BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic defense held a top FCS running team to 112 rushing yards and the nation’s 2022 FSC rushing leader to 66 yards on just 2.8 yards per carry last week, but the Owls would be the first to tell you it was not enough.
The defense came away with the knowledge that while they had won the game, they still had room for improvement. FAU will face a much different task in this week’s game 6 p.m. home contest versus Ohio and they are working to do just that.
Game Notes
INSIDE THE OWLS’ BURROW TRAILER
https://fausports.com/showcase/embed.aspx?Archive=13411&autoplay=false
Show airs each Thursday at 11:30 a.m. on Bally Sports and will re-air at the same time on Saturday. A full show may also be watched HERE
QUOTABLE
Defensive Coordinator Roc Bellantoni
On preparing for Ohio’s offense
“They are a big, physical team. They play really hard, really sound. They run the ball effectively, have a great quarterback, and really good receivers. Our best is required on every play, whether they are running the ball, throwing the ball, we are going to have to play really well on defense.”
On being able to stop the run against Monmouth
“I was really pleased with how we stopped the run against Monmouth. You are talking about one of the leading rushers in the country averaging 260 something yards on the ground. I am not big into stats, but the run game was not a factor. I am really happy with how we stopped the run, but that does not mean anything this week. It is a different style of play, different players up front, different guy carrying the ball. It resets every Monday, so what we did last week means nothing when it comes to this week.”
On d-line disruption
“That is a huge key. The front has to be disruptive. That means holding your gap, but it also means penetrating the line, creating a new line of scrimmage, maybe picking off a puller when a guy is pulling…Those guys up front did a great job last weekend in the run game.”
Redshirt Junior DE Marlon Bradley
On the team’s performance in the 42-20 victory over Monmouth
“In the first game, you always get a bit of nerves, but it was positive for our whole team, the defense especially, to see the guys out there fly around and having fun. It was really exciting. We have a lot more games left, but a lot of improvement at the end of the day.”
On preparing for Ohio’s run game
“I feel like it falls in our training, what we do day-in and day-out. Run stopping is essential for a defense, but for us in general, we stop the run on the way to the pass. Stopping the run is really important for this game.”
Junior DL Evan Anderson
On the team’s performance in the 42-20 victory over Monmouth
“We did alright. We have a lot more to do. A lot of fine tuning of details to get to where we want to be.”
On keys to facing Ohio
“We have to rush the passer, stop the run, same as every game. They have a very good quarterback, good receivers, we have to stop the pass.”
GAME DETAILSSaturday Sept. 9 – Ohio at Florida Atlantic
- Time – 6 p.m.
- Television – ESPN+, James Westling (Play by Play), Leger Douzable (Color Analyst)
- Radio – Ken LaVicka and Kris Bartels will have the game’s call on FoxSports South Florida
- Theme – Band Day
COACH’S RADIO SHOW
Frank Forte and Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman will appear together weekly on the FAU Coaches’ Show. This year’s show will be recorded live at Duffy’s Sports Grill, located at 401 N. Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 each Thursday at noon. The show is scheduled to air each Friday night on Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida, beginning at 6 p.m.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase tickets for the 2023 season, the first in the American Conference, by calling 1-866-FAU-OWLS or by going online HERE. For more ticket information click HERE. To purchase away game tickets, click on the above Buy Now link. Single-game tickets may also be purchased by visiting HERE.
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