BOCA RATON, Fla. – No. 13 in defensive touchdowns, No. 34 in fumbles recovered and No. 44 in passes intercepted are all great numbers for the Florida Atlantic University defensive side of the ball. But to a man, the team wants better results. This week’s defensive efforts will be led by defensive backs Darius McClendon and Jarron Morris as the Owls travel to Champaign where they will face Illinois at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23rd.
McClendon, a redshirt junior who transferred from Middle Tennessee, is ranked No. 12 in fumbles recovered and No. 25 in fumbles forced. He is No. 2 in both among American Athletic Conference opponents. Fellow transfer (Texas State) Morris is No. 8 nationally averaging 1.7 pass breakups per game.
QUOTABLE
Defensive Coordinator Roc Bellantoni
On the mindset of the team
“Kids are resilient. Losses do not linger as long with them as they do with the coaches, and that will always be the case. We hoped we would be better with our record, but I think the mindset of our team is good. They are preparing to win the game this weekend, their goal is to win this weekend. Illinois is obviously another tough task, you are on the road in a big environment and they have good players, really good coaches, really good scheme. It’s another tall task for us, but they are preparing well and are confident that if they go out and do what they are supposed to do, they will be in the game and have a chance just like anybody. If you are where you are supposed to be and doing what you are doing and then going to make your plays, then you have a chance.”
On the track of the defense
“Monmouth was a really good FCS team and then Ohio is a very good team with really good skill guys and a pro quarterback and obviously Clemson is loaded with talent. We have played three pretty good offenses and have held our own and done a really good job for the most part, but at the end of the day we are 1-2, so we haven’t done enough to win the games and that’s what we need to get better at: finishing halves, finishing plays, finishing game. But I like the track that we are on. Our guys play really hard, are bought into everything we are trying to do. Execution has to be a little better in certain situations, but I am happy with the track that we are on.”
On what the second half from Clemson showed
“The first half, we were on our heels a little bit with some adversity early. In the second half, we lead off with a kickoff and got some decent field position. I think we started with three three-and-outs and then had a couple of more three-and-outs, so our guys competed hard in the second half just as they did in the first half. We did some really great things. You just have to put it together for 60 minutes to beat a team like that. Hopefully, we will make some strides in that manner.”
Redshirt Freshman RB Keyvon Walker
On taking advantage of his first collegiate opportunity
“From the start, I just picked up from where the other running backs left off. It was a great atmosphere. My first college game, actually, and I just took care of the moment and seized the opportunity.”
On the atmosphere
“I just couldn’t believe it. I always dreamed of playing in those big stadiums with the big crowds and just ready to perform. It was real crazy, I was excited.”
On his 20-yard run
“My adrenaline was high. As I broke it, I was like ‘I just have to keep going.'”
On staying ready
“You always want to stay ready, be there mentally, take mental reps, and just always be into it and locked in because you never know when your number is called. You always have to stay ready to get ready.”
On being rewarded with playing time
“It feels pretty nice, but I have to keep my head down. I have accomplished a lot, but I want to accomplish way more. I have soaked it in, but I still want to keep going and accomplish a lot of things.”
On what he brings to the RB room
“I just bring a lot of fun energy. I am always the one to keep guys laughing even if they are having a bad day. I just keep them upbeat and cheerful because I am a happy person so I like to see people smile and have fun.”
GAME DETAILS
Saturday Sept. 24 – Florida Atlantic at Illinois
- Time – 3:30 p.m.
- Television – Big Ten Network, Jason Ross, Jr., Howard Griffith and Justine Ward
- Radio – Ken LaVicka and Kris Bartels will have the game’s call on FoxSports South Florida
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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