BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University football team is predicted, by selected media, to finish the 2021 campaign second among Conference USA East Division teams, as announced by the league on Monday.
The Owls received six first place votes and return 21 of 22 starters from a team a year ago that finished 5-4 and 4-2 in league play. Among the returnees are defensive back Zyon Gilbert (46 total tackles, one interception, five PBUs) and wide receiver Brandon Robinson (team-high three receiving touchdowns), who look to build off head coach Willie Taggart‘s first season in Boca Raton.
FAU began preparation for 2021 shortly after the program’s fifth bowl appearance and third in four years. The team, which returns nearly all of its production on both sides of the ball, is expected to be experienced and senior laden. The starting offensive line will return and have added several transfers up front, all providing both experience and size. Transfer Johnny Ford has been added to a very deep running back room and the quarterback room has also added experience and athleticism.
The offseason has allowed the Owls to become acquainted to the systems of new coordinators on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the Owls will look to replace just one departure, Leighton McCarthy.
FAU will open the 2021 season at the University of Florida on Saturday, Sept. 4. FAU will return home the following week serving as host for the Howard Schnellenberger Celebration of Life Event on Friday, Sept. 10 and will then take on Georgia Southern on Saturday, Sept. 11.
For more information or tickets please call 1-866-FAU-OWLS or visit www.fausports.com.
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISHEAST DIVISION
1. Marshall (17)
2. Florida Atlantic (6)
3. WKU (1)
4. Charlotte
5. Middle Tennessee
6. FIU
7. Old Dominion
WEST DIVISION
1. UAB (15)
2. UTSA (9)
3. Louisiana Tech
4. Southern Miss
5. Rice
6. North Texas
7. UTEP
(first place votes in parentheses)
2021 PARADISE PRIDE TOURFans, the first opportunity to meet head football coach Willie Taggart since his hire will be during the 2021 Paradise Pride Tour. Three tour stops will each take place from 5 to 7 p.m. (with each night’s formal program at 6 p.m. and a social hour before).
Here are the three dates and locations:
- Monday, July 26 – Bokampers – Fort Lauderdale (3115 NE 32nd Ave.)
- Tuesday, July 27 – Bar Louie – Coconut Creek (4443 Lyons Rd. Suite D-101)
- Monday, August 2 – Johnnie Brown’s – Delray Beach (301 E. Atlantic Ave.)
