  There is a reason to pay attention to this game, how will these two team compete in a meaningless game, there are two teams that can still pose problems for the Owls and might not be a bad idea to keep an eye on regardless, just to see how they battle each other.

Overall:  Arkansas State won the right to keep their namesake in the Indians and will win this contest as well, they are too tough at home and the Golden Panthers just doesn't have enough horse to pull this one out on the road.

Other teams in the Sun-Belt play out of conference games: Troy plays at Georgia and Louisiana-Lafayette plays at Tennessee.