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MID-WEEK MASH UP: FAU @ Charlotte



The Owls enter their second true road game of the season winners of two straight.

After a rocky first two weeks offensively, the offense has turned it around.

QB Chris Robison has played lights in his past two outings. However, the FAU running game has yet to breakout.

Last season, Charlotte ended FAU`s hopes of reaching a bowl game after a heartbreaking defeat in the final week of the regular season.

With the non-conference portion of the season now in the rear view mirror, this Saturday will be an opportunity to see where the Owls stack up in Conference USA.

Below is our compilation of notables, and some video as we reach the mid-point of Game Week.



Mid-Week Mashup

  • Revenge Week As mentioned, FAU had a lot riding on last season`s matchup with Charlotte. Ultimately, the Owls fell to the Knights in a 24-27 at FAU stadium. The team has made it clear they have unfinished business. “They got a chance to eat and we didn’t. For Coach Spencer, I want this game bad,” said starting middle linebacker Akileis Leroy after practice today. Current FAU DC Glenn Spencer was the defensive coordinator at Charlotte prior to joining Lane Kiffin`s staff.

  • Key Matchup The Charlotte Knights have scored over 40 points in 3 out of four games this season, with the exception last week against Clemson. The Charlotte backfield features Benny LeMay and Aaron McCallister. The committee is led by LeMay who has over 400 yards rushing. Live Oak, Florida native Aaron McCallister is more of a home run threat, the junior had a 69 yard run against UMass earlier in the season. ”They have a very difficult scheme to deal with, were going to have our hands full on that side,” Lane Kiffin told reporters today. The FAU front seven must contain the high octane Charlotte ground game this Saturday.

  • By the Numbers In a game that could come down to a few key possessions at the end, a win or a loss may be determined on third down. Charlotte has struggled on the money down, ranking 85th in the FBS in third down conversion percent. If FAU can manage the perimeter with their veteran secondary including CB`s James Pierre and Chris Tooley, they will be in good position to get a victory.

  • Breakout Candidate Junior defensive end Leighton McCarthy (photo right above) was one of the defensive anchors behind FAU`s two game win streak. Last week, the Apopka native had a season high 5 tackles. McCarthy will be key if the Owls hope to limit the explosive Charlotte offense.

  • Injury Report Lane Kiffin told reporters after the victory over Wagner that he remained “hopeful” that TE Harrison Bryant would be able to play this Saturday. Bryant left the game early with an injury, however it appears the talented tight end avoided anything serious as he has been out at practice this week. WR John Mitchell also exited the Wagner game early, and his status remains unclear. RB Malcolm Davidson also returned to practice this week after missing the last two games.

 
Video Play

Head Coach Lane Kiffin, S Ahman Ross, and LB Akileis Leroy  headline this weeks Mash-Up in Video Play.





Rating

Unrated