In what has been a chaotic season, the Owls experienced their first bowl game defeat in program history, suffering a 25-10 loss at the hands of the University of Memphis.

Despite missing many players, FAU still had plenty of chances to win the game, but like much the season, they just could not get the one or two plays additional plays needed to push them over the edge. Statistically speaking, RB James Charles (photo above) was one of the few bright spots on the night offensively while tallying 82 yards on 16 carries (5.1 YPC).

As we close out the 2020 slate, here are five takeaway's from last night's action:

Playmakers Lacking - Like in many games this season, the Owls moved the ball down the field but had trouble finishing drives and putting points on the board. At present, FAU simply lacks explosive playmakers on offense. Averaging only 3.9 yards per play, every drive requires FAU going 10-12 plays hoping a mistake will not pop up, killing the drive. This issue also rears it's ugly head in the red zone when the field shrinks, and it requires balls to be thrown into tighter windows, man coverage needs to be beaten, or a back needs to break a tackle to get two yards for a score. Accordingly, fans should not be focusing on the micro of play-calling when the macro of talent and depth issues supersedes it.

The Goal line Stand - In the most frustrating of sequences on the night, the Owls were stopped at the goal line with a chance to make it a one-score game early in the fourth quarter. Some fans were upset with play calling, but Willie Taggart and the Co-offensive coordinators threw the kitchen sink at Memphis. From tempo on first down with a run up the middle, getting LaJohntay Wester in space, showing a formation we have not seen all year with a quick trap up the middle, and your standard misdirection quarterback zone-read. Players need to execute the basics before we call for "better plays.'' In past years we see a simple jump cut from Devin Singletary or a box out on a slant from a Harrison Bryant for first down and do not even have to face a tough fourth-down call.

Owls Fight - Down 18-0 in a game having players patched worked in at many positions, it would have been easy for FAU to call 2020 quits and lose 39-3 looking to next season. They came out and scored a quick ten unanswered, giving themselves a shot the rest of the way.  There are some apparent issues with this team right now, but culture is definitely not one of them. These types of efforts all pay off in the long run for programs.

Discipline Questions Answered - Willie Taggart came into the season with some questioning if he could coach a "disciplined team.'' For now, FAU put those questions to rest, finishing 16th best in the country with only 4.7 penalties a game and 13th best with only 38.9 yards a game as a result of flags being thrown.

More Youth Getting Playing Time - All season long, we have seen young players such as Evan Anderson and Romain Mungin make an impact, but with more starters missing time, we saw a couple of new faces get to show their skills. Redshirt freshmen guards Deshawn Richardson and Adarius Tolliver stepped in a played nicely for regular starters Federico Maranges and Desmond Noel. FAU could return every starter on the three deep on the offensive line next year. Should this hold, expect the position to be much improved and one of the best in the conference. From the defensive side, young linebacker Antarrius Moultrie stepped in for Caliph Brice and almost had an interception early in the first quarter.

The Owls' year ended on a three-game losing steak, but they still managed the first back-to-back winning records since the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Looking forward, fans can expect a much different looking and improved team when they take on the Florida Gators on September 4th, 2021.

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Excellent  analysis.  Next comes signing day.  Then spring practice. I truly feel we are in a good position. Go Owls. Merry Christmas . Let's make 2021 a great year.

Shane Marinelli OC40 said

 Looking forward, fans can expect a much different looking and improved team when they take on the Florida Gators on September 4th, 2021.

Including an improvement at the QB position and healthy RBs! lol – Thanks for the analysis, go Owls and Merry Christmas!

While I don't think Tronti is our QB next year, I really enjoyed the passion he plays with. I'm not disappointed in the way this season turned out, I'm happy with what the players and coaches did. I think sky is the limit for this team next year.

owlmart said

While I don't think Tronti is our QB next year, I really enjoyed the passion he plays with. I'm not disappointed in the way this season turned out, I'm happy with what the players and coaches did. I think sky is the limit for this team next year.

Posted On: Dec 25th 2020, 1:24 PM #399617

Tronti could be a pretty good tight end.