FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
Posted
#296256
(In Topic #41363)
Wise Owl
Member since 2004
FAU (1-5) @ South Alabama (1-5)
Will Owl Country breathe a much needed sigh of relief after this week or will the loss streak continue? That question is in the minds of most Owl fans as FAU travels to South Alabama for the first ever gridiron meeting between the two schools.
This game is an interesting one and warrants some discussion. Not too long ago FAU was in the same position as South Alabama. FAU traveled to MTSU to play a SunBelt Conference game in a transition year from 1-AA to 1A football. FAU pulled the upset and MTSU was reeling after losing to the new kid on the block.
The situation is a little different this time around. South Alabama is the new to the SBC and FBS football and they are playing host to an established FAU team. As established as FAU might be, the Owls are not good. At 1-5 FAU will compete with South Alabama, also 1-5, for a coveted 2nd win of the season. Two teams, a combined 2-10 record, this game means very little other than pride. FAU does not want to get knocked off by the new guy. South Alabama wants to prove to themselves and to the SBC that they can compete in the league.
Neither team has lit up the scoreboard this season. South Alabama is 119th in points scored with 16 points per game. The highlight came last week as the Jaguars put a scare into a good Arkansas State team. Arkansas State won 36-29. The FAU offense has been streaky at best and statistically is worse than South Alabama's offense with FAU ranking 123rd in points scored with just over 13 points per game. In defense of FAU, the competition faced by Owls has been much stronger than that faced by the Jaguars.
Who will be playmakers in this game?
For FAU Wilbert has to get going early. If the FAU passing attack can start fast, the Owls could score the most they have all season. Wilbert had a career day against ULM last week, so I expect him to have another career day in this one by throwing for more than 280 yards and 2 or more tds. Fortner and Wallace lead FAU in rushing and should both have a chance to improve their per carry averages in this game. With that said, South Alabama actually did a good job of holding Mississippi State in check when they met back in September.
South Alabama has a pretty balanced attack. I give them the edge in the rushing attack. RB Baker averages over 4 yards per carry and QB Bennett provides a dual threat as the team's second leading rusher. Even though Bennett provides the ability to run, QB play for South Alabama has been susceptible to turnovers with a combined 7 touchdowns and 8 interceptions for QBs Metheny and Bennett.
On defense, FAU has to stop the big play and control the momentum. South Alabama can move the ball. They had more first downs than both Mississippi and Arkansas State . FAU is going to need to force turnovers and keep Bennett in check when he decides to scramble. South Alabama has done a decent job of keeping opponents in check. This game will really come down to the ability FAU to control the ball and be consistent on offense. The play of Wilbert will be a key factor.
Fearless Prediction: FAU 27 South Alabama 21
Other Games around the Country
Troy (3-3) vs. FIU (1-6)
Troy is improving and FIU is nosediving.
Fearless Prediction: Troy 31 FIU 17
WKU (5-1) vs. ULM (4-2)
Both teams look to be top in the SBC. This is certainly the SBC game of the week. WKU does just enough at home.
Fearless Prediction: WKU 31 ULM 28
#7 South Carolina (6-1) @ #2 Florida (6-0)
Gator defense is legit; too legit to quit.
Fearless Prediction: Florida 17 South Carolina 14
#6 LSU (6-1) @ #18 Texas A&M (5-1)
Aggies have looked good in the SEC. In a very physical game, Tiger defense will be too much.
Fearless Prediction: LSU 23 Texas A&M 17
#4 Kansas State (6-0) @ #13 West Virginia (5-1)
If you like offense this is the game for you. The question is which defense will show up.
Fearless Prediction: WVU 42 Kansas State 38
Go Owls!!!
2017 and 2019 Conference USA Champions
Posted
Administrator
Member since 2006
Re: FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
{o,o}
|)__)
-”-”-
Posted
Wise Owl
Member since 2008
Re: FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
Posted
Wise Owl
Member since 2005
Re: FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
time to step up and get in the f'ing game Owls.
FAU 29, 3 TD's 2 FG's 1 saftey -the d gets their's.
USA 7, late game drive while FAU starters are on the sidelines.
Posted
VIP DONOR
Member since 2007
Re: FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
According to ESPN, USA scores an average of 16 ppg. So… possible.
Posted
VIP DONOR
Member since 2006
Re: FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
We cant go into next season with zero experience at QB.
Teambeer is the most knowledgeable FAU sports fan I know, way smarter than me.
Posted
Wise Owl
Member since 2005
Re: FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
Posted
Wise Owl
Member since 2008
Re: FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
I agree with Exit here, it's ass kicking time!!!Exit39 said
f that. FAU wins this one easy.
time to step up and get in the f'ing game Owls.
FAU 29, 3 TD's 2 FG's 1 saftey -the d gets their's.
USA 7, late game drive while FAU starters are on the sidelines.
yes.. I like kool-aid!
Posted
VIP DONOR
Member since 2012
Re: FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
Posted
Full Flight
Member since 2012
Re: FEARLESS PREDICTIONS WEEK EIGHT FAU @ South Alabama
Control functions:
Recent Forum Posts
Our bench play was so much stronger last year. Boyd, Weathersp…
Great watch. Thanks for sharing….Go Owls!
Two things I see are 1) Davis came off the bench mostly last y…
Seems like a great hire, quite a good resume!Welcome Coach!
Jakus certainly isn’t someone I had looked at while researchin…