BOCA RATON, Fla. – With each Florida Atlantic University touchdown scored, a huge sign reading “Defend Paradise” is unveiled, rolling from the first row of the stadium to the concourse, just behind the opposing team’s bench. Those two words have become increasingly more important as the Owls’ home winning streak continues to be extended. That streak of 11 is the sixth longest active streak in the NCAA and it will be on the line this weekend when FAU (4-3 overall, 2-1 Conference USA) plays host to fellow C-USA member UTEP (6-1 overall, 3-0 C-USA) this Saturday at 6 p.m. in FAU Stadium.
The all-time series stands at 1-1 with the home team taking the win each time. Both teams will carry a strong defense into the game The Owls are ranked No. 1 nationally in red zone defense and UTEP is ranked No. 9 in total defense. FAU’s offense is averaging 436.0 yards per game with a pretty balanced attack (173.4 rushing/263.4 passing), while UTEP is averaging 387.7 yards per game with 165.1 coming on the ground and 222.6 by air.
TAGGART’S TAKE
Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Willie Taggart
On the team’s preparation leading to their first road win:
“I thought our guys were so focused on all the little things and it was throughout the week. I thought coaches did a great job harping on all the little things, from tucking your shirt in, to running on and off the field, to running to the ball. And it made a difference in the ballgame.”
On running the ball against UTEP:
“It’s going to be a matter of will. We want to do something that we have to do. That’s who we are as a football team. If we can do those things, good things happen to us. It’ll be a challenge for our guys, but a challenge that our guys are up for.”
On trying to win the turnover battle against UTEP:
“It’s always important. That’s our goal each and every week, taking care of the football. And on defense, trying to get at least three takeaways. Our guys strive to do that.”
On avoiding looking at the standings:
“I promise you we’re not thinking about anything other than UTEP. That’s all we need to be locked in to. We can’t worry about things we can’t control.”
On stopping the run:
“Like last week, we have got to get multiple guys to the ball. That’s really big. Not just running to the football, we have to do a great job tackling.”
On senior linebacker Caliph Brice’s performance:
“It was great for Caliph. It was cool because he said he was going to do that. He spoke it into existence before the game even started. These guys go back home, some for the first time since high school, and get a chance to play in front of their friends and family. He told me earlier in the week he was going to have 15 to 20 people there so I knew he was going to be locked in and ready.”
2021 SEASON
2021 single-game tickets are available now. To experience “Football in Paradise,” Click HERE or call 1-866-FAU-OWLS.Print Friendly Version
