Florida Atlantic Owls

Florida Atlantic University’s football team faced its 17th opponent ranked among the countries top 25 last Saturday. It was the second-consecutive season the Owls have opened with a team ranked among the top-25.

While the outcome was not what the squad had practiced prepare for, there were several positives that could be taken from the game. Seven new starters took to the field including a trio of new linebackers.  Michael Lockley, who steps into the shoes of Frantz Joseph who led the SBC in total tackles the last two seasons and was listed No. 2 nationally, led the team with nine total tackles. He combined with Edward Bradwell and Malik Eugene for 21 of the team’s 60 tackles.

Offensively, sophomore Alfred Morris moved to running back from fullback during the spring. Morris made good of the move by tallying 85 yards in his college debut at tailback (18-85). The offensive line also put in a hard night’s work facing one of the nation’s premiere nose tackles.  The line provided openings for the Morris runs and protected both Rusty Smith and Jeff Van Camp who were not sacked and completed 20 of 41 passes.

FAU will have a bye week to prepare for its next opponent South Carolina . It will mark the second meeting between the two schools.

Source:  SBC Media Relations