FAU Returns to Road Play at Old Dominion



The Matchup: Florida Atlantic (5-4, 3-2 C-USA) @ Old Dominion (3-6, 2-3 C-USA)


When: Saturday, November 13st, 3:30 PM

Where: S.B. Ballard Stadium

TV: None

Stream: ESPN+

Radio: 640 The Hurricane

Opening Line: FAU -6

Weather: Current conditions in Norfolk, VA

The Series: FAU currently holds a 4-2 series advantage over the Monarchs. With 2020's meeting canceled due to UDU not participating in football, the two sides faced off last in 2019 with FAU defeating Old Dominion 41-3. [photo below]

ODU Team Site: Here


Key Stats Comparison:



Owl Notes

The Owls are no longer in control of their own destiny. With a 28-13 loss to Marshall, FAU fell from first to third in the C-USA East Division and are now in jeopardy of missing the C-USA title game.

While FAU outgained Marshall 445-443 in yards and rushed for 243 of them, it was the passing game that let the Owls down. FAU's receivers dropped 45% of the balls that were thrown their way. A lot of those came in the deep game, where FAU only completed three passes of over 145 yards when a large majority of their passing plays were going through the air.

FAU was dealing with injuries as well, with cornerback Diashun Moss and linebacker Caliph Brice out with injuries, but the Owls had a next man up mentality. Akileis Leroy led the Owls with nine total tackles while Romain Mungin had his second straight game with an interception, also securing seven tackles and a pass breakup.

Brice is out indefinitely with an arm injury while Moss is questionable to return for this week's game.

Kick-off is currently forecast to be in the low 40's, with the temperatures falling to the mid 30's by game's end.



Monarch Notes

The 3-6 Monarchs are looking to work their way up the latter in the C-USA East Division. With a 47-24 win over FIU, Old Dominion sits at 2-3 in conference play and is sixth in the division.

Sophomore running back Blake Watson had the best performance for the Monarchs, putting up 158 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. ODU totaled 282 yards in the win, with sophomore running back Elijah Davis rushing for 114 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

Old Dominion does hold a matchup advantage over the Owls on defense, as they rank 25th in the nation in run defense, allowing just 119.6 of rushing per game. The Owls bread and butter is running the ball, rushing for 179.1 yards per game. FAU is going to have to get the passing game going to win this game, and with last week's 202 yards being the most they've thrown for since the bye week, it may be an uphill battle.

Coach Taggart agreed that missing Ford in the second quarter was a causation of the offensive slow down.

#FAU's @CoachTaggart on @_jdf1 missing in the second quarter due to injury: "When (Johnny Ford) is in there, we just move the ball easier." pic.twitter.com/l9cpsBpOyx

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 8, 2021

Taggart said he was disappointed in last week's defeat to Marshall, but if he had to take one positive away from it, he was proud of how the boys responded afterwards.

#FAU's @CoachTaggart on overcoming the mistakes vs. #Marshall: "I loved our mentality after the game in the locker room. These guys who hold each other accountable moving forward. And you see them the next morning working on their craft. I believe in these guys." pic.twitter.com/Be7yBimNcM

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 8, 2021

Making the trip to attend this game. Does anyone know the visitor section at ODU? I believe it is section 308 but wanted to see where others are sitting.

Go owls!

TheREALowlsley said

Making the trip to attend this game. Does anyone know the visitor section at ODU? I believe it is section 308 but wanted to see where others are sitting.

Go owls!

Posted On: Nov 8th 2021, 1:05 PM #404826

Best bet is to call the ticket office and they can give you some feedback on where everyone is going to be  

Coach Taggart looking to make the offense more cut-throat than it has been. He mentioned that we will see more Willie Wright this Saturday.

#FAU's @CoachTaggart on the offensive woes. "I want touchdowns, I want our offense to finish drives." This idea of finishing has been a theme from Taggart all week. "You see that we are able to move the ball, but the games when we struggle is when we can't finish." pic.twitter.com/wDfvSXp83F

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 11, 2021

Looks like the loss last week was a sort of a wake-up-call to the players. Coach Taggart said that this week has been different at practice.

#FAU's @CoachTaggart: "This week raised the intensity, losing raises the intensity. The key is having that every week. Seeing and hearing guys speak up and work, it's been good. That means we are improving as a football team." pic.twitter.com/yQ11Hw3cGp

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 11, 2021

So.. Moss went from being probable a week after his injury, to doubtful for the remainder of the year.

Coach Taggart didn't explicitly say he is doubtful for the year, but I pressed him on if he will be available for WKU next week. Coach Taggart said that return timetable was unlikely. So we can put 2 and 2 together….

His injury is "a bit worse than what we first thought," and there seems to be some sort of setback in the recovery. Taggart said he is taking the guidance of the athletic trainers, which is the right thing to do.

Yet again, no Diashun Moss for #FAU this weekend vs #ODU. It is looking more and more like the DB's season is done as it's unlikely he'll be ready vs. #WKU next week. Really tough break for a great kid. pic.twitter.com/6Dv4YoZqRd

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 11, 2021

See southern miss loss last year. ..it could happen again. With taggart no win is assured except for playing a team like Fordham or Wagner

Another big Gameday for Taggart and company!

🦉 #GAMEDAY! #FAU is in Norfolk take on @ODUFootball at 3:30 PM. This Game is a MUST WIN to Keep #CUSA Championship Hopes ALIVE! And THAT They-WILL-DO 💯 #GoOwls! 👌 pic.twitter.com/LK6ro4cODy

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 13, 2021