BOCA RATON, Fla. – Two very important events took place on Saturday. The first was a situational scrimmage that was won by the Florida Atlantic University defense, 24-20. The second was an opportunity to spend time and thank the Owl faithful as part of the 2023 Fan Fest, presented by Duffy’s Sports Grill.
The morning began with the squad’s first practice in FAU Stadium. The Owls worked about an hour prior to the stadium’s gates opening and the team moving into the scrimmage portion of the day. The point system, derived and managed by the coaches, saw the defense secure the first half, with multiple stops and keeping the offense out of the end zone. It was the first opportunity for the special teams to work live and that group’s day was highlighted by a 57-yard Carter Davis field goal. The FAU single-game record of 54 yards is held by Greg Joseph, who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings. Joseph set the record versus Navy on September 1, 2017.
QUOTABLE
Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman
Opening remarks following the scrimmage
“I thought for the first lengthy competitive situation that we have been in from a practice standpoint – obviously, we have tackled – obviously, we have had scrimmage type situations here and there, but the ones and twos got about 40 snaps and the threes got about 17 to 20, something like that. We were right around where we wanted to get. We had a couple of drives in the red zone and got some good third down work. [We] got an end of the half two minute, because we have not installed some of our end of game plays…The end of half two minute, I thought was good by both offenses. The first half was pretty much dominated by the defense. The offense battled back a little bit there in the red zone which they should. We put the defense’s back against a wall, but I thought they [defense] responded pretty well, holding the offense to a bunch of field goal attempts rather than touchdowns. That was good to see. I was pleased with what I saw defensively. I thought we flew around. I thought we are much deeper. Yes, we had bodies that went out with the twos and threes last spring on defense. But I think the twos and threes, even if they were here in the spring, are better for having been through our summer development and some of the freshmen and transfers that we brought in are really going to contribute, especially on that side of the ball.”
On special teams and the lengthy Davis field goal
“The kickers did really well. I thought the punt team, this was our first live cover. We have been cover down field but have always been thud on the return…I thought they covered well for the most part. The field goal kickers had a little competition at the end of practice yesterday, kind of a soccer style shootout. We made every person on the team pick a side. Carter (Davis) and (Logan) Lupo went into sudden death. Lupo wound up winning it. It was good to see Carter come back today and nail the couple of tries that he had, especially the long one.”
THE HIGHLIGHTS
- Junior cornerback Justin McKithen recorded a first half pass breakup
- Both Marlon Krakue, a senior outside linebacker, and junior defensive lineman Decarius Hawthorne recorded sacks
- Redshirt junior safety Dwight Toombs II recorded a tackle at the one-yard line
- Sophomore wideout Jayshon Platt went up to get a ball in the back of the end zone, but it carried him out of bounds
- Graduate transfer quarterback Casey Thompson connected with freshman Jabari Smith, Jr. for a score during redzone work and then Thompson found junior receiver LaJohntay Wester for a 30-yard gain and redshirt sophomore Kahlil Brantley for another explosive play
- Sophomore LB Jaylen Wester was one of several defenders to be credited with an interception
- Junior OLB Courtney McBride created cause for celebration with a fumble recovery
- Graduate transfer running back Kobe Lewis really helped the offensive efforts with a 25-yard touchdown run
NEXT UP
The next practice will be Monday morning and will be held at the Tom Oxley Center, the former training facility for the team between 2000 and 2019.
GAME DETAILS
Saturday Sept. 2 – Monmouth at Florida Atlantic
- Time – 6 p.m.
- Television – ESPN+
- Radio – Ken LaVicka and Kris Bartels will have the game’s call on FoxSports South Florida
- Theme – Welcome newly hired Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman and season opener. Let the “New Era” begin!
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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