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MID-WEEK MASH UP: WKU @ FAU

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Fresh off a 24-3 home win vs. UTSA, the Owls (2-1) will face longtime rival Western Kentucky (2-5). FAU now has some momentum following a strong performance their effective pass rush and an improved rushing attack led by RB Malcolm Davidson in last week's victory. The junior ran for a season high 115 yards on 14 carries.

This game also marked the first time FAU fans saw true freshman QB Willie Taggart Jr. in action. It would not be a surprise to see Taggart Jr. earn playing time this Saturday behind starter QB Nick Tronti. “I am not sure. We will see on Saturday what we do. I do not want to give away any secrets," joked Taggart today.

FAU has a long history with WKU. The Owls are 8-3 all time and has won the previous three meetings. The Willie Taggart led program now appears to have moved past the Covid-19 bug for now as Taggart told reporters that the team has a clean bill of health in regards to positive Covid-19 tests. However the team was tested today as part of team protocol.

Head Coach Willie Taggart will be facing a school he called home as both a player and as a head coach at WKU. As a player Taggart was a four year starter at quarterback where he played under coaching legend Jack Harbaugh. Taggart returned as head coach in 2010, and won 16 games in three seasons at his alma mater.

Entering his second season at WKU as head coach is Tyson Helton. Last year, he led the Hilltoppers to a 9-4 record and a win in the First Responders Bowl. Last week, WKU lost to #9 BYU by a score of 41-10.

The keys to the Hilltopper offense have been given to QB Tyrell Pigrome, who arrived via the transfer portal in the offseason from the University of Maryland. Pigrome is experienced having started games in four straight years as a Terrapin. The graduate student has taken good care of the football having thrown eight touchdowns and zero interceptions to begin this season. The former three star recruit can also get it done on the ground having ran 246 rushing yards. Look for Pgrome to be aggressive with his legs in the redzone as he has eight career rushing touchdowns.

Kickoff will be at 6:00 PM from FAU Stadium. The game will be televised on Fox Sports Florida and streamed on Fox Sports GO.


Mid Week Mash-up

  • By The Numbers One of reasons for the FAU defensive surge is due to third down defense. Through three games, the Jim Leavitt led defense ranks 23rd in third down defense. The defense has held opposing offenses to only allowing a 34% conversion rate. If they Owls are able to hold their ground on the money down this Saturday they could be in good shape. “Our best performance is yet to come” said team captain Ahman Ross. The third down success has been credited to a dynamic pass rush group that includes DL Leighton McCarthy, Jaylen Joyner and Chris Jones. This group has a combined 12 sacks through three games.

  • Key Matchup The Hilltopper defense features the 2020 CUSA Preseason Defensive Player of The Year in DE DeAngelo Malone. The senior wrecked havoc last year with 11.5 sacks and was named to the Nagurski and Bednarik Award Watch Lists. FAU will need a strong performance from starting offensive tackles Marquice Robinson and BJ Etienne if they hold to limit the likely future NFL defensive lineman. “He is a heck of an athlete, we got to know where he is at all times", said Taggart.

  • X Factor FAU DL Jaylen Joyner has been a great fit in the new Jim Leavitt defensive scheme. Last week, the Jacksonville native had three sacks “He would tell you he got 3.5 (sacks)" said Taggart in response to Joyner`s performance last week. FAU is 2-0 when Joyner has a sack this season. The pass rush will bey key in limiting the run for Pigrome. “He gets everything going. He is a dynamic player. We all have eyes on him” said Ahman Ross. Joyner has made it difficult for dual threat quarterbacks to escape the pocket so far this season.

  • Keep an Eye On FAU has struggled to get their tight ends involved in recent games. Last week the Owls combined for zero catches. One of the ways the Owls could keep the Hilltopper defense off balance is by getting TEs Logan Peterson and Michael Irvin II involved. Both are experienced tight ends who can produce. " I want our offense to catch up to our defense" said Taggart. However, the Owls TE room has done well as blockers and now have Alex Atcavage in the mix. The newcomer from IMG Academy now wears number 82. Previously, the true freshman had been playing offensive line.

  • Breakout Candidate Look for a strong performance on Saturday from LB Caliph Brice. The former JUCO standout has had a relatively quiet past two games. Brice will be tasked with stopping the run and limiting the production from WKU QB Tyrell Pigrome. Look for Brice to be aggressive in stopping the run. The WKU backfield is led by Gaej Walker who has 71 carries for 271 yards on the season. In rotation with Walker is Dwyer HS alum Jakairi Moses who is averaging six yards per carry. "We all love each other, we work so hard for this. One way I would describe our defense is as a faceless defense. It does not matter who makes the play as long as they play is made,” said S Jordan Helm (photo left) of different players stepping up in each of the teams two wins this season. Last week, Helm recorded his first interception of the season.

  • Injury Report Taggart announced on Monday that sophomore RB Larry McCammon III will be out for the season following surgery to his ankle. Signs point to Senior RB BJ Emmons returning to action this Saturday after practicing twice this past week. “So far so good” said Taggart on the health of Emmons. Expect senior RB James Charles to continue to be featured in the Owls backfield.
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