As the only team in the nation so far to play two top 25 competitors, FAU is ready to take what they've learned and move forward to conference play. This was clear at today's weekly press conference.

“Playing teams like Nebraska and Alabama makes a huge difference moving forward,” said center Braden Lyons, eluding to the fact that playing high caliber teams aids in the preparation for the rest of the season.

The notion around the locker room is one of relief to be home.

“Morale is good! We’re happy to be home,” said head coach Partridge. “I’m ready to wear those red pants,” he continued, referencing a deal that was made with the FAU student body that if they filled the student section Partridge would wear a pair of “fratty” solid red slacks.
 
Regarding what the team took away from the Alabama game, Partridge was in good spirits.
 


“Our overall errors were reduced from week one to week two. We still need to improve on defense fundamentally. Our fits were better. Now we just need to continue working on tackling against elite talent,” he said.

Coach also cited some specific players who stood out and/or stepped up during the game. He mentioned that RB Jay Warren continues to show that he can be an explosive player. He credited true freshman DB Raekwon Williams with stepping up when he was called upon to cover arguably one of the best receivers in the nation, Amari Cooper. (Keep an eye on Williams with the season ending injury to Reggie Brown.) He also gave a vote of confidence to the special teams units for their success on punts and punt returns.

Looking towards Tulsa, Partridge admitted, “They’re a powerful offensive team,” but the buzz around the locker room seems to emit confidence heading into this week’s game.
 
“We match up well,” said Lyons, “As an offensive line we are very close to where we want to be. We learned what it takes to play at a high level as a team over the past two weeks and we don’t take anybody lightly. We plan on winning this game.”

The team is also beginning to utilize it’s youth even further. Coach Partridge named a few young players who will be seeing more reps: Nate Terry at TE and WR, Jarrad Ward at LB and on special teams and Kamrin Solomon at WR.

The Owls host Tulsa Saturday, Sep. 13 at 7:00 P.M.