BOCA RATON, Fla. –Florida Atlantic University sophomore cornerback Justin McKithen and redshirt freshman kicker Morgan Suarez open the 2022 season as Conference USA Football Players of the Week selections, as voted upon by members of the media and announced by C-USA today.
The duo both had game-changing and momentum generating plays in last Saturday’s 43-13 win over C-USA foe Charlotte.
McKithen intercepted a tipped pass and saw nothing but green down the Florida Atlantic sideline, a sideline that he followed 63-yards and into the end zone with 0:17 left in the first half. The score put the Owls up 26-7 and sent FAU into the halftime locker room in control of the game. The Owls would rattle of 33 unanswered points and outscore Charlotte 36-6 following the two teams first drives and a 7-7 tie. McKithen and FAU’s defense would hold the 49ers to 217 total yards. McKithen accounted for the games’ lone turnover, a defensive score and added three tackles, including two solo. McKithen, along with FAU offensive line Chaz Neal, earned profootballnetwork.com first team national recognition for his efforts.
The story is similar for Suarez. Suarez battled for kicking duties throughout the offseason and well into the final week of practice, in fact the group was challenged by Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Willie Taggart during game week preparation. Suarez responded by connecting on each of the three field goals attempted, including two from 40 plus yards. His first attempt was a 43 yarder that put the Owls up 10-7. His second, a 19-yarder, gave FAU a 20-7 lead, and his third proved his first was no fluke by sailing through the uprights from 42 yards out. Suarez made good on four extra point attempts to bring his game total to 13 points. On Sunday, he earned profootballnetwork.com second team national recognition for his efforts.
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