We are already at Week 4 for the Owls. Seems like the season just started yesterday. There's been enough injury and turnover drama to last a full season though.

Pass protection must improve for any chance of an upset this weekend. The pocket is closing too quickly to allow plays to run their course.

The defensive line is in position to post one of their best outings on the opposite end and that will be key to potential win as well.

Given the lack of a healthy running back core, play calling will be front and center and could benefit from some well timed wrinkles to force the Illini back on their heels.

Richardson will also need to throw at 65% or better from behind center and command fast tempo efficiently when necessary.

A couple turnovers would likely do wonders for the defense, and with an interception per game that leaves one forced fumble up for grabs.

The weather once again looks fantastic, which is a plus.

Prior to Thompson being ruled out for the season, would have felt comfortable with the strong possibility of an upset.

This now reality, my "outlook" changes. Never like to pick against the Owls, however seeing this as an opportunity for improvement overall and a win for the Illini.

FAU 17  Illinois 32

Hopefully this will be closer than we expect. Am I the only one that felt Richardson was more comfortable than Thompson as the game progressed? I don't know, but I think we are in a better position than we were when we played Purdue last year. Call me a homer all you want, but...

Owls 27 Illinois 24

Go Owls!

ROwl2007 said

Hopefully this will be closer than we expect. Am I the only one that felt Richardson was more comfortable than Thompson as the game progressed? I don't know, but I think we are in a better position than we were when we played Purdue last year. Call me a homer all you want, but...

Owls 27 Illinois 24

Go Owls!

Posted On: Sep 21st 2023, 8:34 AM #416238

 

FAU 10, Illini 28

ROwl2007 said

Hopefully this will be closer than we expect. Am I the only one that felt Richardson was more comfortable than Thompson as the game progressed? I don't know, but I think we are in a better position than we were when we played Purdue last year. Call me a homer all you want, but...

Owls 27 Illinois 24

Go Owls!

Posted On: Sep 21st 2023, 8:34 AM #416238

I was trying to convince myself of something very similar.
31-28?

48-3 Illinois. We suck. 

Brutal!

 

Even if the Owls come out of Champaign with a loss, which I believe will probably be the case, this game could be the one that ignites a run within the team for the rest of the season.

As Coach Roc mentioned on Wednesday, placing more emphasis on the pass rush to force a lot of mistakes from Illinois' QB Luke Altmeyer (who has shown to be prone to throwing interceptions) will be crucial for FAU to be defensively stout against the Illini. Offense will, for obvious reasons, be a question mark on whether the run game will come back alive or stay dormant as it has against Ohio and Clemson. Richardson will have his work cut out for him against strong Illinois defenders, but he can hope that Lajohntay Wester continues his rampage on the receiving end.

Like our chances on the defensive end to keep the game close, but offense will be the deciding factor on whether they win or lose on Saturday. The one thing I believe will happen is that FAU will #CoverTheSpread!

FAU 20 - 24 Illinois

34 - 13 Illini

Hoping and praying for an Owl Victory. Definitely a rough start to 2023 Season. Our Owl's will dig deep and pull off an upset.

Owls 28 Illinois 26