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Florida Atlantic talking points: Owls program, defense in decline!

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Florida Atlantic talking points: Owls program, defense in decline!

Florida Atlantic talking points: Owls program, defense in decline
by Tom D'Angelo

Owls program in decline

There was a time when FAU could play with Conference USA opponents. Just last year the Owls defeated UAB 49-34 and two years ago FAU dominated Memphis in the New Orleans Bowl.

But the New Orleans Bowl has become the top of the mountain for this program. The decline started a year ago and it has continued this season. And it’s hard to be excited about the future. Sure, Jeff Van Camp’s performance was encouraging, but the offense loses eight starters next season. And although most of the defense returns, it’s the old good new, bad news: The good news is most of the defense returns. The bad news is most of the defense returns.

Van Camp does his best in a tough situation

The Owls have to be pleased with Van Camp’s performance in his starting debut. The junior was in an impossible situation, having to match UAB score for score just to keep even.

But despite a defense that hit an all-time low, Van Camp threw for 254 yards and the first three touchdowns of his career and rushed for one score. He completed 24-of-35 passes while facing a defense that knew FAU was throwing on virtually every snap in the second half. The defense should be apologizing to Van Camp, who did his best to keep his team in the game .

Defensive breakdowns an embarrassment

Florida Atlantic’s defense is out of excuses. The season is two/thirds complete and it can no longer use the “inexperience” and “youth” defense. There is no defending this defense not after another embarrassing performance.

The Owls needed one stop in the first 30 minutes for this to be a game at the half. Instead, UAB had five possessions and five touchdowns. Three of those were three play drives that covered 83, 71 and 63 yards. UAB had two played with more than 100 yards and two players with a rushing average of at 26 yards.

Coach Howard Schnellenberger said this defense needs major surgery. The first cut may come to members of the defensive staff.
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