BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University football will face in-state foe USF this weekend in a game that will be played at Raymond James Stadium, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Owls’ defense has been up to the challenge each week, holding three of their four opponents to 20 or less, the fourth was Illinois, who scored 23, and the fifth was Clemson. Of the four, FAU’s defense is holding opponents to an average of 19.25 points per game. In the same four games, FAU’s defense has held opponents to an average of 222.8 yards per game. USF will be difficult as the Bulls are coming into the game averaging 441.5 offensive yards per game and an average of 31 points per game.
Turnovers will be key to a successful afternoon for the Owls and one ball hawk the Owls can look to is Jayden Williams, who leads the AAC in fumbles recovered and is ranked No. 3 nationally in the same category. Jackson Ambush is expected to lead the Owls with 36 total tackles, on the year, including two for a loss of 12 yards. Marlon Bradley tops the team in sacks with three.
USF, the older of the two programs by four years, holds a 3-1 record versus FAU. Three of the four previous meetings were played at Raymond James Stadium, with the Owls upending the Bulls 28-10 back in 2013.
QUOTABLE
Defensive Coordinator Roc Bellantoni
On how USF’s offense will test FAU’s defense
“They put a lot of stress on all three levels [of the defense]. They spread the field and make you defend the entire field. The quarterback can really run. He’s their leading rusher. He can chuck the ball. He is a really good passer and they have a really good running back and four or five really good receivers. They will really stress all three levels. If you made me pick one, I would say probably the DBs because of all of the space and how they attack space and throw deep balls.”
On the defense’s performance
“Our goal going into every game is that if we can hold the team to under 20 points, we give ourselves a chance to win the game. I think we have done that in every game except Clemson and Illinois had 23. Our scoring defense has been pretty good. We have to be better in every area, but if you look at PFF (Pro Football Focus) grades and things of that nature, it is a pretty darn good defense. We have a lot of room for improvement. We are just getting started, just scratching the surface of what we can do because we can be a lot better than we have been, which is really encouraging to me because when you give yourselves the chance to win the game and you see a chance for a lot of improvement, it tells me we have the chance to be pretty good.”
Graduate LB Jackson Ambush
On facing USF’s offense
“Everybody has to do their job at all three levels. A dual threat quarterback puts stress on any defense. It adds another player as not a pocket passer. He is a great athlete, but if everyone does their job, we should be good.”
On his seamless transition into DI football
“It comes from the coaches. The way they simulate practice, they put so much stress on you that the games become easy and it is just second nature at that point. You are just going out and playing.”
On preventing scores
“We have done solid throughout the season. At the end of the day, there is always room for improvement. We still have stuff we need to work on all across the board.”
GAME DETAILS
Saturday Oct. 14–Florida Atlantic at South Florida
- Time – 3:30 p.m.
- Television – ESPN2
- Radio – Ken LaVicka and Kris Bartels will have the game’s call on FoxSports South Florida
- ESPN2 – Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison and Stormy Buonantony will provide the game’s coverage
TAILGATING EXPERIENCE
It’s not too early to reserve your spot for FAU’s new Tailgating Experience. Spots are available for the Saturday, Oct. 21 versus UTSA, which also is homecoming weekend. For details and to RSVP
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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