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Owls Complete Sweep of 2017 C-USA Slate



Florida Atlantic closed the regular season with a 31-12 win over Charlotte to end undefeated in league action.

However a feeling of wanting more was experienced by the team and coaches afterwards.

The point tally itself could have - and probably should have - been more, but turnovers uncharacteristically halted two drives.

"That's not a very happy locker room", said Coach Lane Kiffin in his post game conference. "You walk by and you would think that we lost…they didn't sing the fight song - which they normally do on wins."

The Owls posted 24 of thier points in the first half and managed just one touchdown in the second half.

"I think the story of the day is a good first half, a bad second half, and turnovers", Kiffin said.

Despite the sentiment, while seeking a bigger blowout to conclude the year, the team did dominate overall.

FAU (9-3, 8-0 C-USA) amassed 563 yards on the afternoon while holding the home 49ers to just 255.

Time of possession was also clear shift from recent trend, with FAU enjoying the ball for 36:05 minutes of game clock.

Willie Wright (pictured) had a solid outing and led all receivers with 103 yards on nine catches, including a touchdown.

Wright also rushed for 37 yards, pitching in on the Owls' 318 yard overall ground effort.

"Willie's done a good job for us", said Kiffin. "It went down to the wire with Memphis, and glad we got him."

Florida Atlantic's defense held Charlotte (1-11, 1-7 C-USA) to just 83 yards on the ground and a 2.8 YPC average.

As has become a norm, Azeerz Al-Shaair was the leading tackler for the Owls with seven, pitching in one of the team's seven tackles for loss.

Rashad Smith had five and tied Josea Barnwell for the most solo efforts at three each.

The team will now return their focus to North Texas in what will be a rematch of October's 69-31 record setting win against the Mean Green.

After all, that is likely what has been on their minds since last weekend.

"Just do what we do, play hard, play smart, and prepare", said Jason Driskel of what the Owls need to do to win again over the western division foe. "The game is won in preparation so we've just got to have another good week of practice and look forward to it."

Driskel had another fine outing, registering an 18-22 showing for 245 yards a pair of scores against the 49ers.

"We're not done yet and just gotta' keep preparing", echoed running back Devin Singletary who notched 108 yards on the ground.

Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM at Schnellenberger Field, and the contest will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.


POST GAME 2017: FAU vs Charlotte - Lane Kiffin - FAU Owl's Nest


Game Notes

  • The Owls took a 24-6 lead, and a 294-146 total yard advantage, into the locker room at the break
  • Six different Owl running backs gained over 30 yards, all with at least a 12-yard carry.
  • After Singletary’s 108, Howell had 63, Marcus Clark 40, Driskel 40, Wright 37 and Kerrith Whyte, Jr. 31
  • The FAU defense combined for four sacks and seven tackles for loss, while also posting seven quarterback hurries
  • The team’s nine wins matches the second most ever recorded in a season, equaling the also 9-3 2004 team
  • Singletary posted his 10th straight game of 100 or more yards
  • FAU became just the fourth team in C-USA’s 22-year football history to finish regular season play at 8-0

Rating

Unrated